This week on “On The Way’ I am excited to introduce you to the amazing Chelsea Johnson. Chelsea is my Sole Sister from Black Girls Run Atlanta, Eastside Chapter. “We Run The Eastside!” While I’ve been missing in action Chelsea seems to have never missed a run. We have dubbed her the Selfie Queen because she takes the most amazing selfie style shots of the group and she is the ultimate fitness Fashionista. She is lively and encouraging and all the things one would need as a great fitness accountability partner. However, Chelsea has a spirited dedication that is rarely seen in people anymore and that is why I’ve decided to highlight
CJ: Hi OTW! So glad I have the opportunity to share my fitness journey with you all! I am a 1st grade teacher and I love all things fitness! I am a dancer, runner, musician, and self-proclaimed photographer! Lol, I am usually willing to try anything once, yoga, step, swimming, anything that will give me a good sweat, cause after all movement is life!
MW: I spoke of your dedication in the introduction and I'm super curious as to what is driving you? You strike me as a woman on a very specific mission.
CJ: I have always been an active person and plan on staying that way. About 4 years ago, my sister got engaged and I had to look for a gown for the ceremony. I was standing in David's Bridal almost in tears because I had to purchase a size 22 dress :o( . At that moment I told myself that I COULD DO BETTER! In college, I marched in the band playing trumpet at BCC, so that really kept my weight under control. But once I left school, I blew up! At my highest weight I was 267lbs! Overweight by my standards. I reluctantly purchased the dress and sought help for my weight. I was not going to be the biggest thing in the wedding party, lol! At that point I got on a meal plan and started working out 3 days a week in the gym. Before the wedding I had lost 30lbs! I was amazed at how good I looked and felt. My asthma was better, my blood pressure went down and I was fitting clothes I hadn't worn in years. So after the wedding I stuck to my diet, because I was curious to see how fine I could get! LOL Today I am down about 55lbs and still going! My goal right now is to get under 200lbs. That may be a lot for some, but for me it is one of my next goals!
Life is too short... Be as healthy &
MW: Biggest thing at the wedding, I can hear you saying that lol. We are all motivated by something. What has been your proudest moment along your fitness journey?
CJ: My proudest moment thus far is discovering running! I have NEVER been able to run. Not high school, college, ever! But one of my co-workers invited me out to Stonecrest to walk last fall and I fell in love with it! Walking turned into running and running turned into racing! I have already completed my 1st half marathon (13.1 miles) and I have another coming up at the end of March! Out of all my activities that I have tried and participated in running has trimmed and shaped me the most! I still have rolls, but they are getting smaller and smaller! Lol One day they won't be there AT ALL! Black Girls Run is such a wonderful sisterhood to be a part of. I have made so many friends and relationships just by running. The best parts of my week are spent running with my Sole Sisters.
MW: Yes, running has been a nemesis for many of us, but you have definitely conquered it. What has been the singularly most challenging obstacle you faced in changing your lifestyle and how have you overcome it?
CJ: I am an eater! I L O V E food, Lol! I love sweets and breads. This is where I make most of my mistakes. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what to eat and what not to eat. I kept a food journal and monitored my weight. If my weight went up I would look back to see which foods sent me in the wrong direction! I am not perfect and even 55lbs later I still make mistakes. But my rule of thumb is loose 5lbs before you decide to have that cheat meal, Lol!
"If you want to change something you
MW: How would you encourage someone who may be contemplating changing their lifestyle but may be a little apprehensive?
CJ: A lot of our health problems stem from our weight. If you want a better quality of life you have to be aggressive about it. If you want to change something you have to change something! Make a promise to yourself and keep it. What do you want? How are you going to get it? Make a plan and STICK TO IT! Make an appointment with yourself and keep it. You can do it!
MW: Any final words of encouragement?
CJ: My last piece ofadvice to all my sisters out there is find something you enjoy doing and do it! Do it and be the best at it. Life is too short to not live your life to the fullest! Be as healthy & sexy as you can be! Love every piece of yourself!!!
CJ: A lot of our health problems stem from our weight. If you want a better quality of life you have to be aggressive about it. If you want to change something you have to change something! Make a promise to yourself and keep it. What do you want? How are you going to get it? Make a plan and STICK TO IT! Make an appointment with yourself and keep it. You can do it!
MW: Any final words of encouragement?
CJ: My last piece of
Love every piece of yourself!
Thank you so much Chelsea for chatting with us and sharing your inspiring story on OTW. Congratulations on your triumphs, especially improving your health. I wish you every continuing success with your upcoming goals.
If you enjoyed the interview, have any questions and / or would like to encourage Chelsea in her journey please comment below. We love hearing from you.
Here are some additional posts you may find interesting:
Wait! Don't Give Up Yet!
This post is also being shared on Workout Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Jill Conyers Fitness Friday, Small Victories Sundays Link Up and Mommy Monday Blog Hop
Great interview! I lived in Decatur for a short while and never went to Stone Mountain. I wish I had!
ReplyDeleteOh noooo! It is beautiful on top in the early mornings. Thanks for popping by.
DeleteYou ladies are so inspiring. I can't wait to get back on the pavement and launch my comeback! I just can't wait. Chelsea's story is encouraging and I love that she is so stylish while getting her workout on.
ReplyDeleteThanks MJ. You are always such a great encouragement!
DeleteI love shopping for new workout gear MJ! It's all I buy now.. I have a problem... lol
DeleteAwesome interview! I love her words of encouragement! Being healthy makes you glow and exude confidence. That is incredibly sexy!
ReplyDeleteSo true and it is not put on or fake. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThanks Earl! True beauty starts within! Peace...
DeleteSuch a great interview. So much confidence. I love that.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, confidence is everything.
DeleteThanks Jen! Yes it is, BE GREAT! lol
DeleteLoved this! Selfie queen lol 😊 I agree that life is short and we should be sexy! Great job running keep it up, very inspirational!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteThank you! I will!!!
DeleteLove this! I'm so happy that she is a 1st grade teacher - what a great roll model for kids! Keep it up, Chelsea!
ReplyDeleteChelsea is an excellent role model. Thanks for popping in.
DeleteThanks Nicole! Running is my therapy. Helps me deal with my babies! Lol
DeleteAlright now Selfie Queen don't stop chasing your goals. Very inspiring idea Gina. Preserve the Sexy from your BGR! Sister in Baltimore
ReplyDeleteSole Sisters unite! Lol!😍
DeleteThanks LaToya! I won't sis!
DeleteLove this post! Great interview. So inspiring and encouraging!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph!
DeleteThanks Steph!!! #BeEncouraged :-)
DeleteWhat a beautiful and inspiring attitude you both have! I agree with wht Nicole said - what an inspiration for her students Chelsea is! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Ange! They love seeing my medals after my races! Lol
DeleteThanks Angel. Chelsea is an amazing role model.
DeleteI love her motivation and style! Great interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy! ♡♡♡
DeleteShe is fierce! Thanks.
DeleteSo great to see how her confidence grew so much and she learned to appreciate and care for herself. Nice interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah! It did! Still is... lol
DeleteThanks Deborah!
DeleteGreat interview! I love Stone Mountain. How fun that you climbed it together.
ReplyDeleteThanks MCM! We went several times last summer. Never got any easier lol... but we made it to the top!
DeleteInspiring interview! I love "make a promise to yourself and keep it."
ReplyDeleteThanks Jill! ♡♡♡
DeleteWhat an inspiring interview. I sometimes run with BGR! Baltimore and the ladies are always welcoming, nice, inspiring and encouraging. No woman left behind and they mean that. It is also a great way to find like-minded friends. Glad you two met and she was able to inspire you to get unintimidated with Stone Mountain. It is a beast but it can be overcome. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Femme!!!
DeleteYay! Diatta I didn't know you were a Sole Sister. BGR is a great group.
DeleteThanks everyone for your encouraging words and support! I hope I have inspired you all to get moving!!! Lol -Chelsea #I♡Running
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring story! Thanks for sharing, Chelsea!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome!!!
DeleteAwesome for finding running! Also, how cool that you have a great group to run with!
ReplyDeleteIt makes it a whole lot easier ORM!!! Lol
DeleteI love running and love when people find that love too! Thans for sharing Chelsea's inspiring story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Toni for reading!!!
DeleteI used to run track as a school girl but for some reason, I don't run now. BUT I want to. Black Girls Run is so motivating! I am going to get back on it! Promise! Great motivation.
ReplyDeleteBGR is a great group with everyone from walkers with strollers (like me) to 6 minute milers. Great place to get started.
DeleteLet's get it Bernetta!!!
DeleteGreat interview! Does Chelsea do any weight training or is it all running? Congrats on your weight loss and keep up the good work. #wowlinkup
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelia!
DeleteThanks Shelia! I take a Zumba class and swim from time to time. I also dance with my church. I haven't started a consistent weight training regiment yet. I need to add it somewhere in my crazy schedule cause when I do get a chance to hit the gym I feel alot stronger running! Thanks for your support!!!
DeleteHow inspiring to read this interview! Congrats for Chelsea and for you, Gina :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Maureen!!!
DeleteThank you so much for introducing us to Chelsea and sharing this interview at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Echo. Thanks for the linkup.
DeleteLots of great advice here. Love the quote "Love every piece of yourself". That's probably the hardest to live by but the best suggestion for anyone.
ReplyDeleteLovely interview, thanks for sharing with us at Mommy Monday!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Chelsea!! Wishing you all the best.
XOXO
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