Weighting to Exhale - morbidly obese woman gets fit and runs a marathon

Molnar set out to meet her goal. Running was the focus, but she added biking and swimming to reduce stress on her joints. Little did she know, cross-training would be ideal for achieving a well-conditioned physique.

Finding time for training in a busy 60-hour work week was one of Molnar's greatest challenges. She learned to prioritize and reevaluate her life. "I realized if I could find time for an hour of TV, I could find time to exercise," she says.

Early morning workouts best suit Molnar's schedule and launch her day in the right direction--a stark contrast from two years ago when she was at her heaviest. Molnar's physique also weighed heavily on her mind, making even the simplest chores--such as getting out of bed--a dreaded task.

Today, Molnar tackles everything with boundless energy, enjoying the new choices her life offers. At 225 pounds, she has become the person she's always wanted to be. With only 40 pounds left to lose, Molnar believes her health is the greatest gift she'll ever give herself. "I had to do this for myself and no one else," she says. "It's been a tough journey, but I've done it the old-fashioned way--one step at a time. I look back and realize how far I've come. Now I know I can achieve anything."

Caroline San Juan, M.S.M. is director of the Bethesda Fitness Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. Shannon Cake is a television news reporter and anchor in West Palm Beach, Florida and fitness instructor at the Bethesda Fitness Center.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group