In January 2024, I wanted to start a lifestyle change—my version of a health journey.
My kids are adults (well, they try to be), and I am a constant people-pleaser. But I
changed my mindset and decided to focus on myself.
I was about to turn 52 and had been yo-yo dieting since my late 20s. You name it, I tried
it. I joined a gym which is advertised as a gym for people 40 and older. I was so
pumped. I started clean eating again, joined a nutrition focus group, worked out 4 days
a week consistently for 2 months, and walked at least 3 times a week. At the end of 2
months, I had lost zero pounds and was getting strange daily headaches. I decided it
was time to see Dr. Dan. I scheduled a physical and went in for labs before my
appointment.
When I walked into his office, he said he hated to be the bearer of bad news but had to
tell me that I am a Type 2 Diabetic. My A1C was 8.9, while below 5.7 is a normal range.
I instantly started sobbing. My dad has struggled with Type 1 for over 35 years.
I was a complete wreck, but after talking with Dr. Dan, I was relieved to have a
diagnosis, as silly as that sounds. When I set my mind to something, I obsess and will
achieve the goal. I was mentally prepared for a positive health journey, and the only
thing prohibiting my success was a chronic condition that could be overcome. I knew I
would do anything. I am ready to live life in the healthiest way possible and focus on
myself.
Most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are prescribed an oral
medication, often known as the first line treatment. However, I had been on that
medication for other reasons in the past, but it tore up my stomach, and I knew I
couldn’t go down that path again. Thankfully Dr. Dan agreed and offered me an
injectable medication that I had to self-administer. I hate shots! I was so freaked out, but
I said I could do it. So, in March of 2024, I took this new approach to taking care of my
health. 
Dr. Dan and I talked about goals for myself. I said I have never been one to obsess over
a scale because those charts are ridiculous. I wanted to lose 75 lbs, a goal I came up
with on my own.
I did not go back to the 40+ gym. I felt defeated after trying so hard and not seeing the
results I wanted. I even met with the owner who builds a great healthy community. It just
wasn’t the fit I was looking for. I spend a lot of time at my cabin in northern Wisconsin,
especially in the summer, which makes it almost impossible to join a gym and go on a
consistent basis. Instead, that summer, I started walking and kayaking daily, eating
clean, increasing water consumption, and exercising as much as possible.
I began drinking cold brew shakes with 30 grams of protein every morning (no more
Caribou or Starbucks treats) and eating Greek yogurt, high-protein granola with fresh
berries, and protein-rich salads. I also joined Thrive Market, a membership-based retailer, to order healthy snacks, which is a great alternative to traditional snack foods that allows you to order new foods weekly or skip weeks when needed. Joining was the best decision ever!

In September, as summer wound down, I decided to join a gym focusing on strength
training two times per week for 30 minutes each. This schedule perfectly fits my split
time at home in Minnesota and the hectic cabin.
However, I have known Nickie since The Warehouse’s inception. I have followed her on
all social media platforms for years. In fact, I won a competition at The Warehouse in
2017 for most workouts. Remember, once I set my mind to something, I will achieve it.
Marc’s boot camps were seriously the hardest; I still have morning nightmares about
them. The crab walk and the bear crawl… forever imprinted.
Then COVID-19 hit, and I fell off any kind of health journey. I was over all the political
crap and just fell off any sort of health train. I was laid off twice and just basically was in
a survival mode, like most of America.
But this January, I saw Nickie post “Get Fit with a Friend” in February. I swear she was
talking directly to me—darn her! I mean, who doesn’t love her energy? It truly is
infectious. I reached out to her and said I was in, but I didn’t have a gym buddy to join
me. She set me up with Gina, and I signed up. I selected 20 workouts and did it!
I still travel to my cabin on weekends, so I needed to conquer this quest 4 days a week.
I remember the first day I went, I met 3 Anns and a Jen. I was a little timid to start
but I did it. I grew up an athlete, so I always thought that I had to do it all. But in my
brain, modifications are movements and I will forever modify. I am not going to feel
inferior to others who are knocking out dreadful, awful burpees, I will forever stand and
modify. Why do something that hurts? We should push ourselves out of our comfort
zone and get SORE, but if it hurts you, then it isn’t a benefit.
I found such a great community and instant new friends within The Warehouse, and I
am loving it. I joined for the next 3 months: March, April, and May, and I will also join the
Power of 50 summer competition and earn that tank! I needed the community of The
Warehouse more than anyone could realize. One of my goals for 2025 was to do
something out of my comfort zone that was not harmful. When Nickie reached out to me
about sharing my story, I was intimidated. But, in the end, I believe it was God’s way of
telling me, “Here is your chance to be uncomfortable in the best way possible.”
I love every class and instructor at The Warehouse. I am terrible at Oula and Pound, but
have tried them both. This lady cannot dance. But all my favorite songs are the ‘80s
dance tunes. My favorite class is Yoga Sculpt; there is just something about it that kicks
my butt but calms me at the same time. The music is a little less tense and Melissa is a freaking great instructor! If Marc makes a guest appearance, someone please warn me well in advance!

I had one-year checkup in March 2025, almost one year to the day I was diagnosed with
Type 2 Diabetes. My A1C was at 5.7, and I am down 68.3 lbs. For my personal goal, I
still have over 7 lbs. to lose, but scales don’t run my life — it is only a tool of measure
and to hold myself accountable. I weigh myself once a week, and sometimes I feel that
is too much. As Nickie reassured me, “Charts are garbage. Bloodwork, how you feel
(energy, mobility, zest for life, etc.), how you sleep, and how hydrated you are seem like
a much better choice to measure your health.”
Dr Dan told me I was incredible, that it isn’t just the medication. It is the determination
and attitude of the person. Life is all about choices. As he closed the door, he turned
around and said, “You are a rockstar.” I had the biggest smile on my face and the
happiest tear formed in my eye.
In closing, my friends, just keep consistent, make your own choices, and you will see
what an impact you can make. I am so blessed to be a part of The Warehouse
community and to share my journey. It isn’t over — I know that — but I have paved a
healthier path for myself and have surrounded myself with like-minded friends. I love all of it.