My journey started in the fall of 2007.

I was 170 pounds, a size 14, and hated my body.

I led a fulfilling life. I was married to a wonderful man, was active in my church, was surrounded by many loving friends and family. From the outside looking in you would have thought my life was just perfect.

But I wasn’t happy with me.

In high school I was athletic and very active. I competed in several sports and was on the drill team. If memory serves me right, I averaged around 118 pounds. I ate anything and everything I wanted…all day long. Those were the days.

After dating for a short time, I married Greg in September 2001. Just like every struggling newlywed couple, we lived from paycheck to paycheck. We survived on top ramen, Lynn Wilson bean burritos, and chicken pot pies. We guzzled soda by the 2-liter. We ate bag after bag of chips. We were young, on our own, and we didn’t have anyone hovering over us telling us NOT to. So we ate everything that sounded good.

During my 20s I was pretty safe. My weight only fluctuated by 5 pounds. My 30s are a different story.

By the time I turned 37, my weight had escalated to 170 pounds. The energy I once had was gone. I shied away from cameras. I tired easily. The “go-getter” valedictorian who wanted to conquer the world was long gone. In her place was a less than confident stranger.

I’d yo-yoed up and down during my 30s – only to fall back into old habits.

Then something happened. Enough was enough. I’d hit rock-bottom. I was tired of concessions being made on my behalf. I was tired of people making comments (even if they were out of genuine concern) about whether “Jenny” would be able to play outdoor games with the kids, whether “Jenny” would be able to fit through the Narrows in St. George. I was tired of the constant chatter in my head about what to eat and what not to eat and always feeling guilty about my choices. I was tired of being the “chubby” in my “skinny” group of friends. My closest friends were all tiny – ranging from a size 0 to a size 6. My size was more than double the sum of theirs. I loved my life, but I didn’t love me.

September 2007 was the first time I stepped foot in Gold’s Gym. I remember it distinctly.

Within a year of steady hard work, determination, regular exercise, ditching all my bad eating habits, and supplementing correctly, I dropped 60 pounds. That was two years ago.

Since then I’ve been crossing goals left and right off my bucket list:

• I’ve run several 5 and 10ks
• I’ve run 4 half marathons
• In 2009 I ran the St. George marathon in 3:49:58
• In 2009 I lead my team in the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay, and I’m doing it again this summer
• I’ve finished 2 Sprint Triathlons and competing in my 3^rd this May
• I’ve competed in 7 Figure Competitions (placing in 5 of them)

2^nd Place Women’s Short - 2008 NGA Northern States

4^th Place Figure Medium – 2008 NPC Utah Golds Classic

3^rd Place Figure Medium – 2009 NPC Utah Open

7^th Place Masters – 2009 Emerald Cup

4^th Place Figure Medium – 2010 NPC Topform Nutrition Classic

5^th Place Masters – 2010 NPC Topform Nutrition Classic

To think I was the same person who skipped Fitness for Life because I didn’t want to run the mile, and to imagine that just two years ago I shopped in the men’s section of Old Navy for mens’ board shorts and a tank top to wear to the pool.

Now more than ever I recognize that all good things are worth working and waiting for. I am now reaping the payoff of training hard. There is no short cut.

40 is quickly sneaking up on me. I have never felt better, healthier, or younger. I feel more energized than I ever have. I again feel like I can conquer the world, and I am adding new bucket list items daily. There are so many things I want to do, accomplish, and be a part of. My health has given me that opportunity to say “yes, I can” instead of “no, I could never.”

I now find myself in a position where I feel I can speak from experience and hopefully motivate and inspire other women who are beginning their journeys. Anything is possible.

Next up for me is the Mrs. Utah America pageant. Not a typical “pageant” girl, I am throwing myself into this opportunity full-force with one single purpose. I am hoping Mrs. Utah America will give me an opportunity to help thousands of women who are beginning their journeys to get fit – mentally, spiritually, and physically. I want nothing more than for other women to feel as I now feel. I hope to inspire in any way I can.

I know it’s possible!

You can follow Jenny on her journey at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Recipes-for-Gals-in-Figure-and-Bodybuilding/133136530801#!/pages/Recipes-for-Gals-in-Figure-and-Bodybuilding/133136530801?ref=ts