Mark C. - N. Ankeny, Iowa: - First and foremost, Glory be to God!
Secondly, I just want to say thank you! Thank you for providing a program (FXB)that has positively changed my world. I also have my wife to thank for encouraging me to take the steps to register, attend and to push myself to achieve (and surpass) my goals.
She was literally by my side the whole way. We took the course together attending the 5:15 a.m. session each day (M-F) and each Saturday morning.
She didn't miss a single session...60 in a row. I only missed 1 session due to out-of-town travel. Not only did we motivate one another in and out of the sessions, we actually became closer as a result of sharing a common activity in our daily lives.
We both took FXB very seriously and knew that we would get out of the program only what we put into the program. We followed the exercise regimen, worked on technique and attempted to push ourselves to a "level 10" with each workout.
We realized that we had to change our eating habits and the foods we ate in order to achieve our goals. The nutrition plan was one of the most difficult aspects of the program for me. Not so much to do with the 6 meals/day, the appropriate quantity and the proper quality of foods, but it required me to change a major part of my lifestyle. A lifestyle that revolved around and controlled by alcohol.
My consumption of alcohol was not measured in drinks per week, instead, it was measured in drinks per day; and nearly could be measured in drinks per morning, afternoon and evening. It was clearly out of control, but it was not so clear to me. That is until we started our first week of FXB.
With the loving encouragement of my wife, the grace of God and a little bit of commitment on my behalf I quit drinking on Day 1......cold turkey! Afterall, I knew that I couldn't get a decent workout if I was hungover, but a hangover to me was just something I coped with on a daily basis......that is, until I had my first drink.
The first session was a good indicator that I was horribly out of shape. It literally kicked my butt! At first, I thought it had everything to do with getting up at 4:30 a.m. when I was accustom to waking around 6:30 or 7:00.
Instead, it had everything to do with what I had been doing before....eating too much of the wrong foods, not exercising and, of course drinking in excess.
I won't go on about any further details but I managed to make it through the 10 weeks with consuming only a couple of beers and 2-3 glasses of wine at dinner with my wife and I'm still committed to quiting....entirely.
Not only was the FXB program a catalyst for profound affects in my life. It changed the way I looked and the way I felt. It helped strengthen my relationships with my wife and 5 children. Even my 9-year daughter recognized the fact that I didn't have a drink or beer in my hand after I got home from work each day. Everyone noticed the lack of mood swings and an increased sense of humor (even though my jokes are still bad - must be in my delivery). ;) It just seems that everything in my life is now beginning to fall into place.
I was honored to win the North Ankeny 10-week challenge. It really came as a suprise and so did the words that I shared that night. So many participants, coaches, team leaders have been encouraging with their congratulatory words.
Most knowing a little of my story.
Team,
Thanks be to God! It has been both humbling and a relief to admit to my addiction and I know that I will always be tempted, but thanks to the unrelentless love of my wife, the encouragement of friends and family, the daily FXB workout and my ongoing commitment I know that I have what it takes to fight my alcoholism and that I will fight to stay sober.
Also, thanks for inviting me into your small group at Hope. I feel comfortable there and know that this is a continuation of my healing. It will lead to strengthening my faith and I now have others to keep my accountable. It's good to be back again.
Lastly, I can't believe the number of people that are talking about FXB. It's great to see the interest and the commitment from others that want to change their lives through your program. Lance, congratualtions on your success. I know that it pleases God to know that you give all the glory to Him. Keep on spreading the message! Amen!!
Grace & Peace -