September 25, 2007 12:16 PM

Fitness challengers Cari Herrera and Todd Tuinier

Mark_Wolf(Q) Todd, you lost 14 pounds, took three inches off your waist, dropped your blood pressure and improved in flexibility, strength and cardio. Satisfied?
Todd_Tuinier(A) Yes and no. I'm pleased with how far I've come to date, but I have yet to reach my goal, below 200 lbs. I see what's happened to date as the begining of a life long journey

Mark_Wolf(Q) Cari, you lost 11 pounds, two inches off your waist and increased your cardio and flexibility. Reflecting back to when you started three months ago, are you satisfied?
Cari_Herrera(A) My progress was very frustrating in the beginning...so I am very happy with my results. In fact, I'm actually down another 2 pounds and my body fat has decreased another 0.5%. Very happy!

Mark_Wolf(Q) Are you sufficiently motivated to keep up with your exercise/nutrition plan? Do you have long-term goals?
Cari_Herrera(A) Went to the gym this AM. I've been keeping my routine the same so far. My only change is I don't have Jen, my trainer, motivating me...:o( My immediate goal is a 25% total body fat. I've still have another 15 pounds or so to go. My long range is to keep me and my family active, healthy and moving (hiking, biking whatever).
Todd_Tuinier(A) You bet I am. One of the great thingd that's happened is a change in eating habits. I've made a lot of mental adjustments to what I view as "Good" food. The desires I once had for sweets, fast food, and the like are gone. Excercise has become a part of my life. I get grumpy when I miss a work out.

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Todd, what was the best thing about working with your trainer, Chad?
Todd_Tuinier(A) The best thing was the accountability. I had to be at the gym on a regular schedule, and that enabled me to change how I felt about exercise from a chore to a pleasure.

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Cari, what impact has this had on your daughters?
Cari_Herrera(A) They are eating healthier and understand that you have to move on regular basis to stay "in shape." My middle one watches the scale too much. I try to put her focus on what she is putiting into her body and how she chooses to burn those calories off. I wish I could say that we are "moving" together, but my two oldest are volleyball players and get their workouts during their practices. MOM BRAGGING: my oldest is currently No: 1 in the 3A Class for Colorado high schools...YEA Meghan!

Boa(Q) I wanted to thank Lisa for providing this opportunity for Cari. She was amazing through this entire process.
Lisa_Ryckman(A) When I created the Rocky Fitness Challenge a few years ago, I really had no idea how it was going to work., but it's been amazing. Challengers like Cari and Todd are so committed and hard-working -- their trainers love them, and I love their results. It makes great reading and inspires a lot of people out there.

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Todd, could you reflect a bit on what it has meant to you to reveal -- in the newspaper, no less -- that you have AIDS? Has your new fitness level had an impact on that?
Todd_Tuinier(A) Effect of exercise. The last round of tests I had, my CD4 count jumped from 68 to 186. That's huge for a couple of months. I'm due another round of tests October first, I can't wait to see what's happened. As far as disclosing my status, nothing but good. When I said in the wrap up that I was living under an emotional rock I meant it. It takes a lot of work to keep a big secret. For me, I now can channell the emotional strength I used in keeping that secret into a better life.
Lisa_Ryckman(P) Congrats on that CD4 count -- awesome!

Boa(Q) Will this fitness challenge be offered again anytime soon Lisa?
Lisa_Ryckman(A) Yes indeed -- I'll be calling for volunteers in the next few weeks. We're just nailing down the theme for this next Challenge.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Cari, you have a weightlfting background from high school. Did any of that carry over to your regimen?
Cari_Herrera(A) Definitely! Jen and I focused on "free weight" lifting rather than the machines, which in some cases can limit your range of motion, thus not training your entire muscle.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Todd, give us an idea of how active/inactive you were before you started the program?
Todd_Tuinier(A) I was a model couch potato. I'd bicycle a bit now and again, but very little. On a scale of 1 - 10, ten being most active I was a 2.

Boa(Q) What do you see as the most difficult challenge now in the near future.... and the distant future?
Todd_Tuinier(A) Good Question Boa... staying motivated, both near and long term. What I plan on is using the fitness coac at the gym I'll be using to teach me varied ways to exercise so I can keep it fresh and challenging
Cari_Herrera(A) Working my routine into my day to day life. As I told Lisa in the beginning, when things get hectic, it is the time I take for me that gets pushed aside. But, I am determined to stay with it. I know there is a heathier me...it's just going to take some time to "dig" her out.

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Cari, as a teacher, have you been able to use the Challenge in the classroom in any way?
Cari_Herrera(A) Well, I'm no longer teaching, but when I was in the classroom I always talked to me kids about eating healthier and staying active. I taught science, so it was an easy subject to speak to. My favorite salutation on Fridays was "Have a great weekend! Be safe and make good choices." Everyone should live by that motto!

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Todd, Cari -- What has the response been from your co-workers?
Cari_Herrera(A) Totally positive. In fact, some are moving more now as a result. Some of my teacher-friends and I went to Steamboat for Labor Day. I made them get up and hit the hotel gym with me...and they loved it. It is always more motivating when someone is sweating there with you. Maybe it's my competitive nature?! LOL!
Todd_Tuinier(A) It's been fantastic. Nothing but support, encouragement and advice. I was concerned how disclosing would effect my relations with co-workers. It's brought many of us closer. There's a few that would give me a funny look after the first article ran, but I'd ask if they'd seen the article, and did they have any questions. Usually it was a good conversation starter. Next months company newsletter is running a feature story on me, the Fitness Challenge, and ways you can become fitter

Boa(Q) Congrats Todd and Cari!!!! The results have been amazing! It was nice to meet you Todd (Shaun). I need to run but look forward to your next challenge! I need to keep up with Cari! ;)
Cari_Herrera(A) Just to clarify...Shaun is my boyfriend. Several of us challengers got together over the weekend to swap shop.
Todd_Tuinier(P) Take care Shaun, It was great meeting you last weekend

Lisa_Ryckman(P) Cari -- do you and Shaun exercise together?
Cari_Herrera(A) No, we haven't. We've talked about it, but I think Shaun was overwhelmed and didn't want to "slow me down." I've not given up though! I'll get him out there with me; it just may take some time!

Mark_Wolf(Q) Did you have to deal with any injuries during your training?
Todd_Tuinier(A) Yes I did... I'm spelling challenged here.... plantar facatias (?) bone spurs on the heel. Kept me from running very much. Chad and I worked together to find ways to bridge that gap

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Cari -- what has it been like, getting back into running?
Cari_Herrera(A) Amazing! I can't even put my running shoes on in the house because my dog goes biserk (sp?). Even he has gotten healthier through this process. But, seriously, I love the open road. I have discovered some amazing trails and I plan to run a 10K once a month...just cause I can ;oP
Lisa_Ryckman(Q) Speaking of competition, Cari -- any races in your future?
Cari_Herrera(A) Girl Scouts has a "fun run" in October and the "Race for the Cure" is coming up as well. There are a lot more 10Ks and 5Ks out there...really reasonable for entry fees. I want to be able to run a 10K (6.2 miles) under my age by the time I'm 50. It may happen sooner!

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) What have both of you learned about yourselves through this Challenge?
Todd_Tuinier(A) It's okay to have a measure of vanity. For the longest while I'd avoid mirrors. Didn't like what I saw. But hard work equaled results, results equaled pride, in my pride I found a little vanity. Also, I like the guy I see in the mirror, I'm going to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to keep him around for a long long time
Cari_Herrera(A) That I must alter my lifestyle, just a bit, to make my overall health better. I modified my diet some...most the social drinking, which is HORRIBLE for the diet, and make sure I go no more that ONE day without some sort of conscientious movement...running, lifting, a class, whatever! I am a patient person and I cannot wait to send you my final results...by new year!
Lisa_Ryckman(P) Todd, I gotta tell you -- people around here LOVED your before and after on the cover!

Lisa_Ryckman(Q) There are a gazillion people out there who want to do what you two just did, but don't know how to get started. What do you have to say to them?
Todd_Tuinier(A) For me, working with Chad gave me a plan and a purpose. It was fitness in bite sized chunks. It wasn't overwhelming. My advice, call Chad!! And don't think on it too long, if I think the workout through.... I procrastinate. When I want to go to the gym now I just up and go. Just get it going and get it done...
Cari_Herrera(A) Make a plan. Be realistic...if you're not 16 you are NOT going to look like a 16 year old EVER again! An average of 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week is HUGE! Embrace the small steps. DRINK WATER! If your budget allows, hire a trainer...they are very knowledgeable and motivating (on this we all agreed). If not, find a friend. Someone that will "move" with you and champion your goals.

Mark_Wolf(Q) What's the best "healthy eating" tip you can pass on that you learned during your participation?
Todd_Tuinier(A) Get rid of the temptation. If it's not in the house, I don't eat it. But, I know I'll get cravings for something, I can't ignore that. Difference now is that there's no cookie dough in the frig. There's grapes, berries, oranges, and nuts
Cari_Herrera(A) The best...WOW...that's a tough one. I have TWO...again, DRINK WATER! The second, when eating out...ask for a "to go" box when your meal comes. Split in half and take one half home. Then, it's not on your plate to eat. Trust me, you will not miss it, and , the added bonus is, if it was simply delicious, you get to enjoy it a second time.
Boa(C) Things I learned from Cari... Smaller plates, keep the extra food off the table so you have to get up to get it, and wait 20 minutes before that second helping. Most of the time you really don't want it. Honestly I think we ate better as well. Not that the girls would agree! lol

Lisa_Ryckman(P) Todd, I'm really pleased that you and Chad connected. He's a great trainer, as are all the Rocky Fitness trainers. But choosing a personal trainer is a very individual thing, and I do try to match up Challengers with trainers I think will suit them. A trainer you feel comfortable with is going to make it easier to work harder!

Mark_Wolf(Q) Thanks to both of you and congratulations on your accomplishments. Any final thoughts of encouragement/wisdom you'd like to share?
Todd_Tuinier(A) That anyone can do this. When we had lunch Saturday, I looked around the table and saw a gathering of heroes. People that stood up and fought, worked, sweated, just for themselves. Ordinary people doing the extraordinary. If we can do this, so can you. Be a hero for yourself.
Cari_Herrera(A) Thank you! This has been an amazing journey thus far. I'm very humbled by the opportunity and cannot wait to get back to the me that I long for. Words of encouragement...don't wait! Not for the new year, Monday, or next month. Start doing something today! Even a small amount of added exercise (taking the stairs or parking further away from the door) will impact your overall health. I wish everyone could be a part of this...even if they just do it on there own...these three months have changed my life! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Lisa_Ryckman(P) Thanks to Todd, Cari and all the fantastic Challengers and their wonderful trainers! Your hard work and results have been an inspiration!
Todd_Tuinier(P) Thank You Lisa, for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Lisa_Ryckman(P) My pleasure!

Mark_Wolf(P) Well said, both of you. Thanks for your time today and for inspiring us to lace up our shoes.