Tough Mudder Challenges: Mission Sea to Space is in full swing and challenge participants are taking on some of the most intense military inspired challenges, pushing their physical and mental limits to new levels. Tough Mudder and Navy Federal Credit Union are continuing to drive motivation through the personal wellness journeys of Navy Federal Credit Union employees and challenge participants, showcasing the joy that can be discovered through focus, dedication, and a commitment to one’s fitness.
Today’s Mission Highlight: Denise Lockwood.
Currently working as an Assistant Branch Manager for Navy Federal Credit Union, Denise shares her powerful fitness journey that has led her to her first Tough Mudder challenge.
Here is her story in her own words:
Losing 80 pounds is no easy feat. That amount of weight is 2 four-year-olds or a large dog. For years and years, I have been carrying that weight with me and considered that my normal. I have had type 2 diabetes for 13 years and took medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After the birth of my third son, I finally decided it was time to take care of me if I wanted to be able to take care of them.
I started my journey at the doctors. I told myself the habit I had of going every now and then to manage my diabetes was not the way to fix the problem. So I went to every doctor’s appointment and took all the tests to find the right medication for me. Then I asked to see a nutritionist and saw her every 3 months.
Once I was working on my medications and food choices, I started adding exercise. I have always been athletic and love working out but never remain consistent. I started with a couch to 5K app on my phone. It allowed me to have a training plan and started off slow and based runs on time instead of distance.
After 3 months of training, I was able to run 30 minutes. After that, I started setting distance goals for myself, starting with that 5K. I knew I needed some strength training to help boost the weight loss so I started looking into a new gym that was opening in my city called F45. F45 combines elements of high intensity interval training, circuit training and functional training. Since every day is a different class, I made a six-month commitment and have been attending 5-6 times a week.
Running, F45 and my guidance from doctors have allowed me to transform my life. I can now run 6 miles nonstop and am no longer taking any medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol. My kids have a mom who can keep up with them and will be around for every milestone in their life. I am no longer carrying around 2 four-year-olds or a large dog on my body, and I will use this newfound freedom to continue this journey and continue challenging myself and hopefully motivate others on their paths. I work for Navy Federal Credit Union and am proud to represent them in the Tough Mudder Challenge this year!
Navy Federal Credit union is proud to serve all branches of the military, the DoD, veterans and their families. We want you to earn more, save more and live the life you want knowing we’re behind you each step of the way, because our members are the mission. Learn more and become a member. Insured by NCUA.
