Finding Strength at Rock Bottom

“My body could not handle all that weight, and I couldn’t even walk for five minutes without getting tired.”

“May 2013 marks my one-year anniversary since having gastric bypass surgery. I decided several months ago to celebrate this milestone by testing my limits and running in the Spartan Sprint. I remember rolling around in the mud was one of my favorite things to do while I was in the Air Force."

A Battle Against the Odds

Elizabeth was honorably discharged from the Air Force after being unable to meet weight standards. What she didn’t realize then was that Type 2 Diabetes was already creeping in—ready to test her strength in new ways.

“I tried so many diets and exercise programs, but nothing ever seemed to have a lasting effect,” she explains. “My health just kept getting worse, and the complications from diabetes began to appear. I had several emergency surgeries, cortisone shots, and daily pain meds due to a labral tear in my hip and a bulging disc in my spine. These are just a few things I endured because of my weight and diabetes.”

Doctors tried multiple approaches to help her manage the disease, but insulin led to even more weight gain. Elizabeth knew something had to change

A Life-Changing Decision

“When my job changed health care plans, I decided to check whether gastric bypass surgery was covered. To my surprise, it was—but there was a long list of requirements. I went through the process, and on May 2, 2012, I had gastric bypass surgery. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d made the right decision—it was not an easy recovery.”

But step by step, she began to heal.

“With each step I took, things got easier. Everything about my life changed, and I no longer centered my life around food.”

From Recovery to Rebirth

About six weeks after surgery, Elizabeth joined a gym and began working with a personal trainer. Progress was slow at first, but her determination fueled her transformation.

“It was my trainer who told me about the Spartan Race and suggested I make that my goal. I remember seeing a Spartan Race commercial at the gym and thinking, ‘One day, I’ll be a Spartan.’”

Elizabeth soon became stronger, faster, and more confident—Elizabeth 2.0—and ready to take on new challenges.

Becoming a Spartan

“My highest weight was 250 pounds, and now I’m 125 pounds. At 5’2”, it’s no wonder I had so many issues with pain. My body couldn’t handle all that weight, and I couldn’t walk for five minutes without getting tired. Gastric bypass was the tool that helped me save my own life, and it was the best decision I ever made. I no longer take medication for diabetes or pain, and I’m in the best shape of my life at 40. I can do things now that I haven’t done in years.”

No excuses. No blame. No procrastination. Just commitment, courage, and grit.

That’s the Spartan way, and Elizabeth now lives it every day.

Inspiring Others to Take the First Step

“I’ve done a few other challenges, but being able to compete in Spartan Races was a major milestone. Since my first race in 2013 I have earned five Spartan Trifectas, and over the last 12 years I have participated in over 22 races all over the United States. Now I want to continue to motivate others to get off the couch and start moving. After surgery, I could barely walk for 15 minutes, and now, I’m out there playing in the mud. It all starts with a few steps toward better health.”

See you at the finish line.

Join the Women of Racing Community

Inspired by Elizabeth’s story? Join Women of Racing to connect with women who conquer obstacles—on and off the course. Share your story, get training tips, and find motivation to push beyond your limits.

Together, we rise. Together, we race.