Changes For the Better

By Renee Wahlen Tillema

It was one fall that was really responsible for lifting Karen Janisewski up. Seven months later, 53 pounds lighter, and five dress sizes smaller, Karen is now in training for a triathlon. Her recent lifestyle change has given her a renewed sense of self, a confidence she did not have before and a commitment to pursue her goals.

"When I turned 40 I said that I was going to get into shape," Karen said. "Well, I'm 48 and seven years later I finally took the plunge. What really lead to it was that I did a lot of praying, because I knew that I couldn't do it by myself. So, a lot of people were brought into my life to help me do this and I owe a lot of thanks to those people."

It was at a doctor's visit when Karen fell. She explained that her legs were no longer able to carry her weight. She fell down, hit her head and it was at this moment that Karen realized that her weight could cause a serious injury. Karen had battled weight issues most of her life. She would try different diets and see limited success with some weight loss, but soon the diet would become too restrictive and Karen would again gain all the weight back. It became a cycle of dieting, weight loss, weight gain and frustration.

"It was a co-worker, Jill Nample, who got me into a lifestyle change program at the YMCA," Karen said. "It was an eight-week course, and there was a second session, so I signed up for that and I got a new partner, Cathy Armbruster."

Exercise for Karen, who works at Water Technology, Inc. in Beaver Dam as an art and theme designer, soon became a part of her routine. At first the YMCA was right across the street from her workplace. When the new YMCA of Dodge County opened in its new location, Karen became a member. She has been working with Becky Ingebrigtsen, Health and Wellness Director and personal trainer.

"That's why this has made such a difference," she said. "It's changing my whole lifestyle. Working with Becky, my trainer, was a great inspiration and she was supportive. It was about taking our goals and making them real."

Karen happened to pick up a pamphlet on triathlons and this piqued her interest. She explained that doing the same workout every time becomes too repetitive, so Karen decided to make her exercise much more varied and interesting. She was determined to start training for a triathlon. Her goal now, is the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. this summer. The race includes a half mile swim, 12 mile bike race and three mile run.

After getting a "no" from both her husband, Larry, and daughter, Sarah, to train with her for this triathlon, Karen talked with her former workout partner, Cathy, who said she would be willing.

"It's a women's only race and we're going to do that one because we don't want to get trampled by the men," Karen said with a laugh. "I'm interested in finishing and not being last, I have no aspirations for winning."

It was just last May when Karen first signed up for the program at the YMCA and now she is running two miles on the treadmill, has joined the Master's Swim program at the YMCA, is doing strength training and endurance work.

"I eat what I want to, just in smaller portions," Karen said. "I don't feel deprived. I think with the exercising it makes you want to eat healthier. I start out with a good breakfast."

Having that accountability with a personal trainer has been very helpful to Karen. She meets with Becky every other week to modify the training, look at progress or go over any problems or questions. Karen's cheering section has been her husband and daughter.

"The things that really stand out as changes, are fitting into regular clothes – that's a big deal," Karen said. "But there are also the little things like being able to get through an aisle and not having to squeeze through and going up stairs and not being winded."

When she was overweight, Karen never felt like she had been discriminated against, but now that she is on the other side, she does notice a difference in the way people treat her – although it's very subtle. She finds salespeople are much more willing to wait on her and talk now that she has lost weight.

"Nobody is going to do it for you," she said. "Either you have to hit rock bottom, which I did, or you have to make the decision that you are going to do this for yourself. Don't do it for anyone else because it doesn't work. You can't lose weight for your husband, your boyfriend or anyone else. I look at it more as a lifestyle change, not a diet, because it's such a kiss of death to call it that. If you start doing things little by little, it becomes a habit and you start to believe you deserve it."

Karen enjoyed her 30th class reunion this last year, because she said she looked more like she did in high school now that at any of the other reunions. It was liberating to not have to worry about her weight with this special event on the calendar. This added self-confidence has also helped spur Karen on to trying new adventures. She took a kayak class recently and has signed up for scuba diving lessons.

"Now, I'm not afraid to try new things," Karen said. "This has really opened doors for me with confidence. I'm looking forward to see what comes next, no jumping out of planes though; I don't know what will come next."