If there is any word to sum up our dear friend Sara, it has to be inspirational. Although it may have been a long road to get there, this remarkable lady proved to herself and to the world that absolutely nothing can hold you back from accomplishing your goals!
Sara’s journey was simply amazing and I am so excited to hear what she has to say about her stunning transformation!
Heidi: Sara, my friend!! I don’t even know where to begin. You overcame so much this year and completely exceeded everyone’s expectations – including Chris’ and?mine! What was that journey like for you?
Sara: The journey was incredible. Really there are no words to describe this last year. I thought I was going just to lose weight, but I lost so much more. I lost what was holding me back for years. I never believed in myself and this was the year I started ?to believe I was just as important as the next person and that I did matter.
H: You were met with so much adversity from the very beginning even with Chris questioning whether or not you could handle the challenges! How did it feel to prove everyone wrong?
S: I won’t lie, the challenges were hard. At first, I even questioned myself as to whether or not I could handle them. I think I saw this opportunity to prove myself wrong and so many other people. I learned that I held myself back from doing things for so many years. I didn’t want that anymore. I wanted to do things just like everyone else was doing. I may have to do some things a little differently than others, but I learned that I was still doing something. I was also doing more than the people that didn’t want to make any change at all.
We are all different and all have different obstacles every day that we just have to get out and overcome. It was great to do things and watch people’s reactions when I did them. I love telling people I ran a marathon and seeing their mouths drop. I hope people will realize, like I did, there is a way to overcome physical obstacles and it doesn’t matter that you have to do things differently. All that matters is that you are doing something to better yourself.
H: So very inspirational, Sara :). Like you said, a lot of people judged you and assumed your height would hold you back from making a full transformation, but it absolutely didn’t stop you one bit! What do you think your biggest obstacle really was?
S: Myself! I would feel bad when everyone was finishing and I still had a lot to do. Then I thought to myself, hey I’m doing it!! I figured out as the year went along, everybody has their strengths. Some things I found that I could do easier than other people such as squats and my favorite-burpees!! I also learned that the only one you should be in competition with is yourself. Just compare yourself to who you were the day before and that is all that should matter.
H: Okay Sara…spill it!! Tell us some of the greatest, and not-so-great moments during your transformation.
S: I will start with my least favorite…weigh-ins. I remember the nights before we weighed in were the worst. At times, it did get frustrating when my body was slow to lose the weight. However, you and Chris were always there to help me troubleshoot and support me in ways beyond what I imagined.
My favorite parts were getting to know the rest of the contestants from Season 4. We were together for 3 months during boot camp and we became family. We all support and want the best for each other. I am so blessed by the opportunity of going on the journey of transformation together with them. It was fun to get to know them and learn from all of them about their experiences and unique things each of us had to offer.
I also loved my 6 month challenge in Hawaii. It was the first time I had ever been on an island! It was so beautiful, and I was blessed with the opportunity of running my marathon there. Then…the marathon!! Crossing the finish line was unbelievable. I am so blessed that you and Chris believed in me enough to let me run the full marathon. Finishing the marathon is something that no one will ever be able to take from me and no one helped me do it except myself. You and Chris supported me and encouraged me and gave me the tools to help prepare myself, but I did it!!
H: Such a huge accomplishment!! I hope you know how truly proud we are of you! So what’s new in Sara’s world since the show ended?
S: I moved to Arizona and got a job at a university. I have stayed active doing Cross Fit, hikes, gym time, and different fun things with groups of people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I love to explore the different happenings in Arizona. I have been skydiving, fly boarding, ?sight seeing, gone to movies, a couple dates, and I am loving being involved in yours and Chris’ organization?Be Your Best AZ.?
?Oh my goodness, it sounds like you are just living life to the fullest!! I love it!! I am so happy for you, Sara, and so grateful for the inspiration you have been to so many…myself included!
xoxo,
Heidi
45 Responses
What a beautiful incredible person you are. Even when you thought you didn’t believe in yourself there was an inner voice that drove you on. The strength you possess is mind blowing & has definitely motivated me to go after what I want in life. You’re a role model & a beacon to all those who haven’t believed in themselves. Wishing you a lifetime of inner peace & happiness! Thanks for sharing you story. Pure magic 🙂
Dear Heidi, I cannot believe what I just saw on Extreme Weight Loss I am 62 years old and I am a smoker and Sarah had me in tears. I am about 35 – 40 pounds overweight and what I saw on your program tonight Extreme Weight Loss I watched an angel. I have no words for how Sarah made me feel watching the program. God bless her for who she is what she stands for what she is. the whole total package! I’m 5 foot 2 always felt my whole life that I was a little person and Sarah just showed me I can still be at my age anything I want to be anytime. I hope this comment reaches her and thank you for you and Chris. I’ve never written to anyone about anyone this is my first time and I mean every word I say
I have just recently watched Sara’s story and can i just say she is inspiring!!! I too like Sara watch people running and wish i was one of them but something was holding me back, laziness, never enough time, tired etc (I do have Thyroid issues but levels are normal with meds) but now realise just excuses!! After watching Sara embracing exercise and marathon training as she couldn’t just lose the weight with diet made me realise it can be done! You can make a change it just might be a bit harder than other people and you may have to take a different route but you can get there….that’s what Sara had shown me. So I am now just about to go out for a little jog in Sunny England! (yes I jest…its raining!) and start my journey.
So thank you for sharing such an inspirational story.
Your an inspiration a breath of fresh air well done Sara!! I hope I get to my goal I will think of you maybe that will motivate me ? xx
Hi I’m writing this message for Sara.. I watched you on your journey with Heidi and Chris and I think you are amazing, beautiful lady with a heart of gold. I watch every episode but this one really touched my heart I was bullied as a child because of my hair colour (red head) but never had my sister ever put me down, I was disgusted what she had said for your sister to bully you I think she is a very jealous, vindictive person and I wouldn’t want to know her you don’t need people like that in your life. I hope your life is a lot better now and live life to the max your amazing I would love to be your friend. I am 32 and over weight not to much but I don’t like what I see so I to at the moment am dieting and going to the gym I hope I full fill my dream as you did your an amazing lady and your my hero xx
I’ve never felt so inspired by one of the transformations on this show. Sara seemed to have so much in common with my own struggles — particularly experiencing so much bullying from a sibling. Like Sarah, I found a refuge in running and in marathons. Her cheer and lovely personality makes me want to aspire to more. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
what an EXTRAORDINARY woman, incredibly inspiring, and what a beautiful personality too
Hey Sara! Great transformation. Thank you very much for inspiring people like me. God bless you!!
Wow awesome!
Just finished watching Sara’s episode…..so happy for her. She is a real sweetheart , her story made me sad. I feel so inspired , I have never been a runner….I’m going to start in the morning. No excuses !!
I am in awe and truly inspired! I was sitting at home catching up on my DVR and decided to watch a couple of my Extreme Weight Loss Edition episodes before heading out for the day. The espisode featuring Sara was amazing! I was totally glued to the TV while witnessing her transformation. The thoughts, emotions, and inspiration shared was so real! The words and outlook captured on Sara’s journey touched me tremendously. Sara, Chris and Heidi…..THANK YOU! We have all have challenges in life and even though I don’t had a challenge in weight loss, it is amazing that…in a show as (such as EWL) you can still find inspiration to cope with your own journey in life! Simply put, to keep pushing on and reaching for your very best. Sara’s journey is a testimony to the fact that no one can stop you from accomplishing your dreams and goals, except for yourself. And, that is the blessing that this episode taught me and equipped me with today in dealing with my own struggles.