Fit-to-Fat-to-Fit Blog: Paul Lacoste

Goal Weight: 195 lbs.

Ran a 5K this morning. Did 3.1 miles in 28 minutes in my neighborhood — hills and all.  A beautiful morning to run. Came home and did 25 pushups and 25 sit-ups. I’ll do 25 more of each tonight.

Last December, my wife ran into trainer Paul Lacoste at our church. Paul’s the former All-American football player who now helps legislators, teachers and average Mississippians change their lives through athletic training. Before I could say, “Heart Attack,” I was signed up for Fit4Change.  I had been tempted to go through Paul’s Boot Camps before.  I personally like Paul — and maybe that was what was holding me back. The thought of someone I like screaming at me at 5 a.m. wasn’t something I wrapped my mind around happily.  But this time, something had to change. I was 248 lbs, overweight, miserable and exhausted.

Starting in January, I started waking up at 3:30 a.m. and driving to Jackson State University where I did the program four mornings a week.  We had to be there by 5 a.m. (or we were told to go home) and I’d sleepily drive downtown, dodging deer.  And what were my first impressions?

I hated it with a passion.

Not because of Paul or the other coaches. And not because of my team members (who I love).  No, I was miserable because I was in horrific shape. I hurt. I was exhausted. And I was being pushed.  It sucked.

Two weeks into the program, Paul moved me up to the second-highest line. Once again, I thought I was going to die.  But a funny thing happen. My body started agreeing in his belief in me.  He challenged me to do things I didn’t think I could do. I met him halfway.  I began to work harder and harder. And as soon as I stopped fighting it mentally, I started making amazing progress.  The weight started peeling off: Ten pounds the first week. Seven the second.  I went from 248 lbs down to 205lbs.  I went from barely being able to run a mile to being able to run 10.

It was hard. It was stressful. I even got shin splints. But it reminded me that I can accomplish any goal I set my mind to (except flapping my arms and flying — I’m still working on that one.) .

Here’s Paul’s website.  He does classes periodically and I recommend them.  They’re not easy and if you’re looking for a trainer who coddles you, go elsewhere. Trust me.

It’s funny, the thing that I feared the most, how I’d react when he he yelled at me, never phased me. I don’t mind constructive criticism if I know the person has my best interest at heart. Paul did. And I’m now healthier because of it.