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'The biggest hurdle is doubt'

Tribune photos by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Primarily through biking, Rachelle Wood - daughter of former Buc Richard Wood - has lost 120 pounds.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2009

Rachelle Wood, 27, Tampa

Goal: To maintain the 120 pounds I lost and continue to motivate others toward their health and fitness goals. I want to share my story with as many people as possible and make sure that America is no longer on the list for "highest rate of obesity."

When I stepped on the scale in summer 2006, I realized I had lost 120 pounds! I have wavered here and there, but I know how to get what I want and maintain it because I know that this is how I deserve to live. I knew that this is how I wanted everyone to feel. I wanted to share my knowledge and my experience with as many people as I can. I want to help and motivate others, especially young people, in any way possible, because we all deserve to have a happy, long and healthy life. Americans need a push - not a pill or a surgeon. My father is former Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Richard "Batman" Wood. He, along with my mother and brother, knew how I felt about my life and always encouraged me.

Why I did it: In 2002, I was so happy because I'd lost more than 80 pounds. But by 2004, I had gained all that weight back and much more. I weighed 273 pounds. I cried because I let so many destructive things consume my life. I know that subconsciously I did not believe that I was perfect or of worth.

In 2006, right after I graduated from college, I saw a picture of myself, and I could see straight through my own smile. It took everything I had inside of me to stop hating myself and start loving everything that I'm made of!

How I did it: Along with a very disciplined lifestyle change, I began biking, and slowly I went from three to five miles to an easy 18 to 20 miles.

I saw so many changes happen inside and out when I rode on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. I realized I also wanted to run, even though I hated it so much when I was younger. I started just little by little, and now I can run six miles straight without stopping. I slow down here and there, but once your rhythm is there, you're home free! I also enjoy tae kwon do, as my father does. I am training at the same school he trained at when he played for the Bucs.

Hurdles: The biggest hurdle is doubt. Doubt within yourself and doubt from other people. I felt ugly compared to my happy friends. But I wasn't ugly because I weighed 273 pounds; I was ugly because I hated myself. I hated that I couldn't tie my shoes without nearly suffocating. I couldn't go up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. Even wearing sexy pumps was a feat because my back couldn't take it.

Going the distance: Biking, martial arts, in-line skating, running, walking, dancing! I still use the same methods that I used to lose the weight. It is not a secret that diets don't work. You have to make small changes in your lifestyle. I still stay very active, and I make sure to never give up because I have the rest of my life to make up for all the mistakes!

Best advice: Stay active and positive! Pick your favorite two to three activities, and you will not have a problem doing them. If you don't have a lot of time, wake up 30 minutes earlier and put in the effort for 10 to 15 minutes and then another 20 minutes after dinner. You can do anything you put your mind to! I promise!

I Made It is a regular feature highlighting individual fitness success stories and does not reflect the opinions of 4 you, which encourages you to work with a trainer or research ahead of time any new fitness plans. To share your story, visit TBO.com, Key

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