50 and FIT Brenda Gets in Fitness Model Shape!

Brenda Harrison. Where can I begin to tell you the story of this amazing woman? Calling her an inspiration just doesn’t seem powerful enough of a description! Brenda is from Alabama, but she and her hubby traveled up to Kansas City so that we could meet in person prior to her Hitch Fit transformation. She wanted to know if I thought she could do it. I knew immediately that she could and would, I could see that passion in her eyes, and she was motivated powerfully by the memory of her amazing daughter Amber who passed away from congenital heart disease. Amber would be her strength throughout this journey, and she would be successful. Brenda started her Hitch Fit journey by doing a Build Muscle program and working with Micah, then 12 weeks out from the show she transitioned over to working with me for her Online Competition Prep program. She was so determined and didn’t let anything stand in her way. Brenda ROCKED the stage at the WBFF Central US Championships. I couldn’t have been more proud of her. She is just an incredible woman and spirit, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of this incredible journey with her!!

Brenda’s Stats:

Starting weight: 140

Starting body fat: 16.3%

Ending weight: 121

Ending body fat: 9%

Brenda’s Story:

“My name is Brenda Harrison, I live in Florence Al. I am 50 yrs. young, married 2 children, a great husband and 5 grandchildren.  I have always admired the fit toned bodies in the fitness magazines and thought wow! I would love to look like that!  I remember I used to get up in the mornings and would workout with all the workout shows that would come on tv in the mornings.  I started running in my late 20’s probably around 28, I would go to the track daily, I remember I could not even run 1 lap around the track, my goal was to run a mile, then 3 miles, I eventually met those goals and 2yrs. after I started running I ran my first marathon.  Running became my sport and at the age of 34 I was offerered a 2yr. schlorship to run cross country for a Junior College,at the time I was a single divorced mom working at a meat packing plant, so yes, I very much wanted to go back to school . I placed 2nd in State being the oldest woman on the team, I was proud ,and also received my nursing license and was able to provide for my children. I have had alot of struggles with different situations in my life, some of them stemming from my dysfunctional childhood, my dad was an alcoholic so growing up in the environment I grew up in I dealt with alot of insecurities and low self-esteem issues. I made poor choices in relationships, I chose men like my dad, and I really think it was because i had such low self-esteem about myself. I finally stopped the yo-yo syndrome relationships and I knew I could have a better life. I have done some sort of physical exercise since my running days and have even competed in some figure competitions and I really do believe this has helped me mentally and physically.

I would now like to share with you the hardest storm that I have had to face and deal with in my life and I hope by telling my story this will help encourage you and inspire you to love your life, love your health, count your blessings and reach for the stars because all things are possible, you just have to believe in yourself.  On March 15th 2004, my daughter Amber passed away at the age of 18, when she died so did I , the life that I knew no longer existed, my normal was not normal anymore. Amber was born with a congenital heart defect that was detected at birth, the doctors did not think Amber would make it through infancy, the doctors stated that Ambers heart was so messed up that a heart transplant would be impossible. Amber had several surgeries in her life time, including open heart surgery, I remember when she was 10 we were coming home from the hospital after her surgery and I looked over at her sweet little face and I asked her Amber was there anything you were scared of and she looked at me and said I was scared I was going to die, my heart fell to the ground.  Amber loved life, she never complained, she was such a strong willed little girl.  After Amber passed away I could not hardly even get out of bed, took all my strength just to brush my hair, I felt like I had 400lb. weights on each foot. A couple of months after my Amber passed away my fiance at the time which is now my husband ( my rock) bought me a bike, I would get on that bike and I thought to myself if I can just keep my feet moving I have to use my mind to focus on moving my feet, if that makes sense. There was alot of things that I had to figure out mentally to help me to be able to function mentally and physically. I continued to exercise and just exhaust myself so I would be able to go to sleep at night.  About 3 yrs. after Amber passed away I decided to do another figure competition, I needed a focus and I needed something that took every single bit of  energy I had and since I had done a competition yrs. ago I knew this was what I needed to help me discipline myself. I use exercise and staying fit and healthy as my anti-depressant, its my out, it makes me mentally and physically stronger. Losing my daughter has been and continues to be a storm I go through on a daily basis, even though its been 8 yrs. you never get over losing your child, it never gets any easier, you just have to make a choice as to how you are going to deal with it, no one can do it for you ONLY YOU!! My daughter woke up each and every day with a smile on her face, took 7 medications a day, her physical abilities were limited, she had scars on her little chest and never once complained.  I love my health and she has inspired me in so many ways… This past Oct. I decided once again I needed another focus, once again something that would take all my energy all my 3d’s discipline, dedication and determination.

Check out Brenda featured in this behind the scenes at the WBFF Central US Championships show, be inspired…

I had read about Hitchfit with Diana and Micah LaCerte and so admired everything about them, I knew I was ready to train for another competition.  I spoke with my husband (Steve) and told him what I would like to do and he agreed to take me to Kansas to meet these 2 fabulous people. I was so excited I could not believe I was going to get to meet the gorgeous Diana Chaloux LaCerte and her handsome husband Micah LaCerte.  I was so nervous but so excited about meeting them but I wanted to make sure even though I was older I wanted Diana’s opinion if I could compete or not, anyway Diana was so motivational and by the time I left that afternoon I was on top of the world, I had met my fitness idols and I was ready to get started on my Hitch Fit Fitness Model Plan  so I could compete in the WBFF CENTRAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN KANSAS. Micah worked with me on a muscle building program from Nov. to mid Feb. then I started with Diana from Feb. to May 12th for competition prep.  Diana and Micah got me in the best shape of my life.  I stepped on stage at 9% bodyfat, not only did they get me stage ready, even though I have always worked out and ate healthy, they have taught me so much more. I just thought I was healthy now I know I am!! Choosing Diana and Micah to guide me through my journey of competing with the WBFF was the best thing I ever did, I had the time of my life on that stage in Kansas City and I know my precious Amber was with me saying go mommy!!

Amber needed a new heart to live and at the age of 18 heart surgery had advanced in so many ways that they could now do a heart transplant on Amber and at the time of birth did not think that a heart transplant would be possible. When the doctor told Amber she was going to need a new heart, she said to me then I can play basketball, she had always loved basketball but she did not have the energy to play, I told her Amber mommy will play basketball with you….Amber became too sick to receive a new heart and I lay with her all day until it was time to say goodbye.  My daughter will forever and always live in my heart and I know she is now in Heaven playing basketball.  Follow your dreams, never say never, love life with all you have, count your blessings, and don’t take your health for granted.  As long as you believe in yourself, no matter what age, no matter what storms, you choose to make your life what you want it to be…..Thank you Diana and Micah for changing lives!!!”

This transformation dedicated in loving memory to Amber.

 Fitness Model Plan for Women over 50  

Stepping on stage? Check out the Hitch Fit Online Personal Training Fitness Model Competition Prep Plan

 

Program Choice: Fitness Model