Member Spotlight: Shannon

My name is Shannon Kimbrel. I am 36 years young and a full-time working, single mom of three. I am new to the Reno area, having transplanted here from Tahoe City in May of 2009.

People describe me as a “thick” girl. I would like to know when “thick” became the politically correct way of saying someone is fat? I have lived, complacently, as a fat girl for most of my life. Not really happy, not really unhappy.

When my marriage ended, I spiraled downward into depression for the first time in my life. Food was my medication. I realized I was an unhappy person with no passion for life. I was EXISTING.

I was home with a sick kiddo on New Year’s Eve when I stumbled upon the listing for The Biggest Little City Losers on Craigslist. I had been considering joining Weight Watchers (again) and thought that this would be a great alternative. I signed up and almost immediately, had a response and welcome email. The following day, I found myself in the South Reno Athletic Club with 30+ strangers. It felt right from the start. It was a diverse group with a common goal.

January was a great month! For the first time I enjoyed, not dreaded, going to the gym because I saw friendly faces there. Members became friends! Group events and meetings kept us motivated and energized. We experimented with different classes and had a bowling night. Plans for February include roller skating, rock wall climbing and a cooking challenge! We are learning and what we learn, we share with the others on our own website. The support is amazing!

On January 30th, after a long month of eating right and working out, 30 of our members attended our first weigh in. I am very proud to say that I was the biggest loser for the month of January! I lost 18 lbs and 9% of my body weight. I am pleased with my accomplishments but what excited me were the achievements of all my new friends. For me, it was a group victory!

People ask me daily, “What is your goal?” I don’t have a definitive goal. It’s not a number on the scale. I do not want to run a marathon or fit into a bikini by summer. I will say this, though: I want to find my passion in life. Being “thick” has held me back from trying new things. I want to climb a mountain and repel down. I want to go white water rafting. Most of all, I want to learn to scuba dive. For the first time in my life, I feel like these things are within my reach.

Three things that are keeping me on track:

Support – We, the Biggest Little City Losers, want each and every member to succeed in their goals. They are there to push me harder when I want to quit, teach me things I have yet to learn, and lend a shoulder if I need to vent.

Accountability – Yes, my new friends and team will hold me accountable. However, I refuse to disappoint these people, therefore I hold MYSELF accountable for what I am putting into this process.

Motivation – I want it for the right reasons. I want it for me! I refuse to waste anymore of my life just “existing” and I WILL find my passion!!

February is going to be great! I can see it, I can feel it! The energy and enthusiasm is infectious!

I’ll be back with more on February 28th!