Tara Lind

Fremont, California

Event: Spartan Super Diablo Grande, CA

Date: April 1, 2017

"Inspiring people warms my heart and is part of what keeps me going. Knowing that I have so many people looking up to me as inspiration makes me push myself through it all."

Tara's "Why"

I am a woman with extreme determination. From 286 pounds to 142! I've worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, I've run/jogged/walked many 5ks, 10ks, 2 HMs, and am currently training for a Trail Marathon. I've come a long way from where I was and once I set a goal for myself, I hit it hard and never quit!

It Takes a Village

Since the start of my journey I've basically put forth all this effort into changing my lifestyle all on my own. I have had complete support from my husband, children, friends and some of my close relatives. It has been a difficult challenge but I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I have had people that supported me through various parts this journey and during various stages in my transformation. It is always nice to have the support and people willing to change their lives with you but I still have not found someone who has stuck by my side with such determination as I do. Within this past year I've overcome extreme obesity, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, borderline heart disease and chronic pain throughout my body. I found it very difficult to push my overweight body through the daily obstacles and exercise, I started having problems with my knees and feet and found myself not able to do as much as I wanted. So in January of this year, I decided to go through with having a gastric bypass. By all means I was never thinking that having a bypass was an easy way out! I had complications with the surgery but was determined to keep going. With multiple races scheduled I couldn't let anything hold me back. I found that being outside walking, jogging or running was where I enjoyed being. Setting all these goals for myself has kept me in such a strong mindset that I almost feel impossible to beat. I will always strive to better myself in any aspect in life and nothing will change that. You must keep pushing yourself forward no matter how hard or difficult the challenge.

#liveforaliving in motion

If money wasn't an object, what would I change?

If money wasn't an issue, I would like to go back to school to become a nutritionist so I could educate people on how to live a healthier lifestyle. I would like to be able to help others who are fighting against obesity like it did, and work with them to being more active, healthy eating, and having an overall better lifestyle for themselves. My ultimate goal would be to dedicate my time and energy to our youth. I currently work as a Child Nutritionist for a school district and have observed lunches that some parents send with their children to school. If money wasn't an issue, I would like to add in healthier meal choices, a better understanding of nutrition, and teach children how to live an active and healthier lifestyle and therefore hopefully helping parents make better choices for their children. I have completely changed my lifestyle along with my own children's, and we now have healthier meals and live an active lifestyle.

Want to get involved?

Do you know someone who embodies the Live for a Living spirit deserving of sponsorship? Maybe you would you like to offer your support? Learn more about #LLSP on the Live for a Living Sponsorship Program page, and get involved. You're only changing the world with us. That's all...