January 12, 2009

Dear "Body by Pam",

I wanted to send a note to say thank you, but thank you doesn't seem to say enough! About 2 years ago, feeling tired all the time, having no energy to do the things I wanted to do, and being overweight and in poor physical health, I knew I needed help, but didn't know where to start. To lose the weight I needed to lose on my own seemed impossible. I had tried all the diets before, only to regain the weight (and more), which made each new attempt more intimidating.

I had recently gone to the doctor for a physical and was scheduled to see a nutritionist to help me with improving my eating habits. As luck would have it, at the same time, my wife noticed the banner you had placed on the front of your building and suggested that we take a look. I am so glad we did! I met with Pam and decided to give it a try. I figured I had nothing to lose (except a pound or two), right? So I scheduled 3 visits.

I was matched up with Ivana Edens, one of the Personal Trainers on staff. On my first visit I was weighed and measured. Not surprisingly, I now weighed more than I ever had and embarrassingly had to learn my measurements matched my weight! To add" insult to injury", Ivana put me on a treadmill to see where I was physically so she could better prepare a plan for my overall program. In a very short period of time, as she increased the speed and incline, I quickly realized I could no longer deny what poor physical shape I was in. Then, as expected, Ivana asked what my goals were...and as I am sure she expected, I replied, "To lose weight and be in better physical health. " Little did I know those words would set the tone for what was, and my always be, the beginning of one of the best (and toughest) challenges of my life! By my 3rd visit, Ivana had devised a plan to meet my goals. Now it was up to me... and by that 3rd visit I knew I needed more, so I signed up and began my program.

From my first visit to my last, I was challenged every step of the way! Not only by a trainer I believe to be one of the best in the business, but by the whole Body by Pam "family" who were always there to encourage me while I ran on the treadmill; or pushed through what was always "one more" of something! It was with that encouragement, I had enough confidence to join you, your staff and other clients in the 2007 "Run To The Lake", which was my first 5K run. My goal was only to complete the race... even if I did it walking. But, with my wife at my side, and all of you either on the course or sideline cheering me on, complete it I did --- RUNNING! All 3.2 miles! And the challenges didn't stop there!

Shortly after beginning my training with Ivana, there was an announcement sent out at work for an opportunity for me to apply to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico Va. This had been a professional goal of mine since being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In my profession, this is a highly coveted opportunity and I knew it would be extremely physical in nature. I discussed with Ivana my desire to be ready to take on this challenge. Over the course of the next year, with her guidance and unwavering belief in my ability to meet the challenge; along with a renewed plan for training that she created after much of her own research into what the requirements to attend would be, I worked hard and completed several more 5K runs! Not to mention lost more than a few pounds!

It was late 2007, after taking (and passing) a physical agility test, that I was notified I had been selected to attend the September 2008 FBI National Academy. I was thrilled to be going, but more importantly, more determined than ever to continue down the path to better health!

Attending the National Academy requires you to live away from home for 3-months in dormitory style housing with 250 other men and women with similar professional and physical goals. Over the course of those 3-months, I not only participated in the required weekly physical training sessions that included more than its fair share of running, I completed three more 5K charity event runs and took on the Academy's swim challenge. But it didn't stop there...the final physical challenge of each Academy Session is what is known as " The Yellow Brick Road " run. This run is well known throughout the profession and is a highlight of the National Academy. It takes you through a Marine Corps obstacle course and then concludes with a 3-mile run up and down hills and through often rugged terrain, back to the academy.

In the end, I totaled over 150 miles running; 50 miles swimming and completed hours of core training. Not to mention, the countless miles walking to visit all of the sites in and around Washington DC.

Without the expertise and dedication from Ivana, as well as the encouragement and support of everyone at Body by Pam, I would not be where I am today — in the best physical and mental shape I have been in for many years, with a renewed sense of well-being and determination to continue the challenge set in motion when I first walked through your doors!

So as I began, Thank You does not seem to be enough, so I offer my debt of gratitude.

Bill Gordillo