Broc Walter
(QTrue Navy/White Team
I am the Respiratory Therapist for Parkview Pulmonary and Critical care. I am 29 years old from Fort Wayne. I attended Northrop High School where I graduated with honors and lettered as a three sport athlete. I later attended Indiana University where I played rugby while I earned my Bachelor's degree in general studies. I came back to Fort Wayne to attend Ivy Tech where I earned my degree in Respiratory Care. I enjoy playing all types of sports as well as being around friends, family, and my biggest support my girlfriend of 8 years. I am very honored and thankful to be chosen as a contestant for season 9 and look forward gaining the tools needed for a better and healthier lifestyle.
Week 14
Wow what a journey this last 14 weeks has been!! When I started the application process for this program I could have never imagined where it would have led me. I am beyond thankful for the trainers, nutritionist, behavioralist, photographers, physical therapist, Spiece Fitness, Three rivers running company, all the sponsers.and especially Rick and Tina Walter's who have put countless hours to better 25 strangers lives. Without all of you it is hard to imagine if I would have seen the potential in myself to get me to the new physically fit and healthier me. THANK YOU!!!
So this week started out with a bang. Our weigh in this week was a blind weigh in which was nerve racking. Not knowing how much you have lost or gained was difficult. However I just have to continue to trust in the program and keep my eyes forward until the end.
I was still in the pool this week due to my hamstring injury. I cant thank Kim, Nicole, Melanie, and Kristy enough for keeping all of our spirits high and keeping the focus on our end goals.
This week I really was conscious of nutrition. Being in the pool and having a half marathon to run, nutrition was important. Thanks to Jen she was able to get me dialed in to what I needed to do.
Saturday was the big race day the FWSW Half Marathon. I was lucky enough to start out with two great pacers Chantell and Steve got me up to speed and feeling great the entire way. Around mile 10 my mind definitely started playing tricks on me and kept telling my body to quit. I thought back to what we were told week 1 "our minds will give up way before our bodies do" those simple words were enough to keep my legs going for another 5k. I was also fortunate enough to have great support from my girlfriend, brother and other family at almost every mile marker. Seeing them kept me determined and brought an enlightening thought. I'm not doing this journey for myself but also for those around me. I thought of how they want me to be in their lives as long as I want them to be in mine, and the only way to do that is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Come mile 12 Rick popped in my head telling me to leave everything I have on the course. As much as I just wanted to stop Steve, Rick, Tina and everyone else throughout this entire program gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. I crossed the finish line (literally leaving everything I had on the course by getting sick as soon as I crossed the finish line) at 2hrs and 5 seconds. My goal was to break 2hrs which I knew wasn't going to be easy especially with an injury. However it was enough to win my age group (yes I ran my own age group and not the women's 45-50 group this time). Which I am so proud to say I have done. Fort for fitness will be my next half and I have every intention of breaking 2hrs.
The best part of the day was seeing everyone else finish something 14 weeks ago they thought was impossible. I am proud of myself but am even prouder of my new brothers and sisters for completing something, and knowing they can do anything they set their minds to.
Tomorrow is the second to last weigh in and it will be blind one as well. This week is the last one and it sounds like we have alot of things planned to get everything in line for the finale. Wish me luck.
Until next time,
Broc
Week 13
This week was tough to say the least, however FWSW was treated to one of the best meals I've ever had from Eddie Melrlot's. My wek began with the continued injury from the previous week. This week was a change from previous weeks weigh ins, As it was on a Tuesday. I had the lowest weekly loss of 0.6lbs.
This week's workouts were suited to my injured hamstring. I was in the pool everyday and even joined Melanie and Kristy in the pool on Saturday while the others ran Run Like Hero.
Despite the poor weigh in and injury I kept my spirits up and trusted in the program as I have since day one. Coming to the end I'm getting moments of clarity and reflection of what I've learned and will be taking away from this program. I cant say enough about what this program gives to its contestants and I can't thank everyone enough for allowing myself to be part of this incredable opportunity.
Two weeks left and the half next week should really make time fly. Looking forward to weigh in this week and will keep everyone posted.
Until next week,
Broc
Week 12
This week started off great! I started out with a 4.8 loss and am still sitting in 1st place but yet another small lead. We were told at the beginning of this week our workouts would be toned down a bit to compensate for our long 10 mile run Saturday. Even though the workouts were toned down a bit they sure didn't lose any quality.
Monday the navy team was able to utilize the Gravity equipment, which I think I may incorporate into my post program workouts. I really enjoyed the circuit. On Wednesday we were able to be choreographed by Amber "Thank you" for a preformance to the score of "I like big butts". To say the least I think everyone had a great time with this and got a great workout in the process.
On Friday our minds and bodies were challenged. We were to carry balloons in teams of two by putting our heads together and poping the balloon to gather up pretty written nutrition questions that we were to answer. Get an answer right and the team could continue, get answer wrong and we had to run a lap. While running I felt something painful and sudden in the back of my leg. As before I had hurt my hamstring and was sent to Andreas and team to be evaluated. I was given the ok to run the following day contingent on how I felt.
Saturday came and I stretched as much as I could and began the run. The first 1.5 miles felt very comfortable. Once approaching the 2 mile Mark out of no where my hamstring began to hurt and I couldn't continue on. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I have really enjoyed my progress with running and looked forward to the longer run. However I have a great support and leadership team and know I can trust their direction to get healthy for the half.
This week we get to attend Eddie Melrlot for a FWSW dinner. I'm excited to see what's on the menu and maybe try something Im no time familiar with.
Weigh ins will be Tuesday morning which I'm ok with. I cant wait and look forward to another week closer to my final goals.
Until next week
Broc
Week 11
Started out with another 5lb loss. I'm proof that If you trust in the process it can be done. Workouts this week seemed to be alittle less intense, and maybe it's because I'm actually becoming a more physically fit person.
This week I completed my first 5k in 9 years. The time was slower but the feeling of accomplishment was much more than I thought I would feel. Thanks to navy's nutritionist Jen I was able to keep a strong pace and strong mindset through the entire race. I even won my age division. Which unfortunately was the women's 45-50 age group. (I ran as Richelle as she was still getting well).
Thisweek's 9 mile run was also completed with a huge sense of accomplishment. One mile closer the half total distance I feel more and more confident each week. I know a lot of the other contestants will hate me for saying this, but running honestly is something I don't "love". I do however love the sense of completing something I didn't think possible. That's what honestly drives me each week. I do think running will be something I continue beyond this program and hope to have some season 9 contestants join me.
Kiersten is continuing to stay strong on the home front even though tonight she slipped and had a piece of cheesecake. But she looks and feels great and I am so greatful for her support. My family is also making changes in gatherings. This week my family went out of there way to get healthy options for me and also I was able to show them how to prepare somethings.
Weigh ins are tomorrow and again alittle stressed out about them.But I know the work I've put in and I can't wait.
Finally a huge shout out to absolutely everyone who keeps this big machine in motion from the trainers and nutritionist to Michael and Lennart taking videos and pictures. I think i speak for all the contestants when i say you all have no idea how thankful we are to have you enter our lives 12 weeks ago. From the bottom of my heart thank you Rick and Tina and all the staff. You guys ROCK!!!
Until next week,
Broc
Week 10
So where do I start? Well I started the week off with another 5lb loss this week propelling me into 1st (only by a very very very very very slight lead). Matt is doing great and he deserves recognition for losing over 80lbs absolutely incredable!!
This week's nutrition went well. However, hydration was a problem for me. Iwent to work Thursday not feeling great, and thanks to the staff and Dr's I work with helped me rehydrate and feel better.
The workouts this week felt tough but could have been due to slowly becoming dehydrated. Definitely getting into working out and am enjoying pushing myself further each week.
The run this week went great despite missing Thursday nights run. 8 miles and I did it at a pace I felt comfortable with but still pushed it. I feel pretty good about the race July 2nd and can't wait.
Kiersten is also doing great losing yet another 4lbs. I'm very proud of her staying with it and coming out for the runs Thursdays and Saturdays.
Looking forward to tomorrow's weigh in, and yet again nervous as usual. Wish me luck!
Until next week
Broc
Week 9
Ide be lying if I said it gets easier each week. With EJ gone this week we were definitely pushed to the next level. However, as I said before I'm up for the challenge. I've gotten to the point were working out is becoming a daily thing rather than a task like before and I'm so greatful for not only being shown how to make that possible but changing my lifestyle forever..
The nutritionist were great in answering questions we had and helped us understand they aren't going away once the program is over, which is very comforting. I look forward to working with Jen and the others to keep on track and reach new goals beyond this program.
Running is going great. I have been progressively improving my pace and distance and am lookimg gorward to the half.
Still sitting in second and it's eating at me everyday. But it gives me motivation to keep smashing the pedal to the floor and keep moving forward. As usual the scale doesn't lie and it is what it is. I'm looking forward totomorrow's weigh in. And as always am still nervous.
Until next time,
Broc
Week 8
I can't believe it is half way already. It's crazy to think of how the time has passed. This week I had a mental breakthrough a few times. I began the week with a surprising 7lb weight loss which truly motivated me to keep pushing each and every day. This week I noticed things are changing physically with me during the workouts. I'm not saying it's getting easier but it's definitely becoming less strenuous and more enjoyable. Kiersten is also staying strong with me and is down over 20lbs on her journey as well. When either of us are struggling we both are there supporting each other which has been great.
Yesterday I ran the furthest I have run in 10 years..7 miles straight without stopping. It's incredable what the mind is able to overcome. A dozen times throughout the run I was set on stopping. But kept telling myself I'm not getting any better if I do, and kept pressing on, which felt incredable!!
Nutrition is still going great. I feel as though I have a good handle on what I'm putting into my body and feel the benefits each day. I'm looking forward to the few weeks remaining and don't plan on letting up until the very end. Team Navy has been an incredable team and a big shout out goes to every single one of you for the hard work each of you are putting in. It's the strongest motivation I have when I know your right there beside me pushing as hard as each of you can. Thanks!
Tomorrow is another weigh in and again the nerves are there. But as I've said before I've put in the work and nutrition and the scale doesn't lie. Wish me luck!
Until next week.
Broc
Week 7
Almost half way through and I can't believe how fast it is going. I had a tough week. Battling an injury and having my lowest weigh in last week, really got me motivated to work as hard as I could with the tools given to me. I wasn't able to run this week which kind of bummed me out, as I've seen myself excel each week. I instead was able to do pool running. Thanks to running coach Ashley I learned that running in the pool is an incredible way to continue running with injuries, and will definitely be a tool I use in the future. I cant say enough about our amazing trainers and nutritionist, without them none of this progress would be possible. THANK YOU!!
Weighing are tomorrow and from having a smaller loss last week I'm looking for a bigger number this week.
Until next week
Broc
Week 4 and 5
The last couple of weeks have been exciting. Time is going by quickly and we are already a third of the way through the program. Navy team still has its foot on the gas pedal and has no intention of letting up in the next 10 weeks and beyond. So proud of absolutely everyone in the program. We have all faced obstacles and have proved to ourselves we can conquer them. Lesson learned these weeks was the mind can definitely play tricks on you. Your body can do much more than your mind is letting you know. On the flip side our minds have a pre-conceived thought of what our bodies should be able to do, but sometimes our bodies aren't physically capable of doing that task. For me it's running. Being a former runner (even 10 years ago) I have higher expectations for myself than what I'm physically able to do "right now". It keeps me hungry to keep working week in and out to get to my fitness and running goals to where my mind thinks they should be. These last few weeks I'm begining to see changes I never thought possible and it's keeping me focused on why I wanted to be in the program in the first place.
Nutrition is getting a lot easier as the weeks go by. Believe it or not I feel as though I'm eating more than I should but I'm not. As Rick explained if your feeling that way and maintaining a healthy diet then I'm "doing it right". Big shout out to Jen as she has been a huge help to the navy teams success.
Weigh-in tomorrow and as always not knowing what to expect is stressing me out. But, it is what it is, and is the best way of measuring our progress. Wish me luck!!
Until next time.
Broc
Week 3
Week 3 in the books and loving every second of it. This week ended with a 3 mile run that was tough. This body isn't what it once was and I'm learing to listen to it each week. Ran slower than I wanted to, but that means I need to keep looking forward and going after my own personal goals.
Nutrition becoming less of a struggle and I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable with meal planning. My body is getting used to healthy portions and the change in what I'm eating. Eating fresh foods and lean protein didn't sound great at the beginning but my body is starting to crave those healthy foods rather than unhealthy fast food.
Week 3 weigh ins are tomorrow and again alittle stressed out about them. But just like the last 2 weeks it is what it is. I've put the hard work in and watched what what I've ate and the scale won't lie.
Till next time
Broc
Week 2
4/10/16
The end of week 2 and it felt like the week just began. When we hear how fast this 15 weeks can go, it's hard to believe, but with weeks like this one I can easily find that to be the case. I felt pretty beat up this week with my right hip and thighs but after stretching and resting today I feel 100% and can't wait to take on week 3. Kiersten is staying strong at home,and support is coming from her by continuing to join me with this journey as well as the support from her family and mine. Nutrition is still something I lack knowledge about, but I'm confident it will come as we continue through the next few weeks. Jen the Navy teams nutritionist talked me through some things and I feel very good about staying on track with her watching over.
Weigh-in tomorrow night and as always the stress is undeniable. Waiting to here your number has become probably the most anticipated time of my week. I look forward to it no-matter the outcome. Good or bad it gives me more motivation to continue on this journey each week.
Until next time...
Broc
14/6/16
Another Amber day in the books..One word=sore!! Instead of dreading Amber days I'm embracing them. Love working out to my max and feeling it later, something about it is pleasing. I'll keep pushing each day as hard as I can. That's all for now I'll check back in later this week.
Enjoy my blog
3/31/2016
This week starts the beigining of an amazing 15 week journey. Let me say my body is going through some changes already. Sleep habits have changed, eating habits have changed, and working out on a daily basis isnt something I think about anymore its something Im doing and enjoying. Three days of workouts and I am feeling every single second of them. All of the trainers and nutritionist have been incredable with motivating each and every one of us on this difficult transition into a new lifestyle. The alumni have come out strong and been a huge boost to every ones confidence and motivation as well. I cant say enough how honored I am to have been chosen for this program. Everyone is so encouraging and are truly looking out for the best for myself now and for the future. My girlfiend has been more than motivating, but is also joining me for this journey, which I couldn't be any more proud with. Having her has definitely been a big part of my motivation and has and will also be a huge help to stay focused.
In the first week I have come to know one thing. Without pain there cant be any change. Being a former athlete I know this all too well. Not saying I am hurting. No, not at all. I'm saying I am feeling all my old habits starting to leave my body, and that pain, in the end, FEELS GREAT. Knowing that I am gaining the tools to be successful even beyond this program is shown to me each day by the amazing and always enthusiastic alumni. I sit and think to myself "One day I will be in their shoes". This doesnt only motivate me but makes me want to give 100% each workout so I can be "in their shoes" and be proud and in charge of my weight and body. Im learning exponentially that the exercise and fitness aspect of this program is only one half. Nutrition makes up the other half, and I am begining to understand what is needed to fuel my body each day, thanks to Team Navy Blue's Nutritionist Jen.
I do have to admit, going into this program I was alittle nervous about the nutritional aspect of the program. After all, confiding in food is what got me here in the first place. Nutrition has been personally the hardest part to adjust to this first week. What is being eaten and how much is always on my mind. I am confident that throughout the next few weeks I will find out what is best for me. I really look forward to next weeks nutrition class on portion control.
Tonight begins the North running group which I'm actually excited about. Being a former runner, I look forward to getting myself back in shape to enjoy the activity again.
3/20/2016
Today began the start of Season 9 FWSW. I am beyond excited and honored to have been chosen to join the amazing 24 other contestants for this season. Today was a great experience finding out what the program is all about. Rick,Tina and every else that have put in time and support to make this program what it has become are truly inspiring and deserve more thanks than I can give by myself. I am so excited and at the same time nervous to begin,but look forward to everything ahead.
-Broc-