Never Give In

Never Give In

I recently completed the yearly 5K turkey trot that the Refuge hosts to raise funds for Keep Olney Beautiful. The turkey trot brings the community together in a fun way that promotes health and well-being.

This year, I was overcome with emotion as I approached the end because I was the last person to cross that finish line three years ago. This race was one of the reasons why I chose to begin my health journey because finishing three years ago was such an arduous task for me, with more than 150 pounds of weight to carry.

Although I felt defeated, I was determined to finish, even if I was last. I pondered on Winston Churchill’s quote from a speech in gave in 1941: “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never— in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

My encouragement to you is to stay on track for success. Whether it’s health goals, business, or personal goals, stick with it. We must never forget that “God’s power is strongest in our weakness.”

I know firsthand what it’s like to feel hopeless. I know what it’s like to put in the work but not see the results.

Often, I’ve wanted to give up because I thought my efforts were in vain. I would eat right and exercise every day, then feel deflated after noticing a weight gain of 1-2 pounds.

It happens, but don’t be discouraged; continue pushing through because you will reap the benefits of your hard work. And what joy it is to have a full-circle experience.

Ronni Walker is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communication. She is committed to helping people transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through the P.RE.T.T.Y. Girl Fitness project. You may contact by sending an email to coach@PGF.life.