Another motivating and inspiring success story to share. Our Get a Grip Family Member, Kelly Pontliana!
Kelly has an amazing positive attitude which is contagious and she works well over 100% in all she does. I love to watch her, as you can see the determination and heart she brings to everything she sets out to do. We are so happy she found us as we are lucky to have her kind soul a part of the Get a Grip Family (she was a perfect match from day 1). I’m looking forward to all she continues to accomplish, as nothing holds her back, not even MS!
I don’t want to steal her story, so here it is…
Hello Gripper Nation!!
In 2001, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I don’t usually speak about my condition and you definitely wouldn’t know by looking at me the ways in which it has affected my life. I have made it my personal mission to not let MS define who I am and as of today, it hasn’t stolen my active lifestyle away from me.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath around nerve cells that helps send messages to the brain and other parts of the body. My initial symptoms included trouble walking and maintaining balance, fatigue, and sensations of numbness and tingling. MS is quite unpredictable, and luckily I’ve had very few attacks over the years and have not had to make many adjustments to my lifestyle. My Neurologist has seen disease progression on my MRI scans, but surprisingly, I continue to live my life symptom free.
Our family has always been very active and we love spending time outdoors. In 2008, I called up my sister, Kerrie, and told her I wanted to start running. We followed the Couch to 5-K training program and signed up for our first official 5-K. I’m a rule follower, so I loved following the plan. Those first few runs were extremely tough and I’ll never forget how out of breath I felt. Throughout my training I kept a journal and love looking back at all the funny comments I would make after having to “run for 2 or 3 minutes straight”. I have since gone on to run many 5K’s, 10K’s, ½ marathons, Mud Runs, the Tough Mudder and a couple of Triathlons. The only marathon I would consider training for is the Maui Marathon….who’s in with me?
When our family relocated to Florida from Minnesota in 2015, I was at the Rec Center pool and saw a banner with Carrie’s smiling face. I think it was meant to be because when I looked on her website, Get A Grip offered everything (plus a lot more) of what I was missing from back home. I love the variety of “SUPER” fun workouts that Carrie creates for us. I know when it gets tough (and sweaty), my body always works with me even though my head is telling me it doesn’t want to. My favorites always include “adding a jack” (I am unable to do a burpee without one). Getting enough sleep (including a 10-15 minute power nap each day), eating clean (80% of the time), staying hydrated (including an occasional happy hour), and attending my 3-bootcamps per week all play a huge part in my good health and well-being.
I love all the kind souls I have met during our workouts and training programs. You have all helped make Land O’ Lakes home! I remind myself daily to live in the present and cherish each moment. Life is so good!!! Moving to the sunshine state and crossing paths with Get A Grip is the best prescription for my good health.
Thank you!!
What an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing your story, Kelly!
I’m looking forward to your next adventure!
