Have you ever had something physically wrong with you that made you feel different? The feeling of everyone constantly looking at you because you look differently from then? Your self esteem is no where to be found, and you clothing choice can't be as cute as it could be. That was how my life was lived...until recently.
Lets start the story here…..
May 31 2016. This is the day my cousin, Victoria and I first used our Carowinds season pass. Just in case you don't know what that is, it is your average amusement park. Such as Bush Gardens, Dollywood or Six Flags. Now don't get me wrong I've been to Carowinds thousands of times, but today something was different. I should've been excited, for I could ride the newest ride Fury 325 for the first time- but I wasn't. And I just couldn't put my finger on to why I just wasn’t excited. Well, I was soon to find out. After waiting a few minutes in the queue, we were next to board the train. If you're unfamiliar with the ride, the train fits 36 riders per train, with four seats per row. With their older ride, Intimidator having the same seat structure I was familiar with the seat. After buckling myself in, I grabbed the lap bar and pulled it down onto my thighs- uh oh the lap bar didn't stay down. Rather it went back up. I was confused. The ride attendant came over and told me to sit back in the seat. I did that as she pushed down on the lap bar. All she could get is one click, and sadly she needed three. This is the part of the story where I was sent off the ride onto the walk of shame. This unmorally sucked. Can't ride Fury 325, Intimidator, or Windseeker.
I was bound determined the situation wouldn't let me down. So I set a goal. Lose weight.
May 31 2016, I weighed in a 270 pounds.
Every trip to Carowinds from then till now I constantly checked the test seat at the beginning of the line for Fury 325. I would be able to get one click, then another but the red light just wouldn't turn green. So I had to just sit the ride out again.
July 3 2016 was just like any other Carowinds trip. Arrive early, wait in line, and try the test seat at the Fury. This day I now weighed 252 pounds with a 32 inch thigh measurement. I climbed into the test seat once again and managed to get two clicks in. (Remember we need three!) I realized there was still space between my thigh and the lap bar. I told one of my friends to try and push the lap bar down. He did so very easily, and CLICK. THE RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I was able to ride! I was actually able to ride! Immediately I started crying. My goal had been met.
There was a time in my life where I thought stairs were annoying and food was a constant go to. Not being able to once fit into Fury 325 was a huge wake up call, and gave me the motivation to keep loosing weight. I encourage those searching for a reason to loose weight to find motivation. Once you want that motivation hard enough you will never stop. For me my next goal is the 360 Bike at Wonder works where the weight limit is 250. What will be yours?
