A Lot Of Past Went Into This Not Impressive Present

This is a story about a boy named Joalby. 

Long, long ago (14yrs ago) in a land far away - well, not so much far away, but in San Diego there was a very different Joalby. This different Joalby gave the impression of a happy life with friends and parties and drinking excessively. What people didn't know is just how unhappy Joalby was underneath it all. 

At age 23, Joalby was approaching 400lbs, was wearing a size 5x or 6x shirt, wore size 50-52 pants, had to get clothes at specialty big and tall shops, and was extremely depressed. 

It took Joalby years to figure out he alone had the ability to initiate a change in his life and ensure a better future for himself. With the help of several trainers, workout communities, organized sports organizations and a love for running, Joalby was able to drop 140lbs and begin to rebuild his body. This is a story that is still ongoing. This is a story that was not easy - a story that found Joalby going through addiction, being held at gunpoint, years of back pain, reconstructive surgery after the weight loss, a sexual assault and found him coming out as a much stronger, healthier and happier person. 

The Joalby you know today was formed just as much through the struggles and dark times as he was by the people who guided him through the fitness world and running community that ultimately saved and improved the quality of his life. This is a story that maybe one day will be told, but for now - I'm just gonna enjoy where I'm at now - because I know what it took to get me here. And more importantly I know that the person I'm at now is only in for great things and great moments to come.

 

Age 23 (March 5th, 2004) vs Age 27 (September 7th, 2018)