Kate Jones Went From Keen Runner To Fitness Fanatic

Returning to fitness stronger, Kate Jones grew up around fitness, but veered off course, and after a wake-up call, she rethought her approach, committed to change, and slashed 15 percent body fat in two years.
A life long runner, Kate had always had a love of exercise but when that changed thanks to an ebb in motivation she added plenty of unwanted pounds. This is how she took charge of her own destiny to become more confident and find a new passion.

Former passions

I run track through school but lacked the hand-eye coordination for sports so running became my focus. Unfortunately, I didn’t do well enough to compete in college.

Changing focus

I did cheerleading and we’d work out in the weight room, but we didn’t follow serious programming, which was something I craved.

Misguided Nutrition

I thought the fewer calories, the better. I ate 2-3 eggs for breakfast; a can of tuna, a few crackers, and a piece of fruit for lunch. It wasn’t nutrient-dense food – just small quantities.

A Wake up call

My former running coach’s health was poor. I called him and all he wanted to do was talk about me but I was thinking, “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything with my life.” It was eye opening for me.

Reintroduction to fitness

After speaking with my former coach, it all clicked. He was fighting so hard to live, and my life was stagnant. It was then that I decided to sign up for a marathon.

Fitness doesn’t mean leanness

After returning to running I thought I was still kind of fat. That’s when I started turning my wheels about how to lose the rest of the weight.

Changing circumstances

Moving in with my husband kicked off my “fat and happy” phase. I made elaborate dinners and quickly gained back the 15 pounds I’d lost from running.

Failed attempts

It wasn’t hard to get back into the gym, but setting up a steady program was an issue. I’d do 3 sets of 12-15 reps of a few upper-body exercises, totally ignoring any lower-body.

Lower body ignored

I was running, so that was my leg workout, right? Looking back, it was illogical, but it was really what I thought at the time.

Adding structure

I asked Facebook friends for a good weightlifting program, which is when someone recommended Bodybuilding.com. I did a quick search and realized the website was a bodybuilding mecca.

On the fence

I didn’t delve into a full-on trainer, focusing on things that were easily accessible. There’d be an article featuring a leg workout, and that would be my workout that day. It was haphazard.

Taking on her first trainer

I actually struggled with the first phase of LiveFit because it was a lot more food than I was used to eating. This was the first time I was changing my nutrition.

Shifting expectations

My first program called for a lot more protein and my first thought was that I was going to get fat again?” It was difficult to trust the process, and I had a lot of anxiety.

The take away benefits

Eventually I realized it’s not just about calories in versus calories out. There are certain things you need that can help make you more efficient.

Noticeable gains

The first phase was shocking because I didn’t lose a lot of weight, but I could tell my body was changing. Then, cardio got incorporated and I loved it. I realized what I’d been missing my entire life.

Results on tap

I lost inches – my arms got bigger, my back got wider, and my core was awesome. When I started lifting on leg day, instead of solely running, I saw more definition in my legs and calves.

The current regime

I’m doing a 5×5 program to put on size before I start cutting. I’ve also set three-month, six-month, and one-year goals to help me get to my one-rep max. In three months I want to bench 160, squat 185, and deadlift 200.

From gym to stage

I started seven months out, and for the first several months, I trained myself. I knew I wanted to have time to diet down the right way and get into stage-ready condition.

Getting help

I turned to the competition-prep forums on BodySpace, and the members there were a wealth of information. I never thought anyone would help me for free.

Last minute panic

One forum member, JP Faherty, really helped. Four weeks before my show, I started freaking out, and JP offered to help me with my diet and coach me through my peak week.

First outing

My first figure competition was the NANBF National Southern States Classic in Liberty, Missouri. I placed first in the open short division, second in the beginner short division, and took fourth in overall figure.

Toughest part

I was surprised by how mentally tough it was. You work long days, and you still have to get to the gym.

A new lease on life

When I stepped onstage, it made me want to be better in other parts of my life. Making time for the gym and prioritizing it made me take a look at how I was spending my time and affecting those around me. I really wanted to enrich myself as well.

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