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Submit your own story to the Texas Round-Up. View the 2007 Fit Texans.
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In March 2006 Norman Langwell looked in the mirror and did not recognize the person in the reflection. At 379 pounds, Norman knew something had to change. He started changing his diet from high fat, high calorie meals to basic foods including vegetables, lean meats and fruits. He also began walking after work. After losing more than 80 pounds, Norman incorporated some light jogging to his walking. Once he began running outdoors, the weight fell off. After losing 178 pounds, Norman has run several 10K races and will be competing in the Texas Round-Up 10K race with thousands of other Texans.
“Anyone can do what I did,” said Langwell. “There is no magic pill or perfect system. You just have to make up your mind that you are going to change your life and do it. This is my story and I hope it inspires others to get fit and live a long life.”
Norman Langwell Before
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photo by David Warner
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Ruth Gonzales-Paul and her son, Caleb Paul are our Fit Family for 2008. Ruth and Caleb help keep each other motivated to continue exercising and being healthy. When she weighed 275 pounds, Ruth decided to start walking for exercise. By walking regularly, she lost about 35 to 40 pounds, but she struggled with the urge to over eat, saying "I deserve it, because after all, I'm walking." Ruth realized that to really achieve her goals, she needed to change her eating habits as well as exercise.
Ruth Gonzales-Paul Before
"I have learned about portion control, and I now eat less. I also make better food choices. I have continued to work out at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and I have lost an additional 40 pounds. I can now run and play with my four children and my husband."
Ruth's son Caleb Paul is an outgoing 10 year old who enjoys all kinds of sports and activities. Some of his favorites include basketball, roller hockey, soccer football, baseball, riding bikes, and jumping on the trampoline. Caleb is also active in his church choir, Royal Ambassadors, and Bible drill, in addition to being an avid reader and a straight "A" student. |
 
Ruth Gonzales-Paul and Caleb Paul at the 2008 Texas Round-Up Fitness Festival
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Kolton Allen, age 9, is the 2008 Texas Round-Up Fit Kid. "Running and exercising has definitely helped me gain self-confidence in myself," says Kolton. "It also keeps me in good health and an overall fit kid. I am always looking forward to competing in road races and helping other people and my classmates with fitness plans."
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