Mike Lambert suffered a massive heart attack in 2013 at the age of 68.  Mike was severely overweight, had many health issues, and couldn't walk more than a few feet without having to rest.  Mike’s doctor encouraged him to eat healthier, quit drinking sodas and sugary drinks, quit drinking alcohol, and to begin EXERCISE.  Mike did not adhere to all these warnings at first, but through prodding from the doctor and self-examination he realized his days were short if he didn’t change his habits.  He joined Lexington Medical Center Health Directions in September of 2013, but the choice to change his habits did not kick in until the new year of 2015. 

Over the first seven months of 2015, Mike went from 200lbs to 134lbs and lost 9 “from his waist!   Mike quit all sodas and sugary drinks, he quit drinking alcohol, he began eating healthy, and he began a regular exercise program.   He worked with a Health Directions nutritionist to learn how to eat and shop for food, and began getting cardio exercise by using the treadmill, the elliptical, and recumbent exercise bike for an average of 5-6 hours of cardio a week.  After a few months, he added three days of strength training to mix with three days of cardio training.   The cardio days turned into running days and he averages 15-20 miles a week.

Mike complete change of lifestyle is an inspiration to all of us.  Mike says “the healthy diet and regular exercise becomes a habit”.  This is a habit that led him to become fit enough to run four 5ks, one 10k, and one half-marathon in the fall and winter of 2015.  For 2016, Mike has begun to add swimming into his regiment and plans to work with a coach to train for a sprint triathlon.   He also plans to participate in the LMC Governor’s Cup Road Race.  Mike is an inspiration to us all through his hard work and dedication.  After such an awesome 2015, we can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store.