Todd G.

N. Tustin, CA

Likes:

candid and honest people, spending time with good friends, good wine, being active, running, surfing with my kids, competition, healthy lifestyle, inspiring and motivating others

Dislikes:

dishonesty, smog, traffic, high gas prices, corporate greed, politics, war,

Occupation:

Sales / Part-time Bartender LA Angels

Who was your role model as a kid and why?

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. He was my next door neighbor during my teenage years and was a great role model. He taught many life lessons and provided me with experiences that I never would have encountered in life. I am fortunate to know such a great football hero. I was most impressed that he played in Super Bowl XIV (1979) with a fractured fibula. I remember asking him how and why he did that. He said because it was his dream and did not want to give that up, so he just told the team doctor to "tape it up," I am playing." That has always stuck with me and made me realize, there are no excuses in life. You have to take action and live your dreams.

What is the most amazing thing you've experienced in your life?

First and foremost was the birth of my two beautiful children - they changed my life forever. Although, they don't realize it at this young age, they have motivated me to take better charge of my life and my health. I want to be around to watch them grow and experience life for many years. I get the most enjoyment being outdoors with them, running, playing soccer, surfing, playing baseball and staying active. As a parent they emulate you - it is vital to be active with them. They gain as much from my participation as they do playing on a sports team.

Why should you be the first Every Man Jack?

Life is amazing. Prior to a year ago, I can’t remember anyone telling me that I was an inspiration to them. My physical last August didn’t come back with great news. I was diagnosed with diabetes, accompanied with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes. I was crushed - I immediately thought of my kids. I thought, how did this happen? I was in fairly good shape and ate pretty healthy. I knew I had to forego the prescribed drugs and come up with a better plan, a natural one. I also knew major discipline was required to reverse this. That’s when I joined Extreme Bootcamp, which included a natural diet and an intensive six day per week work out. After completing six tough weeks, I dropped 20 pounds and was stronger, leaner and faster than ever. Following boot camp, I re-checked my blood panel. To my amazement and relief, I had completely reversed everything. I am now running 30 miles per week. It is almost as though I am running from disease and for others – I want to continue to inspire people. I have entered several races this year, including a 30K trail race (placing 15th overall). My goal is to run my first marathon before the end of 2009. It is amazing how my life has transformed and how I see things so much differently. Even for one person to tell me that I am an inspiration to them is truly rewarding and motivating. I have become more aware of the importance of sustainability, natural foods and products. That is how I discovered EMJ. I firmly believe that we are a product of our environment and we all need to take charge, starting with ourselves. Next year will bring on many more challenges.

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