See article here: Inspiring Conversations with Maureen Yarbrough of Running With Bulldogs – Voyage Jacksonville Magazine
Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Yarbrough.
Hi Maureen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in health and diet was always minimal. As a young woman, when I put on weight, I was always looking for the quickest, easiest way to get it off, that did not involve exercise mind you! I was not athletic in any sense of the word.
The only sport I took part in was soccer when I was twelve and that was because my stepmother was the head of the local association. I was placed on a team. As you may imagine, I was not particularly good. My introverted personality and shyness did not help, unfortunately.
When I turned forty-three… my body put on the breaks. Losing weight was impossible. So, there began my journey into health and diet. I first tried “clean eating”, which worked for a bit. However, it was a struggle to maintain, so then I thought I would try exercise, joining a local Orange Theory. It was there that I found my love of running. I thought that if I turned to exercise that would do it. Nope. I was simply a pudgy runner. My husband and I love to eat and explore food, and we loved our sugary sweets! It was our “thing”, you know? Changing directions was a hurdle we both had to get over.
In the winter of 2019, my husband was close to death due to heart disease we were not even aware that he had. Everyone is different and his cholesterol numbers were in a good range, but not good for him. Every year he had his annual checkup, and no abnormalities were ever detected. So, after a big scare, two stents, and his being put on numerous medications, our life was forever changed. The side effects of the statins were torturous for him.
So. Covid.
In 2020, due to Covid, I found myself working from home and with more time on my hands. I decided to obtain my certification and education to become a Health & Wellness Coach, and a Holistic Nutritionist. It was through the extensive studies that I was shown evidence on the Plant-Based Whole Food lifestyle. I can not turn a blind eye. It is my mission to educate as many people as I can as to the many advantages of adopting this lifestyle.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Ah, what is a smooth road?!?
It is very difficult getting others to WANT to make this change to improve their lives, my husband included. All that I can do is keep shining the light and trust that the right people will be directed to me, or this way of life through other advocates.
Another one of my struggles is charging people. As my husband admits, I would give everything away for free if I believe in it and its benefits to others. I do believe that what I give I receive so I will keep on keeping on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a Health and Wellness Coach. This is a play on words, as bulldogs are not big runners. It is meant to be about maturing tenaciously… stubbornly, and having fun! I specialize in encouraging others to live their best lives possible.
I am a certified Holistic Nutritionist and am a strong advocate for the Plant-Based Whole Food way of life. However, I will help anyone who yearns to make any positive changes in their life whatsoever. If they are not interested in PBWH I will work with them on any small or big positive diet/wellness changes they are willing to make, without guilt. We are all doing the best we can because that is what we are doing!
I would say I am known for advocacy for Plant-Based Whole Food living, and for being an avid runner. I am so proud of those I have coached who continue on the path of wellness. I don’t think anyone will reach out for a coach unless they are serious about making changes.
I offer one on one coaching, I will speak in front of groups, and also do group coaching, in person or virtually.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. Ha. I have a strong faith and can see in my life that nothing has happened by accident. It’s a beautiful tapestry of perfect timing!
Pricing:
- $60/hour individual
- $100/hour group
- $250 for speaking
- I do donate time to institutions.
Contact Info:
- Email: runningwithbulldogs@gmail.com
- Website: www.runningwithbulldogs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningwithbulldogs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningWithBulldogz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gwdzaHWWtx2P5T377W9rg
