Marci Nauman, MS
Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
If you had told Seth Marks three years ago that he would maintain an 80-pound weight loss and complete 3 Mudder Runs, a half marathon, and a triathlon, he would have laughed at you. Back then, as a new employee of Manatee County Government in the Utilities department, Seth was overweight and stressed out. In high school, Seth competed in wrestling. His weight fluctuated between seasons, something he had struggled with his entire life, but he was always able to quickly drop enough weight so he could compete in a lower weight-class. In the Navy, he again dropped some weight during boot camp due to constant activity and diet restrictions. After completing his service, he quickly gained the weight back.
When he first joined the County in 2014, this father of 2 boys took up running as a stress reliever after a major life change left him feeling emotionally drained and chronically stressed. At first, he could barely run a half mile, but over time, he was able to run 5-7 miles at a time. Despite his dislike of running, it helped him feel less stressed, and started his initial weight loss.
Fueled by some early weight loss success, and realizing he needed to do more, Seth joined the YourChoice Fitness Center and participated in Graham’s Boot Camp class since it fit into his busy schedule. Between classes and his own weight training, Seth slowly saw changes in his body composition, and he found he enjoyed strength training more than running. During this time, his mentality shifted from making short-term changes, to adopting a lifestyle that would support long-term success. He was ready to commit.
While still working with Graham, Seth decided to try Anna Neal’s Rapid Toning class. He had heard great things about her and this class, and he was not disappointed. He found Anna to be a highly motivating trainer – she doesn’t accept negativity, comparisons, or anything short of your best effort. She also helped Seth adjust his nutrition by teaching him how to best fuel his body based on his lifestyle and activity level. By combining Anna’s training with proper nutrition, Seth dropped his last 20 pounds. This year, he weighed in at a healthy BMI for the first time in twenty years - a goal he wasn’t sure he could ever reach.
But weight loss alone was no longer Seth’s goal. He missed the competition he used to find in wrestling. He wanted to feel fit, not just slim.
In early 2016, a friend invited Seth to run a half marathon. With a lot of apprehension and very little confidence, he accepted the challenge. Working with Anna and his friend, Jonathon, Seth trained for the 13.1 mile race by running, a lot, and focusing on proper nutrition to give him the endurance he needed. On race day, he just went for it, with his friends and his two sons cheering him on. When he crossed the finish line, Seth felt a sense of accomplishment he hadn’t experienced before. Soon after, Anna invited Seth to participate in the Manatee County Mud Endeavor in April 2016. He once again trained by running, attending the Rapid Toning class, and joining Anna’s private fitness studio for additional training. He finished the Mudder and was exhilarated. He signed up for two more races, hoping to finish at a faster pace, and closer to the top of his age group.
“There was a girl who was at all of the Mudder events. She was always right ahead of me, and I just wanted to beat her. During the last event, I found that I would pass her during the obstacles due to my strength, but she would pass me during the runs. With a mile to go, I passed her. And then my shoe got stuck in the mud. I debated if I should grab it or just keep going. I quickly grabbed my shoe – I didn’t want to run barefoot on the rocks – and just ran as fast as I could. I finally beat her. That might have been the high point of my journey.”
Anna (Center) and Seth (2nd from right) before the Manatee YourChoice Mud Endeavor with members of their team. The confidence he gained from completing the half marathon and three Mudder challenges led him to accept Anna’s challenge to complete a triathlon, which they both did successfully in September.
Seth contributes his success to finally committing to long-term change and surrounding himself with people who motivate and support him, like Anna.
“I want to do better, I want to live healthy, fit and happy and that's what Anna is. She’s a motivator not only by example but by her leadership and with the way she lives.”
Anna reciprocates the sentiment, stating “Not only has Seth done so much more than he has before, he is involving others and motivating others by his journey as well. He has achieved everything that he decided to put his mind to. The best part is that he isn't done.”
For now, he’s working on maintaining his weight and fitness goals through the holiday season and plans to begin preparing for the next Mud Endeavor in January. His goal this year is to finish in the top 5 overall.
When asked if he wishes he had done anything differently, his simple answer is “No. I’m very happy with my journey. No regrets.”
Seth Marks
- Age: 39
- Height: 5’ 9”
- Highest Weight: 248
- Lowest Weight: 164
- Biggest Challenge: Vacations – trying to stay on track while I’m on vacation or have a long weekend with my friends or family. Then, getting back on track when I come back. Sometimes it takes me months, but I just take it one day at a time and eventually I get there.
- Favorite Exercise: Rapid Toning is the one class that I keep on my calendar – I have to do it. I stopped going for a while and noticed that my body composition changed. Now, I just have to go to that class once a week.
- Nutrition: I just really had to detox [from sugar] and then be patient for 8 months for my taste buds to change and enjoy other things. Now I eat carrots and popcorn instead of chips. And I actually like carrots. I cheat sometimes, but it has to be worth it.
- Advice to Others: You got to make small changes, and have patience. If you do it all at once, you’re quick to give up. Take it one day at a time and never give up. You're going to have days where you are going to be hungry and you eat a lot and that's not a failure. Just get up and start the next day, and the next day, and then eventually it will come.
About Anna Neal & Manatee YourChoice Health Plan
Anna is a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with the Manatee YourChoice Health Plan. Manatee County employees and adult Health Plan members can take Anna’s classes, and many others, free of charge at the YourChoice Fitness Center (and other on-site locations including Public Works and Utilities) per the on-site Group Fitness schedule. Health Plan members also receive 5 personal training sessions per year free of charge, and can use that benefit to workout one-on-one with Anna Neal or one of the other YourChoice trainers.Additionally, Anna owns her own company, LiveFit Training, where she offers health consulting services, personal training, and group fitness functional classes. Health Plan members can use the wellness reimbursement benefit (up to $250 per year) to assist in paying for these classes.
To learn more about fitness benefits, contact the YourChoice Fitness Center at 941.748.4501 x3979 or tlightburne@manateeyourchoice.com.
For Anna’s contact info, click here.
