Leanne Watanabe shares her journey with ulcerative colitis and the decision to undergo surgery to remove her colon. She discusses her late discovery of fitness and her initial motivation to work out for weight loss. Leanne talks about her mentor who introduced her to marathon running and helped her believe in her abilities. She shares her experience training for her first marathon while dealing with GI issues. Leanne discusses the impact of stress and her dysfunctional upbringing on her health. She talks about her struggle to accept her diagnosis and the various treatments she tried before deciding on surgery. LeeAnne Hayden shares her experience living with ulcerative colitis and undergoing surgery to have an ostomy. She emphasizes that living with a chronic illness is never easy, but she is grateful for the chance to live a healthy life. Hayden encourages others to embrace their bodies and not let their diagnosis dictate how they live and thrive. She discusses the importance of therapy and setting boundaries in her healing journey. Hayden also talks about her experience competing in fitness competitions and how it has helped her change her relationship with dieting and exercise. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-love in achieving personal goals. Takeaways Fitness can be a powerful tool for building confidence and achieving goals, even for those with chronic illnesses. Stress and a dysfunctional upbringing can contribute to the development and exacerbation of health issues. It is important to be your own advocate and seek out the best medical care available, even if it means traveling to different locations. Surgery can be a life-changing decision for those with severe refractory ulcerative colitis, offering the possibility of improved quality of life. Alternative therapies may provide temporary relief, but it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs. Living with a chronic illness is never easy, but it is important to embrace the chance to live a healthy life. Therapy and setting boundaries are crucial in the healing journey. Competing in fitness competitions can help change one's relationship with dieting and exercise. Self-love is the foundation for achieving personal goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement 00:55 Leanne's Journey into Fitness 03:21 Navigating GI Issues While Training for a Marathon 08:06 The Role of Stress and Upbringing in Leanne's Health 14:11 Exploring Alternative Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis 27:46 Living with Ulcerative Colitis and Making the Decision for Surgery 29:13 Gratitude for a Chance at a Healthy Life 30:41 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Life 31:39 Living Beyond the Diagnosis 33:05 The Power of Self-Confidence and Body Acceptance 35:30 Therapy and Setting Boundaries in the Healing Journey 39:16 Changing the Relationship with Dieting and Exercise 44:00 The Importance of Self-Love in Achieving Personal Goals