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Cheryl Jestis

We all have goals -- big ones, small ones and everything in-between. And there's no better feeling than when you cross the finish line in a race you've run with yourself. Sick and tired of struggling with knee troubles, hip pain and a weight problem -- Cheryl Jestis decided to change her life. This three-part series from GOTRIbal's Sara Cox Landolt chronicles Jestis's hard-won efforts every step of the way.

Part 1: Swimsuits & Centuries

Cheryl Jestis was sure she hated running:

• It was impossible to breathe.

• Her pace was embarrassingly slow.

• And everything hurt especially her knees and hips.

As she gained weight in high school, her teenage body felt years older, forcing her to modify -- or even sit out from -- sports she enjoyed. Jestis liked basketball, but refused to play, too much running. "I was a softball girl," said Jestis. "I was so slow I could hit a triple and stretch it into a single."

It was knee pain years later, during her adult softball league, that brought Jestis to the doctor and physical therapist where she learned she had severe Chondromalacia and would likely need both knees replaced. At only 30-something, Jestis was advised against even walking for exercise and weight loss because it'd put too much pressure on her knees.

"I felt like, 'Are you kidding me?'" she said. Motivated by the early deaths of her parents and in-laws due to obesity, Jestis was ready for a life change. She wanted to lose weight and reclaim her right to an active lifestyle, for herself, her kids and future grandchildren.

With running out the window, Jestis marched right into the pool -- swimming every day over the lunch hour. She loved swimming as a kid so it was fun getting back in the water.

Cheryl Jestis With improved health, Cheryl Jestis started cycling and developed a love for it's "all good" attitude.

Of course swimming involves swimsuits. "Let's just not even talk about that!" she said. Anxiety about wearing a swimsuit and lack of formal swim training intimidated Jestis at first but she pushed through. "I would look much worse sitting on the couch than getting out and doing whatever it was I could do," she said.

After a year of swimming and changes to her diet, Jestis felt stronger, leaner and more confident. "When you start to do something to improve your situation, move beyond denial, and even begin to see some results on the scale or in your endurance, you feel like you have some control," she said. "Control, yes I like control."

With improved health and an open mind, she was again ready for something new. So when her older brother Rusty bought a hybrid bike, Jestis went out and bought a matching one a week later. The race was on!

The siblings rode together every weekend, with Jestis riding daily as well. Their weekend rides grew from about 20 miles to 100. They finished their first century ride with no SAG support. When her knees hurt she used heat, ice, Advil and rest, and she continued exchanging extra pounds for increased strength and fitness.

Jestis loves cycling's "it's all good" attitude.

"You can go as easy or as hard as your body will allow," she said. And it's family friendly! Jestis, her husband and daughters and extended family enjoy cycling as a group, she said. Surrounded by the strength and support of her family, Jestis was living life fully, and loving the choices she'd made.

But what about that run ...

Stay tuned: Don't miss Part 2 of how Jestis lost 100 pounds thanks to exercise and healthy eating choices: First Steps -- I Am Able.