Find A Way To Get It Done

Puravida Fitness • September 22, 2022

Find A Way To Get It Done

A man and woman are standing next to a yellow tape that says police line do not enter

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope"


There is always hope!


Winners believe that and find a way to get it done no matter the circumstances!


Nothing exemplifies this more than the "MIRACLE DAY" I saw with one of my clients in 2005. 


Other than my kids being born and my wedding day, this was the most memorable day! It happened back in October of 2005. I had the privilege of seeing my longtime friend and client Susan Peters achieve the victory of a lifetime! 


Susan was in a car accident in 1993 - hit head on by a snow plow which left her in a coma paralyzed.


Before the accident she was an active fit woman - loved riding horses, singing and working out. After the accident, she was a completely helpless person clinging to her life.


She spent the next 10 years in wheelchair unable to walk and having trouble speaking from the damage caused by the accident.


She then had to endure years of intense rehab and a divorce where her husband tried to take away the money awarded to her in the accident. 


I met Susan in 2000 when she showed up at my work - the Northwest Athletic Club. She was slumped over in her wheelchair and could barely talk. Her mom did most of the talking but we agreed to give training a try since I had experience working with people in a wheelchairs.


Right away I knew something was different about Susan. She had an engaging smile and great sense of humor. This was put to the test early on. 


She was driving her electric wheelchair home when she sneezed. This sent her wheelchair careening into the ditch where she ended up being stranded all night. She had such a low voice - no one heard her cries for help. 


Luckily it was a warmer part of the year and she was found the next morning. I called her while she was in the ambulance and she started joking about her "campout." That's how I knew Susan Peters was not going to feel sorry for herself! She was a fighter and had the attitude to walk again. 


So the training continued and slowly but surely. As she got stronger she walked from trainer desk to the first aerobic studio - about 10 yards. Then came the second studio - about 50 yards then around the track - about 200 yards. She was making real progress. Doctors said she would need the wheelchair the rest of her life but that was for the typical person suffering this type of injury. Susan was anything but typical.


One day in 2004 she announced she wanted to do a 5K. Many of the other trainers and people said "that's great" and smiled, but I knew they were just trying to be polite. They did not think she could do it. But I knew differently. 


We started to walk outside to help her adjust to the elements of and outdoor race like the uneven pavement, hills and weather. Most of our walks were at Earley Lake which was about 1.25 miles around. We mostly walked 1/2 to 3/4 mile but one day I told her we were going around the whole lake. She was game so we started the mission.. It was a hot day and she didn't do well in heat, but we pushed through.


Towards the end she wanted to quit. She was exhausted and her body was sore. She got angry and started cussing at me like a sailor. I made her finish and with a victory grin, she collapsed into my car. It wasn't pretty but we did it. It was a turning point. Even though she was tired she had reached a new level of confidence. 


So we did something big and bold. We signed up for the Monster Dash, a 5K race in Minneapolis around Lake Harriet. We dove into a well laid out plan of strength and balance training coupled with a walking regimen I had designed to build up her endurance. We also got more serious about her nutrition. She was an athlete so she needed to eat like one.


As the race drew near she was building momentum. It was cold and windy the day we went to train at Lake Harriet and that threw her off kilter. I called an audible because she was not doing well. Chiropractic care, a massage and active rest were a better way for her to spend the week before the race.


I called KARE 11 News to share Susan's story and they wanted to cover it. The night before my wife asked if I thought she would make it. My response was "I honestly don't know, but I know Susan will give 100% and that is all that matters."


We got up early on race day and got Susan stretched out and warmed up. The race scene was chaotic but we got to the starting line. I tried to have Susan rest as much as possible knowing she needed every bit of energy she had for this race.


The gun went off and we started the walk. KARE 11 arrived and started following us. Susan being Susan mugged for the cameras and talked a little good nature smack! She was killing it for the first half of the race. 


Then she started to wear down. But as she grew tired, a crowd of people started to gather to cheer her on. This was where the real magic happened. 


She stumbled, but would not give up. She knew she wouldn’t let herself quit and I was there to encourage her.


Then the F bombs started to fly as the pain in her feet and knees became unbearable.


Her tank was near empty... but she kept pushing through.


You know when you get your second wind? This was where Susan was when she saw the finish line. The crowd came alive with cheers! She came back alive and step by step made her way towards the finish line.


At that point The Minneapolis police had set up a special finish line using police tape just for Susan. She inched closer and the crowd noise grew louder. As she crossed the line I raised her arm in victory. It had been a long journey but she finished what she started! And I was so fortunate to be a part of it.


After the victory meal with her family and friends I finally sat down to watch the evening news. Susan’s amazing story led the news that night.


Watch the Kare 11 story here (scroll down for the original coverage in 2005


That day changed my life forever.


I learned the power of the human spirit.


I learned we all have super powers within us.


I learned that the only thing that stops us from achieving greatness is our own excuses.


No matter what your current circumstances are... you too can overcome.


If Susan can walk a 5K after being in a wheelchair for 10 years YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO GET BACK IN SHAPE.


So click the button below and let's find your way back to health with a SUCCESS SESSION!


Dedicated to helping you find a way,


Erik Peacock

Puravida Fitness

Side-by-side before-and-after photo of a man standing indoors, shirtless in the first and leaner in the second.
August 10, 2026
Throughout August, we’re covering the top reasons many middle-aged adults struggle with unwanted weight gain.
July 27, 2026
I do not usually post shirtless photos like many fitness influencers. In fact, I typically only do it about once a year—and I do it for one reason: To prove a point. At 54 years old, I am still lean, strong, and active. It is not because I have perfect genetics, unlimited time, or a magical metabolism. It is because I have taken the time to discover what works for my body and consistently followed a realistic plan. As a longtime Personal Trainer serving Lakeville, Farmington, Savage, New Market, Elko, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, and Burnsville, I constantly hear people blame their age for unwanted weight gain. They say things like: “My metabolism is too slow.” “My hormones are working against me.” “It is impossible to lose weight after 40.” “This is just part of getting older.” Are metabolism changes and hormone imbalances real? Absolutely. But they should not automatically become excuses for staying overweight, losing strength, or giving up on your health. 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At Puravida Fitness, we believe a great nutrition plan should simplify your life rather than make it more stressful. You should not need to carry a food scale everywhere you go or feel guilty every time you eat at a restaurant. You need clear guardrails, consistent habits, and a plan that works in the real world. The Crack the Code Nutrition Program That is exactly why we created the Crack the Code Nutrition Program . This program is designed for adults over 40 who are frustrated with stubborn body fat and tired of starting over. Instead of handing everyone the same generic meal plan, we help you identify what is keeping you stuck and build a personalized strategy around your needs. 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The goal is to find the nutrition strategy you can consistently follow. That may not look exciting on social media, but consistency is what creates lasting Weight Loss. You do not need another 30-day challenge, detox, or restrictive meal plan. You need to crack your code. Schedule Your Free Nutrition Diagnostic Call If you are over 40 and frustrated with stubborn body fat, we would love to help you discover what works for your body. The Crack the Code Nutrition Program provides the strategy, coaching, accountability, and support you need to stop guessing and start making measurable progress. Whether you live in Lakeville, Farmington, Savage, New Market, Elko, Apple Valley, Prior Lake, or Burnsville, our team at Puravida Fitness can help you build a practical Wellness, Nutrition, and Fitness plan that fits your lifestyle. Comment “CRACK MY CODE” or contact Puravida Fitness to schedule your free Nutrition Diagnostic Call . Your breakthrough may be much closer than you think.
July 10, 2026
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