Ali Vincent, the first female winner on NBC’s "Biggest Loser," has turned her weight-loss success into a career as a motivational speaker and TV host who tries to inspire others to reach their own fitness goals.
Vincent, 38, of Mesa, Ariz., dropped 112 pounds during Season 5 in 2008 and now has a show on the Live Well Network called "Live Big with Ali Vincent" which focuses on helping people change their lifestyles.
THE HAPALUA HALF-MARATHON
» When: 6 a.m. Sunday (elite athletes begin at 5:35 a.m.)
» Where: Waikiki; start at Duke Kahanamoku statue, end at Kapiolani Park
» Cost: $80-$115; $135 after today
» Info: thehapalua.com
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"When we are young, we have lots of opportunities and goals. As we get older, we can become complacent, but goals help you know when to celebrate," she said.
To maintain her figure, Vincent said she sets a fitness goal for herself each year. This year she is planning to run 13 half-marathons — 13.1 miles each.
One of those races is The Hapalua in Waikiki on Sunday, open to runners and walkers of all levels. Registration is ongoing, but after today the entry fee increases to $135. Participants will enjoy entertainment along the course and post-race malasadas and a concert. The event includes a category for relay teams of four to seven members.
"Running is probably my least favorite form of exercise, but it’s something that you can do anywhere," Vincent said. "Anyone can do it. They just need to put one foot in front of the other."
When Vincent first arrived on the "Biggest Loser" ranch, she was carrying 234 pounds on her 5-foot, 5-inch frame. During the course of the show, she learned to set goals and never allow herself to quit.
"Sometimes I let myself renegotiate, but I never let myself give up. We can do anything we put our minds to, but we need to plan, prepare and set goals," Vincent said. "People tend to run into problems when they start comparing themselves to other people. We are all individual."
She suggests checking out community resources, whether it’s exercise classes, a support group or a visit to a doctor or trainer to make a plan to achieve better health.
"There’s no excuses for anyone."
Vincent said she is looking forward to exploring the island during her visit.
"We have lots of restaurants on the itinerary. I need to make sure I have lots of movement so I can enjoy the food," she said. "Good thing I’m running this half-marathon in between. I’m going to need it."
