When Decatur County resident Laura Dudley joined the Decatur County Family YMCA last year, she did so to help her feel better and get in shape. Now, she says she is in great health.

“I’ve been a member since last September,” Dudley said. “When I joined the Biggest Loser.”

The Biggest Loser was a contest determining winners by how much weight they lost in the course of the competition.

“It’s good if you wanted to try something different, with a buddy,” she said. “Instead of doing it on your own.”

Losing weight on her own was Dudley’s first step towards a healthier lifestyle. On Valentine’s Day of 2007, Dudley took her first steps toward weight loss. For approximately 7 months, she worked out on her own and lost about 40 pounds. Though she was pleased with her accomplishment, it was in September that she chose to join the YMCA to really melt off the pounds. Since joining the YMCA, she has lost an additional 65 pounds, which accompanied with her previous 40 pound loss, brings her weight loss total to more than 100 pounds.

Despite her rapid weight loss, the goal was not always part of her plan.

“I wasn’t always interested in health” Dudley admitted.

She said she had worked out and remained fit during her younger years, but having two sons almost 20 years ago did not allow much time for working out. Her resurgence into the world of health was due in large part, she said, to her husband joining her at the YMCA.

Their most recent foray into getting fit came in the form of 500 Miles to Fitness, a contest put together by fitness director Deena Hamer. Once signed up, the competitors were awarded “mileage” for engaging in different types of exercise including swimming, biking, running and strength or flexibility training.

The group started on the weekend of the Indianapolis 500 and completed their journey on the weekend of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. The goal, according to Hamer, was to naturally achieve 500 miles through the 10-week program. Sponsors included the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Davis and Daughters and Renner Hurley.

While participating in the contest, Dudley acquired 708 miles.

The next challenge at the YMCA will be the Biggest Loser Buddy Challenge beginning in September. Dudley plans to participate in that contest too.

“Something’s always going on at the Y,” she said.

Dudley also plans to walk the 5K Walk/Run in November. For her efforts in the 500 Miles to Fitness program, Dudley was awarded a free oil change, a trophy and a car wash. She was glad to have the prizes, and commented that she was lucky to have the vehicle-related awards. Her job as a rural mail carrier requires she drive her car quite a bit.

“It was lucky,” she said.