Adam Ulrich doesn’t consider himself a new man but more fittingly, a changed one.
How can someone lose nearly 100 pounds, push the onset of diabetes into remission, find tranquility with personal health and not feel drastically different?
The Auburn man successfully went through a dramatic, full-body transformation in one year. And today, he lives to share his experiences with others who may be facing a similar health and wellness crisis.
Ulrich’s inspiring story – told in a written essay – recently won a nationwide contest, earning him a ticket to join 20 of TV’s “Biggest Loser” alumni as they run a 200-mile overnight relay along the Southern California coast on April 15-16.
“People have asked me several times if I feel like a new man,” said the 46-year-old husband and father of six. “I’ve reflected on that a lot, and I feel like I’m still the same person I’ve always been.
“My internal self-image was always of this person, but now everyone can see that person on the outside as well,” he explained. “I do feel, obviously, more capable physically, so in that sense, yes, I feel like I’ve been given a completely new body, one that can match the man I strive to be for both my family and myself.”
Ulrich, a Microsoft principal test manager for 15 years who commutes from his Lea Hill home to Redmond’s MS campus, was on a collision course to disaster. His lifestyle, which included frequent flyer miles to destinations around the world, was filled with unhealthy eating habits and little exercise.
The result put a hefty 278 pounds on his overwhelmed 5-foot-9 frame.
A business trip to China changed his perspective.
“I noticed the people there were lean … healthy,” Ulrich recalled.
Ulrich immediately found help, buying into a 20/20 Lifestyles program at the Pro Club in Bellevue. The intense, medically-supervised weight-loss program proved a good fit. Ulrich gradually shed the fat through proper diet and exercise.
Within weeks his diabetes was in remission. A strong support network and trainers kept him on course.
A year after joining the program, Ulrich hit 181 pounds, a total loss of 97 pounds.
He has maintained his weight for two years, toning his body with added muscle and following a diet of lean protein and healthy carb, fat and fruit choices.
He lifts weights two to three days and runs 20-25 miles each week.
“(The program) is no diet, no quick fix,” Ulrich said. “It’s a lifestyle change. … It’s not something you’re going to do for six months, but something you will do for the rest of your life.”
On the competitive trail, Ulrich ran a sub-51 minute 10K (6.2 miles), a personal best, and is training for his first half-marathon around Lake Sammamish later this month.
He also will prepare for the Ragnar Relay Series’ stop in Southern California, running alongside “Biggest Loser” personalities.
Ulrich was one of four winners of the national contest, which called for die-hard “Biggest Loser” fans to submit an essay on why they should be selected to trek 200 miles with the show’s alumni.
The four winners will be flown to Southern California for four days, provided lodging and other pre-race festivities.
Ulrich discovered the contest by participating in the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage last year. He found the relay fun and challenging.
“I am incredibly humbled, honored and excited at being selected,” Ulrich said of earning the opportunity to run in the sun. “I’m incredibly excited to meet the folks who have gone through much greater transformations than me.
“I’m excited to rub shoulders, talk to them and learn what motivates them to keep the weight off.”
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To learn more, visit www.ragnarrelay.com.
