Cassie Bryant is a Self-Proclaimed Former Fat Girl On Fire
My guest on the show today is a woman that has struggled with her mental and physical health.

Cassie Bryant
Through hard work and perseverance, she has come out on the other side stronger.
Cassie Bryant and I will go a few easy miles as she shares what contributes to her success and how she is trying to erase stigmas.
Facing Reality
Cassie Bryant now appears to be the picture of health, but she wants everyone to know it wasn’t always the case.
At her lowest point, her weight was nearing 300 pounds and she struggled with mental illness.
Medications weren’t doing enough and she was dealing with severe side effects.
Cassie attempted suicide 6 months before she hit her tipping point.
Her weight was preventing her from living the life she wanted.
She came to the stark realization that her lifestyle choices could mean an early death.
Cassie began her journey by making a conscious effort to take 10,000 steps per day.
Over time 10,000 steps turned into 3 miles a day and dropping 40 pounds.
This Episode Is Sponsored By: DKMS
Steamroll Effect
One small change eventually turned into multiple positive changes that in turn caused dramatic results.
Cassie became addicted to feeling good and watching her body morph through hard work.
Her anxiety was nearly gone and she was able to slowly get off medications.
Walking eventually turned into running and she worked her way up to a 5k.
Being active not only gave her better health, but she also gained a community.
Taking the first steps to make any change can be terrifying.
Even if you don’t know what the next step will be, take the first step and figure it out as you go.
Cassie has learned to not be a slave to the scale, but instead to pay attention to body measurements and how clothes fit.

Cassie Bryant and Her Daughter
Every Journey Has Setbacks
For all of Cassie’s success, she has also experienced setbacks that threatened to derail her.
Cassie plateaued in all progress for a year.
She struggled with working hard when she wasn’t seeing any changes.
Running injuries ranging from stress fractures, shin splints, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis also plagued her.
No one is perfect and setbacks will occur to everyone.
If you mess up, move on and don’t use it as an excuse to spiral down.
Keep looking for solutions and don’t stop moving forward.
Believe in yourself, because nobody will believe in you like you do.

Cassie Bryant and That Race Medal
Dear Self…
Cassie is forever grateful for what her local running community has done for her.
Team RWB and the local runners have brought more purpose and meaning to her life.
Cassie has a story to tell and she wants to help others that may be struggling with similar issues.
Mental illness is no one’s fault and there is no need to be ashamed.
If Cassie could write a letter to her former self or anyone struggling she would say:
- First and foremost…START
- Begin with small changes
- Start even though it may be scary
- Be kind to yourself
- It’s okay to stumble
- Keep moving forward
- Don’t be afraid to be happy
Time will pass regardless of what path you take.
There is no point in complaining about something that you’re not willing to work for.

Cassie Bryant
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stay connected with Cassie by following her on Instagram and Snapchat.
Cassie Bryant has lost over 125 pounds through hard work and perseverance. #runchat Click To Tweet
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