In the summer of 2007, Lee Jordan hit his heaviest weight of 454 pounds. "There are almost no pictures of me 'big' because I never allowed my picture taken," he said.
Beating the odds in health and love —
In the summer of 2007, Lee Jordan hit his heaviest weight of 454 pounds. "There are almost no pictures of me 'big' because I never allowed my picture taken," he said.
Jordan family photo
Jordan and Beth Schwein met in the summer of 1979 through a church youth group in the Washington area. Several months later, they went on their first date. She admits having a crush on Jordan, and he says he was "immediately smitten." They dated throughout high school.
High school sweethearts —
Jordan and Beth Schwein met in the summer of 1979 through a church youth group in the Washington area. Several months later, they went on their first date. She admits having a crush on Jordan, and he says he was "immediately smitten." They dated throughout high school.
Jordan family photo
Schwein went to Radford University, and Jordan followed after his graduation the following year. In college, he focused more on partying than his academics, and the couple eventually parted ways. "I never, ever blamed her," he said. "It was the right decision, but it broke my heart."
The split —
Schwein went to Radford University, and Jordan followed after his graduation the following year. In college, he focused more on partying than his academics, and the couple eventually parted ways. "I never, ever blamed her," he said. "It was the right decision, but it broke my heart."
Jordan family photo
After battling his weight for for years, Jordan decided to make a change. Here, in 2010, he holds up an old pair of his shorts, size 72 waist. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall. These shorts are 6 feet around. "I lived, barely able to take care of myself -- caught in the endless cycle of remorse and regret," he said. "People who are trapped in a cycle of obesity already have fear. They need hope."
Measuring change —
After battling his weight for for years, Jordan decided to make a change. Here, in 2010, he holds up an old pair of his shorts, size 72 waist. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall. These shorts are 6 feet around. "I lived, barely able to take care of myself -- caught in the endless cycle of remorse and regret," he said. "People who are trapped in a cycle of obesity already have fear. They need hope."
Jordan family photo
In 2012, Schwein and Jordan married. "It was like waking up from a long-shot, life-saving heart replacement surgery, only to find out that you not only came through, but you also won the lottery and are now a billionaire," Lee said.
A dream turned reality —
In 2012, Schwein and Jordan married. "It was like waking up from a long-shot, life-saving heart replacement surgery, only to find out that you not only came through, but you also won the lottery and are now a billionaire," Lee said.
Andrea Michelle Photography
"People think losing almost 300 pounds and going from being on oxygen to a triathlete is the amazing (impossible dream) thing about my life ... but it's NOT," he wrote in an e-mail. "The fact that I am married to the LOVE of MY LIFE - the ONE ... That's the true amazing story!"
Beyond joyful —
"People think losing almost 300 pounds and going from being on oxygen to a triathlete is the amazing (impossible dream) thing about my life ... but it's NOT," he wrote in an e-mail. "The fact that I am married to the LOVE of MY LIFE - the ONE ... That's the true amazing story!"
Andrea Michelle Photography
This 2013 Disney half-marathon was the couple's second such race together. Before he was a runner, Jordan was a walker. He began by walking for 30 seconds at a time, which was all he could do. He is now an ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach.
One step at a time —
This 2013 Disney half-marathon was the couple's second such race together. Before he was a runner, Jordan was a walker. He began by walking for 30 seconds at a time, which was all he could do. He is now an ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach.
Jordan family photo
The couple trains together in addition to working at Beth's Boot Camp and Fullest Living in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. "We are grateful that we really do get to share life together working out, with our business, our volunteer work with Young Life and at church," Jordan said.
Work together, play together —
The couple trains together in addition to working at Beth's Boot Camp and Fullest Living in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. "We are grateful that we really do get to share life together working out, with our business, our volunteer work with Young Life and at church," Jordan said.
Fullestliving.com