Super Nova of the Month: Bonar Bulger

Congratulations to our July SuperNova, Bonar Bulger! 

Since the start of 2023 Bonar has refocused his efforts towards health and is currently in his best shape since starting with Nova many years ago. This year alone he has lost 5% body fat, increased overall fitness, decreased both his resting and overall heart rate and completed his first adventure race. In this race he showcased his athletic abilities, securing an impressive 19th rank out of 111 participants in his age group and completed the race with an astounding time of 1 hour and 25 minutes!

For those who do not know, a Spartan race is an intense obstacle course race where participants face obstacles, such as climbing walls, crawling under wire, and carrying heavy objects. These races push individuals out of their comfort zones, fostering resilience and personal growth while embracing the Spartan ethos of perseverance.

1) Congratulations on completing your first adventure (Spartan) race in June! You have not done a challenge like this before. What made you decide to take on this feat?

So, let me tell you a story. About a year ago, I had a pretty bad accident and tore my meniscus. I ended up in a wheelchair for a few days and eventually had surgery to fix it. After that, I was hobbling around for months, and it caused a real imbalance between my left and right side.

During that time, my son ran a 10K Spartan race and mentioned that one of the other dads did it too. You know how it is, my competitive side came out and I thought, "If he can do it, so can I!" That's when these two things came together. On one hand, I wanted a goal to help me focus on getting back in shape after the surgery, and on the other hand, I wanted to prove that I could run a Spartan race as I approached the big 5-0.

So, that's how it all started. I set my sights on that race and worked hard to get my body back in shape and prove to myself that I could do it (with the help of Nova, of course).

2) You've trained at Nova for many years but this year stands out amongst the rest. What made you decide to make 2023 a pivotal year and what key strategies or habits have contributed to your success thus far? 

I can't pinpoint the exact moment when I decided that this year would be a game-changer for me (or even if I did). But what I do know is that it all comes down to this realization: someday in the future, I'll look back and wish I had the same energy, strength, and health that I have right now. I mean, think about it – one day, I'll take my last step, do my last push-up, and watch my last sunset.

So, I've made it my mission to make the most of every single day I have. And, as I grow older, this sense of urgency just keeps growing stronger. It's like a fire inside me, pushing me to live life today. 

I've also got to give credit to the transformation program for setting me on this incredible journey – and trust me, I'm not getting paid to say that! Teaming up with Wentzel to measure and track my progress really opened my eyes to the different factors that impact my body, energy levels, and overall well-being. It's amazing how having someone by your side and understanding the ins and outs of your progress can be such a game-changer. 

3) What positive improvements have you experienced in your life, such as enhanced mental well-being, boosted energy levels, or increased confidence, as a direct outcome of your transformation?

I've had my fair share of struggles, especially with depression in the past. But I've found that by focusing on a healthier diet and regular exercise, my episodes have become so much more manageable - in fact, non-existent. It's amazing to see the transformation in my mental well-being over the last six months – I'd say my diet has played a huge role in that.

I used to suffer from chronic lower back pain, too, ever since I turned 40. Sometimes, it was so intense that even a sneeze would make me collapse in pain. But now, that pain is gone. It's funny, though – when there's a physically demanding task like moving a couch, people who know me still say, "Oh, not Bonar – he has a bad back." It kind of bothers me because that's not who I am anymore.

You see, I could've continued down that path, and in some ways, it would've been easier. But choosing to invest in my health has made all the difference in the world. And as long as I'm still breathing, I plan to keep investing in myself. 

Way to go Bonar, thanks for being a great inspiration!