STORIES THAT EMPOWER
We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and empower. This section is dedicated to real stories of resilience—of individuals who faced adversity, refused to back down, and rose above the challenge.
No Ordinary Pursuit
Erick Del Angel
This is the story of how fitness completely changed a life. Erick’s life.
At some point, many of us feel stuck. Life hits hard. Anxiety, depression, failure—it all piles up. And when we don’t know how to process it, we look for ways to escape. Alcohol. Drugs. Anything to numb the pain. That was Erick.
Throughout most of his 20s, he faced constant hardships and a failed relationship. Feeling trapped and unsure of his direction, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope—until it nearly cost him his life. After an overdose, he knew something had to change.
Erick’s brother was an active runner, so he decided to give running a try. That decision changed everything.
Running quickly became more than exercise. It became his passion. And it turned out he wasn’t just good at it…he was great. Running made him feel unstoppable. It became his way of fighting the demons within and, most importantly, replaced the drugs and alcohol that once controlled him.
In February 2025, Erick began running with real intent. He joined run clubs, met like-minded athletes, and learned how to train properly from his newfound running community. By May 2025, he committed to his first major challenge: a 50-mile ultra.
September 2025, just a couple weeks before race day, Erick received news that nobody ever wants to hear. His mother had been diagnosed with cancer. Heartbroken and overwhelmed, he leaned on the one thing that had saved him before. He ran.
November 1, 2026: Race day. Over 80 athletes lined up. Erick finished 6th overall. Waiting for him at the finish line were his friends, his family, and most importantly, his mother.
We can’t always control the cards we’re dealt, but we can control how we respond. Erick chose action. He chose to run. He chose to PERSEVERE. Running saved him.
Let your story fuel STRENGTH.
IG: edatheo14
From Paralyzed to Powerhouse
Chris mitchell
Four years ago, Chris was told by doctors that he'd never walk or lift again without surgery. This was the result of a serious work accident that left him with two herniated discs. But after losing his job, surgery wasn’t financially possible. The odds were stacked against him. Still, he refused to accept that surgery was his only way forward. A fellow trainer advised him that with time, proper training, and discipline, recovery without surgery was possible, especially at his age. Chris made a decision: he would fight. He began training with purpose. Studying, healing, and rebuilding. Just six weeks after being told he may never lift again, he was back in the gym.
Inspired by his recovery, Chris used his experience to fuel a greater purpose—helping others heal. He began working at a corrective exercise clinic focused on rehabilitation, which ironically, is next door to the orthopedic office where he was once told he'd never walk again. For the past three years, Chris has been guiding others on their own paths to recovery through personal training. His specialties include corrective exercise, strength and conditioning, HIIT, nutrition, and stretch therapy. His passion is fueled by seeing people heal, grow, and step into their full potential.
Chris embodies one of Forte’s core values: Perseverance. Life will hit hard, but how we respond will shape the path forward. Chris chose to defy the odds, and now, he’s helping others rise above theirs.
MUSIC: SICKO MODE - TRAVIS SCOTT
IG: SENSEIIMITCH