Most people start out by chronicling their weight loss journeys from the beginning. I'm doing things backwards and sideways, starting in the middle. I've hit the 100 lbs lost point, have maintained for a year, and seem to be stuck to get over the hurdle of the last 40 lbs. This blog, this site, is one way of keeping the momentum going. Writing about the present, while also reflecting on the journey thus far, will hopefully help me to stay motivated and on track. If it helps anyone else along the way, so much the better.

I have struggled with weight pretty much since puberty hit. Once I reached 200 lbs in high school, I figured it would be a losing battle. I've tangled with a lot of the usual suspects: Weight Watchers. Binge Eating Disorder. Knee problems. Sleep apnea. Yo-Yo dieting. Migraines and Tension Headaches. Atkins. Low-Fat. Bulimic tendencies. Most of the highs and the lows of obesity.

It was in 2011 that I started to lose weight when a few things fell into place. It was small, subtle changes that did it. Walking a little bit more. Taking stairs. Reducing and then cutting out pop. Eventually, I began to swim again. Through most of 2012, I swam 5-6 days a week. As I built my cardio up, and increased the speed and number of lengths in the pool, a lot of the weight came off. 2012 was all about Cardio.

2013 was the year of Strength. I joined the YMCA, tried a variety of classes, and met a Fitness Coach (a.k.a. personal trainer, but so.much.more!), and I got strong. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I did things I never, ever, thought I'd do. 2013 was truly a year of huge change and growth, even if the scale and measuring tape didn't reflect it.

2014 is going to be the year of Balance. I'm not just saying that because the stability ball is my nemesis and I wobble when I stand on one foot! I still want to work on those last pounds and weight loss, but I also want to balance work and life and exercise and eating. I want to figure out how to be fit AND happy, not one or the other. How to get enough sleep, work out the right amount, eat clean while still enjoying the social aspects of food, and how not to live in an all-or-nothing way.

As I read, research, and reflect my way through the rest of my journey, I'll share what I discover - about myself, about health and fitness, and about balance.

a "before" picture