I've always been athletic but dealt with weight/body issues. Then I got pregnant and gained 37 lbs and lost a massive amount of muscle mass from being overly sedentary in Feb, 2005. After the birth of my daughter I got my ass in gear and lost 50lbs, gained muscle, and a ton of knowledge! After the birth of my second daughter in Feb, 2010, again I got my ass in gear immediately only to be faced with unusual amount of spinal pain, turns out I wasnt making excuses while pregnant and had probably pushed myself too far at times! I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, which is an genetic, degenerative, autoimmune, arthritis that targets my spinal column, SI Joints, and during an inflammation all joints. It sucks, but I dont let it stop me. For now I have had to give up running and weightlifting but am working with my Rhumy to find a way to keep the inflammation at bay so I can get back to what I LOVE without further damaging my spine! I walk everyday and lift with light 7 lbs weights (omg boohoo) and its working along with healthy eating and supplements :) I am a mere 20 lbs from my comfort zone goal, and 50 lbs down only 9 months after having a baby. I can do it all.