I've been in touch with BodyBuilding.com since 2012...I was still pretty small back then...in the middle of my worst and best. Love the community, the stories are very encouraging. I started working out in 2009 when I met a very important person, my husband Richard. I was 192 lbs and just completely over being overweight and unhealthy and we decided as a couple to really work at it and grow. I lost 50 lbs from then to 2010 and was married that year in May at my best. I kept it off for about a year and then gradually gained it back from yo-yo-ing. I Had surgery to reward myself for my huge weight loss, went through the most challenging time in my marriage and life and gained every bit of hard earned work back. Since 2014 I've been on the journey to lose it. I have lost 20 lbs but I still have a long way to go before I'm back to MY normal. I fell in love with runniing and weight training over the years.I have discovered yoga, rowing and the stair master within the past year. I love to feel fit and be fit...I miss it! My ultimate goal is to lose weight and gain strength as well as build endurance. I am working my way to compete in my first bikini competition (approx. Spring 2017). I'm learning how to keep my health a priority among a busy schedule and continous changes.

I love working out because it helps me relieve everyday stressors while building confidence. Every workout you have an opportunity to build new PR and prove to yourself you can exceed your own expectations. I love seeing myself succeed and when I work out I feel the love I have for myself that I have missed for so long. When you are healthy on the inside it reflects the outside and I believe that working out whether that be running, hiking, dancing, stretching through yoga, whatever...as long as it releases endorphins, count me in.