Years ago, I was athletic, active, and fit. Slowly, over time I gained a lot of weight due to less activity and unhealthy eating habits. I gained so much weight that I couldn't do the things I enjoyed- like playing sports, coaching, riding horses. At 349 pounds, even walking up a flight of stairs or getting up off the floor was difficult. 3 years ago I went to China, and it was a really hard time. I weighed 340 pounds, and was stared at and pointed at. Some people laughed at me. I felt like even some of the people I was with were embarrassed to be with me. I wanted so much to enjoy my time, but felt like I was an animal on display, and very humiliated. I was even singled out by a flight attendant on my flight home. I wished I was invisible. That experience put me over the edge, and jolted me awake. My doctor told me that even though I was "only" hypertensive, I was a time-bomb. It was at that point that I decided I would take my life back- not only for myself, but my kids.

I exercise in a lot of different ways. Admittedly, I didn't go to the gym and lift weights much this summer because I was always outside, either riding horses, jogging, or hiking. I love the way my body tightens up from weight lifting, and love the way my muscles look. I didn't think I'd ever see another muscle- and when I did, it was very cool :) Since I've been jogging, my body looks leaner. When I lifted I had more muscle definition. After losing so much weight, I have a lot of skin, so building muscle helps the skin look tighter.I love the great feeling after a workout/exercising- even the soreness. I also love that no matter what kind of day I've had, when I am done with my workout I feel tons better. That is way better than sitting in front of the tv and downing chips or sweets because you've had a bad day.