I went through an emergency c-section a year and a half ago. We almost didn't make it. I've only been able to get 30lbs off in the meantime. I was afraid to tone my abs after of the surgery and up until this point because it's still so tender. Recently, I was walking my daughter to school and pushing the baby through a foot of snow for an hour and my lower ab muscles hurt. I knew then it was possible to tone there again and not to be afraid. I must admit, I felt good again.

I also heard someone on bodybuilding.com say that 'instead of constantly complaining about not having that perfect body and wishing for it, it's better to lose the weight and feel good while doing it and that way you ALWAYS feel good'. That made complete sense to me. I never really thought about it that way. I do spend more time complaining than actually doing something about it...That hit home.

At that same time, I was not happy and sick of complaining over and over again year after year. I saw your ad on Facebook for the 100k Transformation Challenge and thought what is there to lose. I can win money and have that body I want. Combined with the bodybuilding.com comment, the Facebook ad for this competition, and working my abs that day, I knew I was going to change my life for good.

My goals are realistic. Small goals at a time. I know what my overall goal is, but I don't want to get discouraged along the way so I set little goals at a time. Then, when I reach that goal I will set another small goal until I am where I want to be.

I'm home with the baby all day for a little while still. I have the weights, videos, a bowflex in my bedroom and a gym down the hall. There's so many tools for me to be fit, healthy and feeling good. There's simply no excuses anymore. Its time to get me back...its been 17+ years.

I've been a size 1 and 10 so I know what its like for both worlds. I had my first son at 16 and had my last son just recently at 33. Its been 17+ years since I've been in a bathing suit and have let anyone see me in one with the exception of the 100k pics (I'm too shocked to say anything about those pics...I can't believe I posted them...I'm not even going to go there). I'd also really like to take the baby swimming myself this summer instead of depending on other people...that's going to be nice. I'm going to lose the weight. And also to look good for my 'man' who's awesome. :) I have all the self motivation in the world because I'm going to make it happen...I'm going to transform my body in 12 weeks and blow bodybuilding.com away...and myself too.

I love working out because it gives me more energy throughout the day, and I don't seize up like an old woman. I've always had a love for weights. I love the feeling I get when I'm on my last rep and I get mad to push through it. Its also a nice feeling when I'm sore the next day because then I know I'm doing something right. I like the fact I can switch it up so I don't plateau or get bored...there's a tone of different exercises and ways of working all the areas of the body. I have to admit...its pretty cool. My biggest issue was with nutrition but I learned a lot from this site and I sincerely thank you (whoever started it and keeps it going) for it!!!