The Beginning

I wanted to start this blog several months ago but wasn't brave enough. Or, maybe, I didn't think I had anything to say about the subject of "finding a balance". But the more I lived my life and the more I thought about it, I am finding the balance every day (some days are better than others)!

Now let me explain...the balance I am constantly trying to find is the balance between my health/fitness and my "fat girl tendencies". I never battled with my weight until college. I weighed 129lbs. all through high school but I was active playing volleyball year-round. Once I got to college all that stopped and I discovered bars and eating when/what I wanted! I went from a size 6, when I arrived, to a size 14 when I left, freshman year. I always fought with my body image after that. I even went through some bouts with eating issues! My heaviest, though, was when I lived in Japan with my husband from 2008-2011.  I weighed over 200lbs.! It wasn't until we went to Thailand in 2009 that I realized how big I really was. In my head I thought I looked like a size 10, even though I was wearing size 14/16 pants. It was then that I decided to do something about it! I kind of half-assed it for awhile but once I started reaching some goals physically, I got serious. I was able to lose about 60lbs. initially!

Since moving back, I have struggled even more with the balance! America has much more tempting and convenient eating options, plus the stress of moving abroad. I had to find a routine! Once I found that routine, though, I had already gained back most of that weight. So, I decided to start racing, since running was how I lost most of my initial weight. This past January I had decided that I wanted to run a half-marathon. I had already run several 5Ks and a 10K, so a half-marathon only made sense. Through my training and commitment (and a few slumps) I was able to lose all that weight again. Well, I completed my first half-marathon June 2, 2013 in Chicago, IL.

It was after this race that I even had the idea of starting this blog. I was pumped and feeling good about myself. It may have also been the beer I was drinking afterwards at Goose Island Brewery (my favorite)! Either way, I think it's important that I write this. 

Most health/weight loss blogs I read these days are all about after meeting that end goal and I wanted to take people along on my journey. I have been fighting this battle of self image for over 10 years. I have realized, though, that it's not about how much you weigh but how you feel! Of course I have a "goal weight" but I don't know if I'll ever reach it. I do know that I feel better when I am active and completing physical goals. In fact, I still remember the feeling of running my first mile without walking or completing my first 5K (I cried while calling my husband). Those are moments that will stick with me forever and keep me going. 

This blog will not always be positive, but it will always be honest!