sarblakesl

As a former Olympic athlete, I was in excellent physical condition. At 5 foot 7, I hovered around 125 pounds. At the Olympic Training Center I had access to nutritionists and followed a regimented personal training program that included a lifting program three times a week and cardio on other days. I ate from a cafeteria which catered to foods for athletes.

When I retired in December of 2006, I left this structured environment and had to fend for myself. I slowly slipped into a routine of bad habits and not exercising. I had never learned to take care of myself with the sole goal of being healthy. Over the course of about 2 years I let things slide.

This past January, my husband and I moved to Indiana for his job. I had just graduated college last December and had moved to a completely new environment with no jobs and a lot of time on my hands. Before I knew it, that scale was tipping very close to 150 pounds.

My turning point happened the last week this past July when I tried to fit into some of my old competition gear. I was unable to fasten the pants. I vowed to not only fit into the pants again, but to be compete at a recreational level this fall when we move back to Colorado. This goal keeps me moving, as does the constant praise my husband gives me. As a former triathlete and current runner and cyclist, he is active every single day. He wants me to be healthy so that we can enjoy everything life has to offer together.

This journey has been an exciting one that has made me feel proud of my accomplishment. I am giving myself the best gift I could offer - health and fitness. I consider this endeavor less of a diet and more of a lifestyle change for the better.

Update: 09/24/09 - Goal weight of 133 lb reached (unfortunately, with a little help from the flu!)

Update: 10/08/09 - Goal weight of 130 lb reached

New Goal: Weigh what my driver's license says I do - 127 lbs!