This is only the beginning...

October 1, 2010 was the day that I decided to get off my behind and do something about the way I was feeling about myself.  October 1st happens to have a very special significance to me for other reasons and being depressed about it and wallowing in grief was what actually spurred me into action in the first place.  I remember being so depressed and so disgusted with myself (as a whole not just physically) and something just clicked.  *Click*

I remember getting off of the sofa and putting on a Zumba DVD that I happened to have at home thanks to my husband.  I did the 20 min express workout and I think I almost died doing it...I kid you not.  Who knew that bouncing around for 20 mins could leave you dripping with sweat and gasping for breath?  Not me that's for sure.  After taking oh 15 mins to recover I text my husband and said, " I just did zumba and I liked it" to which he replied "really? cool."  (that's my husband for you, to the point).  I remember that while I did Zumba I felt really idiotic because these were essentially moves that I had been doing all my life (being a latina) and I kept thinking what do these chicks have to show me but I got over myself and had fun. In the end I decided that I was going to do it again the next day.  That was how it all began for me.

At first I didn't really have a plan, I just wanted to workout as much as possible.  I didn't diet or change my eating whatsoever.  About 3 weeks in, I pulled a tendon in my foot.  That folks is what happens when you over exert yourselves and happen to be dim witted and continue to exercise and walk on the bad foot despite the pain.  Needless to say I ended up not being able to walk with an ankle that looked like a coconut.  The Rx was an air cast and 1 week on crutches. FML.  I was worried about being derailed from my new found fitness mentality but thankfully I stuck with it.

One year later and almost 60lbs lost (58.5lbs to be exact as of Oct 1) my life has changed so much.  I changed the way I ate all the while not dieting, I became aware of what I put in my mouth.  I read A LOT!  In fact, I read fitness articles each and every day because I am fascinated with it.  I drink water now - I NEVER drank water before, a whole year would pass and I'd probably drink the equivalent to 8oz of pure water, I kid you not.  I have become active, I am constantly working out even when I have slow periods (doing 3 days a week instead of 5/6).  I am happier with myself, though I still need work in the self esteem/self image department I am much more comfortable in my own skin and that is saying a lot for me.  I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish and 95% of it was at home with DVDs and just my own determination and promise to myself - so if I can do it, so can you!!  The other 5% was with the help of message boards, sites like Sparkpeople and Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camp Program which I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join last month and that introduced me to Holly Rilinger and Flywheel both of which I <3.

Like the title suggests, this is just the beginning for me.  Last Saturday on my anniversary I made a new set of goals, the biggest and most important to me of which are to run (not walk) a 5K and 10K before this time next year.  I have delusions of grandeur and hope to be able to do an even longer race than that but for now I'll start small.  I also plan to try more classes, up until this past September (thanks to the Fitness Magazine Program) I had never tried one and was honestly too intimidated.  Not anymore.  If this program has shown me anything is that working out in a team atmosphere is fun (like in Holly's Boot Camp) and when it isn't a team effort a little competition will definitely spur you on to do better (like with Flywheel's TorqBoard).  Either way I plan on staying active, staying healthy and living life to the fullest!

Sparkpeople - Tons of info at your fingertips!

Sparkpeople is a great site that offers members a place to track their food intake, fitness minutes & measurements.   It also houses quite a few experts in the health and fitness fields that help members by answering questions on the message boards as well as by providing custom content in the forms of recipes, workout videos and blog posts about the latest news, research and gadgets in the industry.
What I have found really beneficial (aside from the trackers which are awesome) is the community.  Sparkpeople has a wonderful message board where you can ask questions and meet new people who are also trying to lose weight or that have already lost the weight and are trying to help others out.  I have met quite a few new friends through Sparkpeople, it's great to have that outlet when you are struggling to stay motivated.  The creme de la creme is that Sparkpeople is 100% free :)  No "premium features" that cost additional, you get full access once you sign up.  If you want to be able to track your progress, have access to tons of information and meet new friends then I highly recommend you check Sparkpeople out.  If you need a buddy, look me up gab6784.

She lost 125lbs and kept it off! - AMAZING!

Slim Katie over at runs for cookies was once over 250lbs but with dedication, hard work and exercise she lost 125lbs. I originally found her on Sparkpeople and she is truly inspiring! I have been reading her blog for a few months now and aside from being motivating and inspiring she is funny! Her posts are down to earth and it's fun following her race training. She posts recipes, her workouts and other non fitness related stuff. Her story is motivating for me and many, if she can do it - SO CAN YOU! Check her out :)