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Introduction Text I am the queen of weight loss without a doubt. Oh yes, I have lost hundreds of pounds over the years and still find myself back at my heaviest weight. How can that be? I am tired of continually regaining the weight which I have lost and need to make some permanent life style changes. The journey has begun!!! I committed to improved healthy eating habits, joined a gym for the first time in my life, and signed up with Spark People for motivation. Already it's proven to be quite a journey. First day at the gym I learned that when I hit the wall it doesn't mean to stop but pushing through the wall brings results. I have learned that childhood experiences don't have to define who I am. No they don't. Having always been unable to do any situps I just accepted that I have weak abdominal muscles and I just am not built to do sit ups. Here 40 plus years later I learn that I can do situps. Really!!! I am looking forward to learning what other barriers wait to be broken. September 2013 Approximately 1 1/2 years after joining Spark I believe it's time to seriously overhaul my Spark Page with a renewed commitment to the journey I have begun here. The first year found me highly motivated with a continuous weight loss, eagerly learning what I could, not only learning but acting on what I learned, becoming fit, and staying the course. The last 6 months have continued to give reason to celebrate as I recognized non scale victories such as fitting into the size 14 capris I bought the summer before in order to challenge myself, taking over hand me downs from my "skinny" sister which I've never been able to do in my life, and completing my first ever 5 km run for a cause running the entire race. However this journey isn't only about successes, important as they may be. Realistically there are challenges and struggles along the way. What we do with these challenges and struggles is what's important. These last six months have found me up 10 pounds from my lightest, committing to what I know I need to do and then derailing myself just as quickly again. I had lost 70 pounds in total but am now back to 60. Wanting to loose another 30 lbs to reach my initial goal I have some serious work to do to begin a loosing streak once again. So today I embrace "the slow but steady race" to my goal weight with a renewed commitment and determination to reach my goal by my second anniversary at Spark. My Spark page needs to reflect that goal and so I am revamping my page. January 2014 So the fall has passed, a new year has begun and I am not anywhere nearer my goal. As a matter of fact I have gained another 20 lbs and now have 50 lbs to loose to reach my goal weight. I can choose to be discouraged and consider the last months such a waste of time because of all the hard work it'll take to get back to where I was or I can recognize the things I have learned from the last months making me stronger for the healthy lifestyle I want to live each day for the rest of my life. "Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. The make mistakes, but they don't quit." -Conrad Hilton- I've made mistakes, I'm taking action, and I'll keep moving towards my goal. January 2015 Since joining Spark fitness has become such a natural part of my daily routine. I remain committed to my strength training, walking/running, and aqua spinning classes. I can honestly say I enjoy pushing myself to see what I can accomplish. My commitment to fitness has improved my health tremendously, I have more energy, love to bike, hike, even run, and swim, climbing stairs is easier, and getting in and out of the car doesn't take near the effort it used to. BUT and it's a big BUT... I am letting my weight creep up over the last couple of years. I yo yo up and down 10 lbs and then let the numbers creep a bit higher. If I want to continue enjoying the fitness I do I have to get control of the weight because I can notice the extra weight when it comes to my fitness activities. I know getting rid of the 25 lb gain will make a significant difference. So here's what's up for the coming year. I am going to have a good hard and honest look at what I have been doing in regards to nutrition to derail my progress. It's only with honest admission of what's happening that I can make the changes necessary. And I WILL make the necessary changes to get myself back into Onederland. "Nothing will work unless you do." Maya Angelou I am working on my nutrition plans and habits!

1. Eat healthy foods within my recommended caloric range daily 2. be physically active on a daily basis. 3. reach one-derland once again by Aug. 2015. good bye 220- good bye 210 welcome onederland 4. Participate in first "Colour Me Rad" 5 km run in May 2015.

1. track my nutrition daily 2. track my fitness daily 3. attend aqua spinning classes 3 times a week (M-MRC, W-ARC, Fr-MRC) 4. Stationary bike or bike for 30 minutes 2 times a week. (T, Th) 5. 45 minutes ST at gym on own once a week (T, Thurs.) 6. 30 minutes aqua jogging 3 times a week (M, W, Th) 7. 60 minute bike or walk on Sunday afternoon. 8. Plan my menu the night before at minimum if not for the whole week. 9. Read all labels to make informative choices about healthy foods and portion control. 10. Weigh in once a week. (WIW) 11. Stay connected with Spark Friends who encourage and motivate me. 11. Actively participate in Biggest Loser Challenges at Spark.

British Columbia, Canada

Though I enjoy knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, photography, card making, and exploring new hobbies I find I have less time for them as I spend more family time with my young nieces and nephew. They're only young once and I don't want to miss the opportunity to build relationships with them. Over the last year activities with them have changed from a more sedentary nature to swimming, biking, canoeing, walking and hiking. Enjoying the active life with the kids now.

Add a Link Maria "Slow but sure wins the race!" "I will persist until I succeed." BLC26 Challenge - Hot Mocha Maniac - Pacific Standard Time Zone BLC27 Hot Mocha Maniacs Co Captain - PST Zone BLC28 - PST Zone <link>blctracking.com/ </link> <link>sites.google.com/site/hotmochamaniacs/home</link> <link>docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FsC_PzB3tpI32bZmEVCfTOPV4LSSz0Y8FGkkaIe9wkU/edit#gid=0</link>
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