I am actually having fun walking on the treadmill. The first 3 or 4 weeks I don't think I really enjoyed it. The past week has been frustrating since I did not lose any weight, but the treadmill has kept me going. I can see results while I am walking. I can set smaller goals of walking a specific time or distance and when I complete my workout, I am happy.

I did try a fat burning setting on the treadmill which I am pretty sure just about killed me. I wanted so bad to press the stop button or reduce the speed and incline, but I didn't. When I was finished I was so satisfied and proud. Probably more proud than losing a pound or two. I know if I keep working out like that then the pounds will fall off on their own. I love it!

Below is a small clip of me continuing to follow the plan Coach Jenny gave me and one of my favorite activities helping me to get fit. Maybe when it stops snowing, I will start to love my bike again! My frustration level is low thanks to my treadmill.

Things are going pretty well so far. The snow is crazy in St. Louis so I am pretty limited to indoor activities. I would rather be outside, but I am trying to avoid frostbite.

I started going to Curves three times a week, but I haven't gotten into walking on the treadmill aspect just yet. Between playing soccer once a week and Curves, my knee is back to its old self. By that I mean it is starting to swell a bit and is a little sore. I know I need to work through it, so I am staying focused. I actually feel that my knee isn't so bad until I get to my off day and thats when it swells the most. Weird, huh?!

I am also educating myself on nutrition and eating habits. Do you know what one of the most unhealthy sandwiches at Subway is?? It's the Tuna Sandwich!!! I couldn't believe it either. The more I learn about food, the better I can regulate how many calories and fat grams I consume. My biggest focus for the next week is balancing both my nutrition and my exercise. Today I talked to Coach Jenny and she really emphasized the importance of both nutrition and activity. I know I can't just eat better without burning calories and vice versa. So the next week I am going to focus on finding that balance. Check back to see how it's going!

Welcome to my blog! I am just a normal 25 year-old girl from the Midwest (St. Louis, Missouri). I enjoy all different types of sports and have played just about every sport recreationally, competitively, or in the back yard. I played soccer in high school and then walked on a Division II team where I was the back up goalie for two years. I loved working out with the team and playing soccer to get fit. I was in the best shape of my life (5 or 6 years ago). Now that I have graduated and am living in the "real world", I haven't been so active. I am a Medicare Auditor for the Federal Government, so I sit at my desk for 8 hours a day in front of a computer screen and type away. No activity or exercise there! I also coach a 2nd grade girl’s soccer team. We just finished our outdoor season and will start an indoor soccer session in February. Coaching those girls is one the best things I have ever done.

Right now I exercise about once a week. Really, all I do is play goalie for an hour a week in an Over 18 soccer league--not much in the way of real exercise. I am definitely a beginner and would like to start working out at a reasonable pace that isn’t going to kill me in the first week. I want to lose weight, so I can accept pain, but I don't want to get discouraged in the beginning. My biggest challenge is getting motivated to get up off the couch after work. Growing up I was always on the move so I know I am capable.

There is one big thing to mention, however, I am getting married in less than 8 months and I would really like to be in better shape. I want to feel good, look good, and just feel energized as I begin the next chapter of my life. I want to do this more than anyone knows. My biggest goal is to lose weight (obviously)!! I now weigh exactly 200lbs (size 18), which is ridiculous and I would like to lose 30lbs (size 12). I only have a few months before I have to get my dress, so the time is now. I remember when I was 170lb and it was great. I had more energy and felt good about myself. I took pride in myself and felt really good. Another goal of mine is to get more fit. I want to increase my agility and endurance which would help improve my soccer skills. I would love to actually play soccer in a position other than goalie. I want to play an entire game (with regular substitutions) as a field player. That would be awesome. My third goal would be to learn how to eat healthy and really embrace a lifestyle of healthy eating. I want to learn what is healthy and what isn't.

I am so excited to begin this journey that will hopefully improve the rest of my life. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I get to start this journey with my best friend and my maid of honor. I am so grateful that Trish informed me and inspired me to get active and get healthy. I am sure she will be my motivator as well as my reality checker. That’s what I need. Well, wish me luck and I will keep you updated.