Finding the Inner Fight...

Five years ago I was the healthiest I had been since college.  I was running daily, biking at least three times a week, and playing soccer three times a week as well.  I thought I had it all together.  I can't say I was happy with the weight I was at, but I can say I was extremely happy with how fit and strong I was.  I was 165 lbs, and on a 5'2" frame that's still pretty heavy, but I was confident in my abilities. At my happiest/healthiest weight, I was 145 pounds (2004).  You see, my whole life I had been fit.  I was a competitive swimmer, soccer player, and water polo player.  I often did double days, and although I have never been the "skinny-minny", I have always been one strong ass girl.  So what happened to the girl from 2004?  How did I gain 70lbs in 10 years???

                              2004                         2014                                   2014

Back to five years ago, I was playing one of my many soccer games - and BAM! Just like that, I was taken out by the goalie and suffered an MCL tear and a lateral tibial plateau fracture. Basically what that means is, my femur bone crushed into my tibia bone, crushed it, chipped it, and displaced it.  Needless to say, I was taken out of my every day healthy and active lifestyle in a matter of minutes.  My life changed that day.

For the next four months, I wasn't even allowed to put my foot on the ground.  I underwent surgery, and I spent my life sitting on the couch or out drinking and eating with friends.  I had every intent of this injury not letting me be sidelined in my social life.  So I was the girl that would crutch her way into the bar throwing em back with the best.  That packed on 30 lbs, quickly - and was extremely hard to get off - okay it still hasn't come off.

Fast forward to one year later, beginning of 2010, I was out to show the world and my doctor I would be able to run a 10K, my first 10K within a year of my surgery.  Something he said I couldn't done. Little did he know the fire he sparked.  I quit drinking completely as my new years resolution, and I began a strict running regimen.  I ran every day, added in some cross training - and on a year to the day, I ran that 10K.  I was beyond proud.  I met my now husband 2 weeks later, and now I'm the happiest I have ever been in my life.  But I'm the unhealthiest I have ever been as well.  The question is, where did the inner fight to be fit and strong go?  

I am opening myself up to this journey, because something has to be done.  I want to have a family, and I do not want to be held back by my weight. I want to be confident and be able to walk into any store and not fear looking at the mirror while I try things on.  I want to be able to run down the street again in my soccer shorts and tank top (I haven't done that since my surgery).  

Through this journey, I'll share my triumphs, defeats, and everything in between.  I'll be working on creating a consistent cardio regimen, and focusing strongly on my nutrition - all while being coached weekly by Sue at Fast Action Training (F.A.T.).  I'll be bold - sharing personal photos, food photos, and more emotions than I may even be ready for.     

My ultimate goal is to lose the weight (I'd like to be 160 again - currently 217), find my inner "bad-ass" (as my soccer team would say), and get back the active lifestyle as well.  I start a new job as Vice Principal of a middle, as of today - and while I go through this journey, hopefully I can inspire those around me to do the same.  Here's to finding the inner fight I lost so long ago and losing everything that held me back.