Chicago area gal looking for friends in this journey!

Hi! I'm Laura ... not necessarily new around these parts, but making myself known for the first time.

Life's been challenging since early this year and I definitely let things get away from me. I allowed the situation to overwhelm me instead of taking control. And all that comfort eating? Yea, it definitely left a mark.

So - I'm back and ready to do some damage. I love being active -- running, mountain biking, hiking -- but the extra 20+ pounds I've put on recently makes everything difficult and uncomfortable (and aggravates old injuries). I want to get back to being that person, though, because moving and sweating makes me happy.

I've finally realized, too, that I need help in the journey ... I'm trying hard to climb out of the hole that I'm in all on my own, but I think I might need a hand up. Some encouragement. Some accountability. Some friends to make it enjoyable.

My goal is to become an active member here -- I know from firsthand experience that a virtual community can provide loads of support (I'm very active on a triathlon website even though I haven't been working out much lately) and be incredibly helpful when you have some common goals.

So: onward. Starting now. Because nothing changes if nothing changes. Right?