2013 was a beast... but so was I! (one year with pic)

I've been a "watcher" on My Fitness Pal for a while. I'd start and stop workout programs. Eat thoughtfully, then stop. I'd read the success stories on this board, hoping someday I could share mine. Today, one day after my one-year "fit-aversary," I'm excited to finally get to

In November 2012, I joined a gym close to my house. I thought having to drive by it every day on my way home from work would encourage me to actually go. The person who signed me up for my membership convinced me to try her Les Mills Body Pump class that night. I had no idea who Les Mills was or what Body Pump was all about. But for some reason, even though I was terrified, I went. I remember sitting in the parking lot that night, scared to go in, and telling myself, "if you do this, your life is going to change." So I went in and have continued to go in four to five times a week since! (It's cliche, but January 1, 2013 was my "let's do this!" day. That's when I really committed.)

Some things I did/do:

- Les Body Pump
- Les Mills RPM (love!)
- Les Mills Body Attack (most intense workout I've ever done)
- Les Mills CXWORX
- Running (did a 5k this past spring)
- LOTS of walking with my dog
- Counted calories with MFP (I started very low, but learned a little more was better. I net ~1400/1600 depending on the day.)
- Eat thoughtfully (I'm a vegetarian, so I make sure to get protein while eating lots of fruits and veggies.)
- Let myself enjoy treats when I want, in moderation
- Use a heart rate monitor (this is a biggie for me)

In the beginning, I weighed and measured myself religiously. Now, I just go by how I feel and take a progress picture every once and awhile.

I'm 5'3". My starting weight was 159 (but I suspect it was a bit more). My lowest current weight is 129 (but that fluctuates on the day by a few, and that's okay). But I like how "I lost 30 pounds" sounds

I could not have done it without the awesome people at my gym and the "fit friends" (who are just friends now) I made. Yesterday, I lifted heavy for the first time and am excited to do more. I'm going to keep up with the cardio and am doing a half marathon with my sisters in the fall (eek!).

So, here's the pic! Not the best, but you get the idea. It's pretty scary to post this, but so many of your stories have helped me, maybe this will help someone else.



Thanks, all!