I'm here everybody, you can relax now.

So this is my little introduction as I join the MFP ranks! Hey everyone!

I was coaxed to the join site by some of my gal pals at our all-women's message board. They've always been ultra supportive of the big dive into fitness and running that I took about four years ago. With my ups and down, I shed around 20 pounds, gained a ton of muscle, and ran my first marathon among a couple dozen other races. I was so proud of myself, my health and appearance for the first time in...well, as long as I can remember.

I grew up chubby, had a brief bout of athleticism in high school, but things totally went to pot in college. A break-up in my mid-20s sent me seeking refuge at the gym, which eventually turned me into a running monster and brought to a level of fitness that I didn't think possible. I got the running bug, with a minor weight lifting virus. But tragedy struck last winter when I came down with my first major injury: ITBS. I was stubborn, and long story short, I didn't rest when I should have, which prolonged my complications and took me out of the running to be ridiculously fit, become a marathon maniac and accomplish a ton of other really awesome goals. I lost nearly all of my motivation last fall, add in the holiday season and I've gained 15-20 lbs along, lost my muscle, and continue to battle new running injuries (I swapped to barefoot/minimalist running in December, which takes a lot of adjustment).

And then it hit me. In 4 months I'm going to be 30 years old. The big 3-0. Holy cow. In Sept 2009 when I was at my peak fitness level, I committed to being in such great shape that I'd enter a Figure Competition for my 30th birthday. With the complete regression of all my hard work, this isn't going to be possible at this point. However, it doesn't mean that I can bust my butt to recover as much of my strength and fitness before the start of a new decade.

On my last day as a 29 year old, I'll be running a Warrior Dash. It's a mere 5k course - but full of obstacles: junkyard, tires, walls, mudpits, fire, hills, etc. So it's no ordinary 5k and it requires a lot more than just running fitness. I'm determined to kick some butt and be in great shape to get through this. I will be a Warrior for my 30th birthday! A hot, fit, strong chick. I plan to kick off my 30s like a rockstar, Ke$ha-style, minus the drugs and blue lipstick.

So that's my history, my motivation and where I stand. I'm excited to have the tracking tools available at MFP for my food, the support of good friends - and hopefully some new ones!