You are worth it. You are worth the time and effort to create a healthy life.

I joined Spark People in January 2011 because after losing 50 pounds over a year's time, I had totally lost my motivation to work out. I had a gym membership and hadn't gone in months, I was gaining weight after my loss. I didn't want to continue that way. I searched for something to help motivate me to get back on track. I found Spark People and my life has changed completely.

My goal was ...

You are worth it. You are worth the time and effort to create a healthy life.

I joined Spark People in January 2011 because after losing 50 pounds over a year's time, I had totally lost my motivation to work out. I had a gym membership and hadn't gone in months, I was gaining weight after my loss. I didn't want to continue that way. I searched for something to help motivate me to get back on track. I found Spark People and my life has changed completely.

My goal was to motivate myself to start working out again and lose the last few pounds before reaching my goal weight.

Well, that happened and so much more. I am a runner now. I never imagined being a runner. My last experience running was 1998 when it was for a grade in P.E. And only then was it only with the threat of failing the class.

In March 2011 through SP and the wonderful support and idea sparked that I could train for a 5k. I began the 5k Your Way Walk/Jog Training program. I didn't successfully finish it the first time due to an injury, had to take a break from running and recover. I started again and later did my first 5k race in August of 2011. Since then, I have completed several more 5ks, a half marathon in December of 2011, and the Los Angeles Marathon in March of 2012. I finally decided to call myself a runner. I even changed my username on Spark.

Since joining SparkPeople, my lifestyle has changed. My mindset has changed. I used to view exercise as a 30 minute block of time you spent and the rest of the time you could be sedentary. I saw it as something separate from my "real" life, socializing, and my family. Now I see the many ways to incorporate fitness into my day (and actaully enjoy and look forward to it!!) and I also look for ways to incorporate time with my family, having fun and being active together. Another change is that I now cook more and pack healthy lunches and snacks to take to work and prepare healthy dinners. Prior to Spark People, I didn't cook much. Now, I enjoy cooking and baking healthy Spark recipes with my daughter. Again, something I NEVER thought would happen. I was a microwave kind of girl. Never had the patience to actually prepare foods that required any time. Just wanted to press a button and have it be ready. Now I put more time and effort into my meals and have been reaping the rewards.

I make my health and my family's health a priority and it's FUN! I don't see it as an obligation, but rather actually enjoy fitness and the way it makes my body feel, I also enjoy the stress-relieving benefits! I sleep better, I have more energy, and I feel happier. I feel stronger, more capable, and able to tackle whatever challenge I take on.

Wherever you are in your journey to creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself I want to encourage you to believe that it's possible. Start small and make changes that you can sustain. Start with 10 minutes a day and build consistency. Later you can work up to more. Once you've tackled something and are feeling more confident, add on. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. You don't have to cut out less nutritious foods completely. Everything in moderation. Have a bad day and slip up? Learn from it and move on. Don't waste time feeling guilty or ashamed. You don't have to be perfect. Progress not perfection. The important thing is to keep moving forward toward your goals.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Read More About RUNNERRACHEL (Updated May 21)

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