I've been on Spark for almost 2 years, so I figured it was time to update my page. Last year I used Spark to help me train for my first ever 5K. I did the Couch to 5K program (loved it!), and successfully completed my first 5K with a time of 28:26. I was so proud of myself and I know I couldn't have done it without all the inspiration I found here. The problem was that I trained for the race on a shock absorbing treadmill, and then I ran the race on the road. BAD idea!! I couldn't walk ...

I've been on Spark for almost 2 years, so I figured it was time to update my page. Last year I used Spark to help me train for my first ever 5K. I did the Couch to 5K program (loved it!), and successfully completed my first 5K with a time of 28:26. I was so proud of myself and I know I couldn't have done it without all the inspiration I found here. The problem was that I trained for the race on a shock absorbing treadmill, and then I ran the race on the road. BAD idea!! I couldn't walk for 3 days afterward! I have really bad osteoarthritis in my knees, and truly I shouldn't have been running at all....but I'm only 31 and I wanted to run just one race. I did, and I am proud of that. But I also realized something while running that race. While I was happy that I was able to do it....running is just not my thing. I know everyone talks about the "runners high" they get after finishing a good run and I know that its great for cardio....but I just don't enjoy it! I don't get the runners high....I get really sore knees and exhaustion! For a while I felt guilty, like there was something wrong with me. I felt lazy for not enjoying running as much as others do. And I felt like in order to be at optimal health, I had to do what everyone else was doing and RUN. But I've decided this year to get healthy my own way. And that means no long runs for me. They bore me to death and I hurt. So this year I am focusing on using the NordicTrack my father gave me (it is the reeeallllly old one with the wooden skis) and I'm using my treadmill at different inclines wearing my walkvest with weights in it (which I LOVE). I also do some light weight training a couple of times a week. I don't want bulk, just tone, so the heaviest dumbbell I use is 8 pounds and I do lots of reps. I've been doing this since the beginning of the year and I can already see a difference in my muscles. I'm not trying to lose any weight. I'm 5'11" and I weigh anywhere between 143-148. For me this is a good number. I feel comfortable in my own skin. I just want a little more tone, and I want to be healthy! Healthy on the inside. That is my main goal. I don't need my jean size to go down to feel better. I want to be able to run around outside with my children and not be out of breath. I want to be able to park my car in the far parking lot at school and not be out of breath by the time I get to class. But mostly I suppose I don't want to end up like one of my patients in the hospital who've made a lifetime of unhealthy habits and now have to spend their day hooked up to machines having their heart monitored to catch any impending heart attacks.
So this journey I'm on has no real end in sight. It is a lifetime journey to live the healthiest that I can. I know that I will make some bad choices along the way, but I refuse to beat myself up over them anymore. I'm not perfect, I don't expect all my choices to be perfect. I just expect myself to realize when I've gotten off the healthy path and kick myself back on it.
I wish everyone here the best of luck with all of their goals, whether they be weight loss or just healthier lifestyles. This is such an awesome sight and we are so lucky to have these resources. Good luck!

Read More About STOLLY2 (Updated February 12)

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