Well, I'm here and I'm excited to begin this journey on Sparkpeople. I was referred here by a friend whose friend loves this site. After poking around some, I can see why. I love the support here, both from the community and the people who work here. I feel so welcomed and I've only just started tracking yesterday.

I have to say I was a bit ecstatic when I set my goals and realized I will make my goal weight by Christmas Eve. Improved health and self-esteem are the best gifts I could ever give myself. Having a date really helped to make my weight loss goals tangible. I no longer feel like I'm trying to lose weight blindfolded.

Yesterday, a few hours after working out, I endured one of the worst migraines I've had in a very long time. I believe this was due to my first real workout in a while, and after reading an article here on Sparkpeople www.dailyspark.com/blog.
asp?post=is_your_exercise_
routine_turning_into_a_headache I believe it was an exertion headache. I'm taking the day off today to allow a full recovery, and will be sure to allow extra time to warm up and cool down before and after my next workout. I've also ordered a heart rate monitor, so that should help to determine if I'm exerting myself too much. I've had this problem many times before, but until I read that article I had no idea what to do about it.

I'm so glad I found Sparkpeople!