It is that time of year again where we sit down and set goals for the new year. This year, I am going to take a different approach and reflect on my past instead.
It is 10 years ago this month that I started my fitness journey. I had just gotten married and was going on a honeymoon cruise. I had a few pounds I wanted to lose before going on my trip so I decided I would start to exercise. After looking at this picture again, it is painfully obvious I had more than a few to lose!
Are you surprised that I have not always been fit?
I know, most people who meet me now cannot believe that I used to be a very lazy couch potato. I would eat a bag of Oreos while watching hours of TV. I hated any form of exercise and clearly avoided it like the plague. I partied a lot in college (sorry,Mom) and packed on the pounds. At the time I didn’t even seem to notice.
So with my “cruise-goal” set on paper, I joined a gym and made an effort. I woke up early every single day for a month and went to a 5:30am step class. I made friends, lost weight and discovered that I LOVED exercise. I felt alive. I felt strong. I felt important. The weight came off (slowly) and I had a fabulous time on that cruise.
Two years later, I was in the best shape of my life and started to make my vacations active ones. My family thinks I am crazy because I would rather be biking in Utah than sipping drinks on the beach.
Back then, I never would have believed that I could run marathons, become a personal trainer, or teach aerobics. I was never that person and never believed I COULD be.
Yet today, I am that person. Fitness makes me who am I am and most people don’t know me otherwise. I love to be active and make it my goal to do something every single day. Even 10 minutes of stair climbing makes my day better.
Yes, I have had my share of setbacks and I am no longer as fit as I was in that picture. I do however have two wonderful little boys who love me no matter what size I wear.
For me, the goal is to simply keep looking forward. I don’t ever want to slip back into that couch-surfing lifestyle that absolutely sucked the energy out of life.
My only resolution this year is to continue to be active. I just want to keep on keeping on.
As one of my Twitter friends is always saying “Don’t ever give up on your journey”.
You CAN do it gang.
I have. 
HAPPY 2009!
![[Post to Twitter]](http://workoutmommy.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-micro4.png){kind=icon}
December 31st, 2008 at 12:20 pm 1
I hear you! Exercise feels wonderful, and we CAN transform into who we want to be. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
December 31st, 2008 at 12:36 pm 2
What???! No way! I never knew!
I am like you about vacations – have you ever been to an Adventure Spa? You would love it.
Happy New Year!
FatFighterTVs last blog post..Let’s get bubbly
December 31st, 2008 at 12:45 pm 3
Thanks for that-great motivation! You look fantastic…and probably better now than when you were even skinnier
I’m not a mommy but I’ve been dipping in and out of the blog over the past few months thanks to Twitter. Helps me keep the faith and stay plugging away. Exercise always does make me feel better, but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that it is definitely worth it!
Thank you and all the best for 2009.
December 31st, 2008 at 1:09 pm 4
Can I just add HERE HERE!!! Totally agree with you.
Rachels last blog post..Here are the BIG ONES!
December 31st, 2008 at 3:00 pm 5
Adventure spa?!?!?!?! Tell us more!!!!
Great post. Have a very happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 4:49 pm 6
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 5:16 pm 7
I never knew! Thanks for sharing.
December 31st, 2008 at 7:29 pm 8
Lisa, Thanks for sharing your fitness “journey.” It’s always inspiring to hear “before/after” stories. You should be very proud – of how you look, of who you are, of how dedicated you are to your health/fitness.
Stephanies last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: I resolve to be the cutest 2-year-old ever
December 31st, 2008 at 7:36 pm 9
I used to be a couch sitting Pringles eater…lol! Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so glad that we got to meet this year. It was a gift
I look forward to more good healthy times. Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2008 at 8:42 pm 10
Happy New Year!!!
May 2009 be the start of a great time in your lives. I wish you health of mind and body. May your Resolutions for the New Year be attainable.
Elfteas last blog post..Happy New Year!!!
January 1st, 2009 at 7:49 am 11
Im chiming in that I love you no matter what size you wear either.
does that make me one of your boys?
happy 2009 friend,
Miz.
MizFits last blog post..New Year’s Resolutions MizFit Style.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:40 am 12
FatfighterTV: I have! My favorite is Red Mountain Spa, how about you?
January 1st, 2009 at 11:41 am 13
Gráinne: thank you! Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2009 at 11:42 am 14
Alyssa–check out Red Mountain Spa in Utah. It is FANTASTIC! Tons of adventure activities combined with all the comforts of a traditional spa.
January 1st, 2009 at 11:42 am 15
Thanks Stephanie! Happy New Year to you and your family!
January 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am 16
Thank you Elftea, Happy New Year to you too!
January 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am 17
Mizfit-of course you are one of my boyz! Holla!
Happy New Year!
January 1st, 2009 at 12:58 pm 18
So Inspiring! Thanks for the story.
Super Healthy Kidss last blog post..Happy New Year
January 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm 19
Keep up the good work. I kept working out through three pregnancies, then pushed kids in the baby jogger and then they graduated to bikes and I changed to walking along the way. I have been walking every day of the year for more than 20 years. I’m turning 54 this year! and my oldest child (24) thinks we are crazy because we still climb mountains (14,000′) and bike long distances and always have active vacations. We will still be young at 80!
January 1st, 2009 at 2:55 pm 20
Hey, I’m on twitter now, I’ll have to look for you =) May favorite phrase as of late is…“Keep Moving Forward” – Walt Disney’s motto.
Happy New Year!!!
Fitness Surfers last blog post..Physical Fitness: 5 Exercise Tips to Avoid a Plateau
January 1st, 2009 at 6:08 pm 21
Happy New Year!!
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Grounded Fitnesss last blog post..EGN 2008 Rewind
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm 22
Wow Lisa! I’ve never heard your whole story before. That’s quite the transformation! And my fave part is that you’ve maintained your healthy lifestyle. Here’s to a great 2009!
charlottes last blog post..You May Call Me Sweaty Betty
January 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm 23
Wow, Lisa, thank you for sharing those pictures – I know it probably wasn’t easy but they are very inspiring! I hope you continue to recover, and fast!
Cathy @ Chief Family Officers last blog post..How I play The Drugstore Game: CVS example