I've been on this quest since I was in college to be in the best shape I could possibly be. It started 18 yrs ago. Wow, I can't believe I'm 36 and it's been that long.
I was always the last person ever picked in gym class...how sad, eh? I even didn't get to play on the little league team that my own father sponsored. I was known as such a klutz and so uncoordinated. It's ok, I've gotten over all these things. God is awesome.
In college I said that I would become great at one sport. I worked so hard and got to play for my university for racquetball for my last 2 yrs. Imagine that. It wasn't easy playing sports, getting my engineering degree, and a host of other things. Only by the grace of God. It was important to me to shed that klutzy girl image. I learned about weightlifting & running then, but my eating habits were erratic & poor.
Had always been a Type A, super stressed out person. The years of stress abuse, lack of sleep, erratic eating has wreaked havoc on my health. Also, not understanding the impact of food, the amounts, the types, ratios, etc has also impeded me getting to my optimal health & fitness.
Have never been one to take the easy path or do some quick fix, but somehow the road to getting in shape has been a long one filled with many trials & tribulations, which some seem to get there much quicker. I've always wanted to learn why, how do things work, why does this work or doesn't. Plus, I'm big into documenting my progress, which has helped me understand so much better and to see trends, to make adjustments, be open to learning. This also helps me better sort through the vast amounts of information available out there.
So, why do I want to get in shape? Numerous reasons.
1. Quality of life & health.
2. One day be that little ole 80 yr old lady who is making pretty good time in that marathon or triathlon.
3. Run & play with my husband, children, and one day grandchildren.
4. It's a lifelong dream -- to prove to myself I can do it; and when I do, I'll know why.
5. I love being active, exercise, weightlifting, running, all sorts of things.
6. I love the feeling of muscles, being strong.....knowing that I've worked hard, and no one gave this to me.
7. To one day be a role model to others.
8. To help others overcome their fitness & health struggles, to make a difference in the lives of others in this area.
9. Lastly, there is some vanity in this....but, little. It's nice to look good.
BTW, my avatar is not a picture of me....but, it is one of my role-models in fitness. One day.
But, aside from a few more wrinkles around my eyes and shoulder length hair instead of middle of the waste length....it still looks like me. I wish more people would use their own picture as their avatar. It just feels more personal to be looking at someone's face when you're talking to them. 
