How'd I let things get like this?

Eating and metabolism: I have always had issues with eating. But, until my mid-twenties, my metabolism and lifestyle pretty much kept up with me. Then came the kids. When you have kids, everything changes. There are nearly ten years between my two children. I probably gained about 50 lbs. between the two births.

Occupation and lifestyle: I went from teaching to an even cooler job which required me to use computers much more frequently. I began studying in the evenings for various technical certifications. I started working on and eventually earned my MS in Computer Information Systems.

I got pregnant, got gestational diabetes, swelled up to over 247 lbs. and started insulin. I dropped 40 lbs. before having the baby. After the baby, the diabetes went away, but the doctors all told me I have a 70% chance of developing Type II diabetes.

A few months after having my second daughter, I landed my dream job - desktop computing and network administration. Besides the occasional lugging around of monitors, switches, and other parts it was pretty much sedentary. My body adapted to fluorescent lighting, slight arm and leg movements, but boy did I have a great right index finger. (Mouse clicking.)

My husband was laid off from work. We relocated the family up to The Woodlands, TX where we opened a martial arts studio with family friends. I continued a three hour a day (105 mile a day) commute. I loved that job so much, but I was unable to exercise, had terrible eating habits, was falling asleep at the wheel, and never got to see my family.

I decided to make a change because I needed to live. I needed to live life to its fullest for me and for my family. I needed to be there for them every day. I took a $ 10,000 per year pay cut and went back to doing a job that I am great at, but that I don't like very much. I have a lot of time with my family. I get to go to the karate school.

I figured that (1) if I want to be around with my kids, I should ensure that by getting in shape, and (2) it is a lot easier for my husband to sell memberships and prove that karate can help you stay in shape if his wife doesn't look like a beached whale!

In the beginning...

There were many beginnings. I'm not sure why this time it's the last beginning, but it is. I'm through giving up and starting over. A few weeks ago, Weight Watchers introduced a WalkIt challenge. I had already completed my first-ever walk-for-a-cause back in November of '08, when I was active in Weight Watchers, and I felt great. I did the Step Out Walk to fight diabetes. I walked every morning that didn't rain and followed my WW plan religiously. I did well with the weight loss. I felt like I was letting people down if I didn't go out and walk. That's what I liked about doing a walk for a cause. After the walk, my motivation petered out, and I even stopped going to WW. I gained everything back.

Well, I'm back: A few weeks ago, I re-joined WW. I've lost 8 lbs. I am attending karate class regularly. (At least three times a week, which is good since I'm one of the owners of the school.) With the new WalkIt challenge at WW, I got a membership to Active.com. I set myself up with an 8 wk. walking plan and followed it up with a 9 week c25k plan. I'm walking at least 3-4 mornings a week and taking my dog with me. She's a lab, and can't be happier about getting outside.

The c25k plan is great: I can't stop finding posts from people raving about it. There are some very motivational success stories and helpful tips posted on Active.com about it. It's the Couch to 5k program on Coolrunning.com's website. These two plans I'm following should whip me into shape. I've given myself a little leeway for possible injuries or setbacks.

I do best with goals in mind: I have registered for the Komen Houston Race for a Cure non-competitive 5k in October '09 and the Step Out Walk to fight diabetes in November '09, also a non-competitive 5k. Those are my short-term goals - to survive. Simple enough. I'm thinking about the long-term ones.