A quick summary of my journey.

I'll write a more in depth one.. but I'm exhausted and need to hit the hay.

It took me a long time to finally get all the pieces to fall into place. I would start to try with getting your eating under control and then start the working out because it really is 70% your diet and 30% exercise. To lose weight you need to have a deficit to calories taken in vs. calories burned. Start by cutting out processed foods and fast food. Start by getting in your fruits, veggies, protein and cutting fats, sugars and starches.

To keep firm (which is what I have successfully done!) you need to lift just as many days a week as you do cardio. I spent 2.5 hours a day at the gym, I realize not everyone has that kind of time but I do right now and I'm trying to get it done as soon as I can. I have a personal trainer but when it comes to those last few reps when things are really burning, DON'T QUIT! Those are the ones that are your money makers! Start by making small goals. Reward yourself when you make goals. My trainer had a goal for me the last 8 days of April. if I dropped 8 lbs he'd buy me new running shoes... and I made it! It gave me a sense of pride. Make a "goal" board that shows you at your previous weight or goal weight and motivational sayings (i have some in my car, gym bag and bathroom mirror)

Try to make sure you have a support team. My trainer is a god sent. He is my #1 fan when everyone else had no idea why in the hell I was sacrificing everything (drinking, going out after work with friends) so that I was able to get the hours of sleep in that I needed and to rest up my sore muscles b/c I am sore literally 3/4 days a week. Challenge yourself and always try new things. I lift, do cross-fit, TRX, cardio drills and run. I have never ever ever been a runner. I started my mile (in tears mind you) last October and finished in 12:30. Now I am able to complete a mile quickly in 8 minutes! But we usually do 3-5 miles a day so it's closer to the 10/11 minute mark. Listen to your body, but know the different between physical pain and muscle pain. They are different and it's all in your mind.