If you asked me how I got here, this is what I'd say.

I've always been active, I grew up riding my bike, swimming, playing wiffle ball.  In high school I played field hockey, was a cheerleader, and loved to play tennis.  Like most people I caught the running bug during an effort to lose weight. I was out of college, living on my own, homesick, worried about being in the real world. I was really not taking care of myself, I ate too much of the wrong things, and spent the weekends at happy hours and parties.

Finally one New Years Eve I decided to make a change, bought some diet and exercise books, and joined a gym. I started slowly on the treadmill, I wouldn't look at myself in the mirror or talk to others. But I went back every day, and did a bit more each day. I would bargain with myself and challenge myself, by running farther each day, or faster. All through the winter I did it, and by early summer, I lost 12 pounds. It was time for a new challenge, running outside. I did the loop around the neighborhood that I used to walk.

I still remember the day I ran a whole six miles around my neighborhood. I couldn't believe it! I started running six miles a day. I still couldn't believe it! I decided to test myself some more and signed up for a Turkey Trot 10k.  Then a 15k, half marathon, marathon, and triathlon.  This past fall I ran my dream race, the New York City Marathon.

Once of the great things about being a FitFluential Ambassador is, you get to pay it forward, and share what you know about healthy living with others.  

What tips would I share with someone about to start their healthy journey?  

To start I would say.... 

1. Get some comfy work out gear! If you're wearing something too tight that gives you a wedgie, you're not going to be happy.  Find a good sports bra, and wear something you feel confident, as well as comfortable in.

2. Just do it. There are days where I procrastinate before going for a run, then I finally go.  The thing is, I never regret a workout. But I do regret not doing a workout. 

3. Educate yourself. If you're changing your eating habits, make sure you know how many calories you require in a day, how much protein you should be taking in, and realize how much salt and sugar are in so many foods, and make sure not to go over those limits. 

4. Keep a list of what you need to take in each day, the number of fruits and vegetables, and glasses of water, and check them off as you have them.

5. Make food swaps.  For instance, choose salsa over sugar laden ketchup. I have been known to go through a jar of salsa every few days, it's so low in calories, and it's good.

6. Mix it up. Run one day, bike another, swim another, do yoga another....if you keep challenging yourself in different ways, you'll keep boredom at bay, and get the benefits of cross training at the same time. 

7. Keep it in perspective.  My brother once lost 5 pounds, and he felt like that was a low number. I told him to go and pick up a 5 pound bag of flour.  When you look at weight loss that way, you can actually see what you're no longer lugging around.

If you're interested in learning more about FitFluential, or about becoming an Ambassador, check them out here!