Lurkers Come Out of Lurkdom!

Hello to all my new friends and followers!  Welcome!  I'm so glad that you've all joined me.  Really, I do appreciate all of you who read and comment (or just read) regularly.  Knowing that other people, other than my mother, are reading is a really great feeling.  Blogging has been such a great outlet for me and has definitely helped to keep me on a healthy path.  I thought it might be good to share my story for those of you who are new (or for those that need a refresher).  And I have a small challenge for you at the end.

I began blogging almost two years ago (blog-iversary next week, celebration with giveaways to come!).  Soon after I started blogging I got engaged and began training for my first triathlon.  The start of triathlon training for me signified the beginning of my running regularly.  I was a swimmer in high school and desperately needed some consistent activity in my life after trying to help start a rowing team in college.  In August of 2009 I completed my first triathlon and I was hooked.  Through training I also lost about 20 pounds.

Returning to school that fall also began the return of the weight, although I continued to run.  In fact, I realized that running is something I really enjoy.  This was the first time I ever ran throughout the winter months.  In the summer of 2010, I completed triathlon #2 and #3.  I also got married (pictures HERE, HERE, & HERE)!  Unfortunately, I let my wedding and my honeymoon derail me from healthy living.  And honestly, I didn't get my act together until very recently.  I am now back at Weight Watchers and proud to say that I am exercising regularly.  I set some lofty goals for 2011, but I know I'll get there.  Especially with all the support I get from the blog world.

I am looking forward to graduating in May with a degree in chemistry and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a full time position.  My husband, Patrick, and I are currently living in Maine while I finish school and are originally from New Hampshire.  Not only do I love running and training for triathlons, I also love to read, crochet, and scrapbook.

So for you newbies, welcome!  To those that have been around for awhile, thank you for returning.  I leave you with a small challenge/favor.  Would you all leave a comment and let me know you're here?  Tell me about yourself or ask me a question you'd like me to answer on the blog.  I know you're out there!