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Introduction Text Hi, I'm Aileen! When I was growing up my parents owned a little general store, and I was pretty much allowed the run of the place, foodwise, (vienna sausages and penny candy, anyone?) and my weight began climbing. I was overweight in middle school and high school, more overweight my first year of college, and then I met my boyfriend (now husband), and the love-induced binge began. I say that affectionately, looking back, but I gained an additional 30 pounds between 2003 and 2007, bringing me up to just about 210. And there I pretty much remained, gaining 20 pounds during pregnancy, losing them afterward but nothing more. After seeing pictures from my son's first birthday, I decided that I wanted my life to change, and soon. I went to my doctor to talk about why I was overweight. At that point, I was looking for something to blame. He sent me to a dietitian, and at our second appointment, she recommended that I check out SparkPeople. From there on out, I was a woman on a mission. I began drinking only water, with the occasional soda or beer. I added a TON of fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts to my diet, and I learned about portion sizes. Not the whole bag/carton, Aileen. I did the Curves thing for awhile. I did Wii Fit, Wii Active, and Jillian Michaels. I took my son outside to play as many times as he wanted. I stopped taking the easy way and looked for a more difficult ways when I thought it would burn some extra calories. And that winter, something that had been a fantasy my entire life became reality. From October 2009 to April 2010, I lost 68 pounds, bringing my weight from 207 (doctor's appointment weight) to 139. Looking back, I think I was angry at myself for wasting so many years, so much time, in a body that I didn't understand or respect. And that anger kept me on fire and motivated those first few months. So I changed a lot about my life very quickly. Since April of 2010, I've gone through another pregnancy, another period of readjustment and weight loss after it, and I'm currently working on that elusive goal weight (elusive mainly because I haven't figured out what it is) and on my overall fitness. The latest addition to my exercise repertoire is running, and I am developing a deep and thorough love of it. It's free, it's fun, and after a long day pent up with two small children, it is extremely liberating. I love meeting new people on Spark, talking about running, healthy living, kids, the outdoors, beer, whatever! Let's keep the conversation going. It keeps me motivated :) "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." St. Francis of Assisi

To run a 1/2 marathon in 2012, to climb a mountain, to grow my own vegetables, and to reach 130 pounds.

I run 2-4 days a week, use a recumbent bike, and generally stay active however I can! I'm not above manual labor to help the cause, if you know what I mean.

I'm a SAHM who loves reading, walking, exploring, and movies. I live in a small town in Maine with my husband Lance, our sons, Elijah and Gideon, and two kitties, Memphis and Captain Sniffles.

2012 Race Results __________________ Fly Like an Eagle 5k 4/7/12 (26:33) Race to Remember 5k 5/28/12 (24:51) PR

Add a Link AB! Resident Lobster Shucker and Magical Water Distributor - Ayuh Division I'm Aileen. I like broccoli, hummus, blackberries, and very good chocolate. Proud Mama to Elijah, Gideon, and Jasper, Trophy Wife to Lance, Maineah.
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