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Introduction Text Hi there. I'm a Sparky. I joined this amazing site in February, 2007 - WOW! 6 years. I haven't always been active in that time, but I have always had it in my mind. I just love this place... Anyway, I made a lot of great spark friends, but then disappeared for quite some time. I will check in once in a while, but here's the deal: Last January (2012) I joined Weight Watchers. I tracked everything on line and didn't have the time to track both places, so spark took a back seat. It worked well, actually - I was able to finally lose the 17 pesky pounds that had plagued me for so long! I was able to wear a 2 piece last summer, and it was goooood! :) HOWEVER, in July, 2012 we took a family vacation to see more family in Ireland for 2 weeks. The beer, chips and amazing Irish chocolate abound, and low and behold, I came back a full 7 lbs heavier than when I left. And that was the beginning. Sure, I tried to "get back on track" after vacation, but the habit was set and it was much easier than tracking and counting my intake. As a result, I continued to gain, and have been battling 8-10 lbs. for the months since. *sigh* So, here's my plan. I love Spark. I really do. Weight Watchers is clearly not working for me at this point. I've tracked points for a few days, then not tracked for a few...eaten great, then eaten waaay too much...it's been 8 months - time for a change. Time to get my SPARK back! I've been tracking food and fitness (or lack thereof) for 4 days on Spark, and it feels like home. No more points. Real calories, protein, carbs and fiber. I want to KNOW what I'm eating. And it's a new venue (well, new AGAIN), which is inspiring. I almost forgot (almost) how motivating the spark wheel is, reading friend's blogs and pages, and checking out before and after pics. Even checking out people's daily struggles - it's real and it's awesome. I'm so excited to be on this journey again. So happy to be here. Let's DO this!!! Woohoo!!

In 2009 I WILL: *Run/bike/other cardio 5-6 times per week *Drop 15 lbs. *Become Marathon Finisher! -DONE!!! 2009 Races: *Maynard Road Race, 9/20/09. DONE!~ 3.5 miles. Finished 3rd in my age group! (my first ribbon!! Woohoo!!) *Tufts 10K for Women, 10/12/09. DONE!~ 6.1 miles. 54 minutes! *Bay State Marathon, 10/18/09. DONE!~ 26.2 miles, 4 hours 1 minute 56 seconds. My first marathon finish!!!!!!!! *Maine Coast 1/2 marathon, 11/8/09 (my first halfie!) DONE~ 13.1 miles, 1:58:14, 9.02 pace. came in 404 out of 1,100 women and one lucky guy, and 26/127 in my age group.

*Try to have a calorie deficit daily using BMR calculations. Current BMR: 1397 *Continue implementing a total vegetarian (vegan when possible) diet as my lifestyle of choice. Hardly a "goal" but it's a huge part of my program, so it should be number 1. If only all pieces of the program were that easy, eh? *Remain within my 1200-1600 calorie range. More will be needed as I run more mileage, but will determine that change when it comes. *Focus on organic, fresh fruits and veggies as the staple in my diet. Incorporate vegetarian "meals" around that. *Allow sweet thing(s) daily, however limit to one or 2 small portions throughout day. (yes, this is an actual GOAL!! My sweet tooth preceeds me) *Do cardio 60 min/day (or 30 min when under severe time constraint) 5-6 times weekly when possible. Gym or home, just DO it! *Weight/strengh training 3X weekly. *Current BMR: 1371

I live in Massachusetts with my awesome husband and 2 amazing kids. I am n the midst of a career change from CEO of a non-profit organization to a teacher, and am basically a single mom about a third of the time as my hubby travels for business so much. I am an enthusiastic vegetarian, which started the day after Christmas 2005. Started looking for some low cal, healthy veggie recipes after pigging out at Christmas, came accross some of the pro-veg videos and articles on the treatment of animals, and voila...have been veggie ever since!

Check out my new Blog! http://myhealingveganjourney.blogspot.com My list of positive accomplishments in the last year: 1. Took up skiing again and immediately became addicted. 2. Taught my husband to ski 3. Taught my children to ski 4. Became re-involved with Spark People 5. Learned and love tennis. 6. Provide opportunities for my kids to exercise as often as possible. 7. Be positive role model for my children. 8. Started Skinny Chix with my "homeys" - still meeting and going strong since 2.08! 2008 Races: *Monster.com 3.5 mile road race 9/7/08: FINISHED 33.07 (9.20 pace) *MWCOC 5K 10/4/08 : FINISHED 25.03 (8.05 minute pace!!! A new PR!!) *Tufts 10K for women 10/13/08: DONE!! 49.53 minutes - an 8.02 minute mile pace! WO-HOO!! *Paddy Run 5K 10/19/08: 30 min time, but jogged with friend. Not racing at all. *Turkey trot 5K 11/22/08 another jog with friend, not racing. 30 min. *5K G

Add a Link Training is the opposite of hoping. Enjoy every moment. *My first 10K - 10/13/08 - *Chip time 49.53 - an 8.02 min. mile pace!! *Personal Record: 5k race - 10/4/08 Finished: 25.03 minutes! 8.03 min. mile pace!! *NEW PERSONAL RECORD: 5K race - 11/26/08 Finished: 23.12 minutes! 7.30 minute mile pace!!! <link>myhealingveganjourney.blogspot.com</link>
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