About me and how I came to Calorie Count Plus:  in school I was that girl who could eat anything and still be thin.  When my senior class sponsored a blood drive I didn't weigh enough to qualify as a donor.  I was also a senior when I ran my first cross country race and found both a love and a gift for the sport.  Later, as an adult working in Houston, TX I became employed by a corporation which focused of health and fitness for its employees.  The cafeteria offerings included fat and calorie content and an on-site health club was available to all employees all day and before and after working hours as well.  I rediscovered running, both on the indoor track and outside through the downtown parks.  Soon, I met other runners and was seldom without a running partner.  This wonderful company participated in the Corporate Cup events and sponsored its elite runners in many events.  (They even sent me to California to compete - twice!)  They also sponsored the local marathon which I was honored and proud to run and complete (also twice).  A later move to NJ was obviously a blow to my whole running life and social life.  I found there is nothing as motivating as a date with a running partner.  I have not gotten back to the level of fitness I enjoyed in those glory days of Houston, except once.

A local friend was also a runner and his dream was to run the Boston Marathon.  In order to do that, you must first qualify by running another marathon in a specific time according to your age and sex.  We chose the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY because it is largely downhill.  Really - and what a blast!  I think there were maybe 80 participants and in October you couldn't ask for a more scenic run.  I not only qualified, I finished second female in my age group!  Unfortunately, my running partner did not fare as well.    His whatever gave out and he had to walk to the finish line well behind his goal.  I went to Boston alone.  The Boston Marathon is such a rush because the entire 26 miles of road are lined with people cheering you on and extending there hands to slap you five.  There was never a moment when I didn't feel supported or encouraged.  When I got to the finish line a laughed and cried at the same time!  (Only time in my life that's happened!)  My finishing time qualified me to return next year, but with no one to train with, my interests took me elsewhere.

Since then, a struggle with depression med's, high blood pressure and menopause have taken my weight to all new heights.  I think my weight peaked at 180, 55 lb's more than my adult marathon or "training" weight.  Changing med's and joining a gym brought my weight to 140.  Then I took night classes to become a personal fitness trainer and, although I am now A. C. E. certified I have not yet been able to go below 140.  At 5'2", that's heavy!  I haven't been doing personal training for many reasons, but being overweight is definitely one of those reasons.  And now, this summer, with a second surge in my weight I have to do more than just think I'm "eating okay."

My doctor wants me to follow a low glycemic diet.  I want to eat healthy (healthily?) enough to continue to excercise.  I also want to avoid artificial sweeteners and imitation fats.  I currently weigh 145 and my goal is to lose 20 lb's and maintain a healthy lifestyle of eating, excercising and holding my weight between 120 and 125.  I love to cook and I love to eat delicious foods.  I won't eat a food if it seems like a punishment, such as a mealy peach or overly fibrous cereal.  Life is too short; food shoud be enjoyable.  I said so and I am Earthmother15.  Happy to meet you!