Hello All.

From now until the end of our blog-venture, you will find my info under "Lori". The 'lorih" was set up from my work address, and I want to be able to access my account from any e-mail; thus the change. I'm sure for all of those who are far more tech-ie than me (meaning everyone else on the roster), there was a way to do this without setting up another e-mail address. Oh well, I'm nothing if not expeditious.

On to the important stuff: Why am I taking part in the Biggest Loser? I am powerfully motivated when I bear my soul to others. Whether it's weighing in at Weight Watchers or now joining this group, I find that I stick to my goal when I risk public humiliation :) A more positive way of stating this, is that there is power in sharing our dreams and goals.....

I was in the best shape of my life before I returned to Seattle five years ago. Thru exercise and my commitment to WW, I weighed somewhere between 135 and 140lbs, but more important than the weight, I was closing in on being fit. I was "powerwalking" an 11-12 minute mile, and I was exercising at least five times each week. I felt great. And then I moved to Seattle, lost my weekday walking partner and was away from Bill and Drew for almost a year. No excuse, just reality. I used all of those reasons to stop exercising, and when I stopped exercising, I stopped being careful about my food choices.

I want to feel healthy again. There is no turning back in life, and it's important that I move forward. I turned 50 this year, and I want this 50th year to be the year I take back the responsibility for my fitness and health.

My Weight-Loss Goal
I will lose 15 lbs.

My Fitness Goal
I will be able to maintain a 12-minute mile for four miles. (I will reward myself further, if I can do it in 11 minute miles).

How will I get there? I will return to the gym at least two days each week and start by using the treadmill. In addition, Reggie and I will start powerwalking two nights each week. When I am traveling, I will use the gym at my hotel at least every other day. Beyond that, I am going to work on my stomach muscles and upper body. I am tired of standing at my kitchen counter for a few hours and having a backache the remainder of the day. I have to believe this is because of my lack of stomach muscles. I will start by getting beyond the 10 sit-ups (yes, Kathy - only 10!) that I was able to do today, adding 2 more each day. Once I get myself used to a steady regimen of exercise (I figure three-four weeks), I'm going to get some personal assistance for weight training and add that to my regimen.

Wish me luck - as I do all of you! Here's to a new year, new "us" and some fun along the way!

- L