So why am I doing this exactly?

1. Your reason for doing the contest?

You know that feeling you get when you're trying on a pair of size 8 jeans only to discover that they're just too damn big? And then the sales person has to run to find the size sixes? Me either.

My primary reason for starting the contest is weight loss. For most of my life I have hovered in a place where I haven't been "overweight" but have certainly been more chunky than I preferred. My weight has now crept back up to where it was when I started Weight Watchers four years ago and it's time to say sayonara to my extra poundage for good. I am also approaching my weight loss this time with a much more fitness-oriented approach. I want to build a healthier, stronger body and want to enjoy the process as much as possible. So, I will be focusing on exercise and whole foods. No crash dieting here!

2. What you hope to achieve in the 12 weeks?

First...the specifics: I would like to finish the contest 15 pounds lighter and able to complete my fitness challenge. I want my resting heart rate to be lowered and my blood pressure to go down.

The unmeasurables: At the end of the 12 weeks, I would like my healthy eating to be more intuitive and exercise to be an important part of my every day life.

3. Why you decided on your personal 12-week fitness goal and how you plan to accomplish it?

My goal is to run 5 miles in under 60 minutes. I believe this is the most challenging personal goal I could set that is still reachable. It will be tough (I can currently only jog 20 minutes without needing a break) but if I don't kill myself in the process I think I can do it. My plan of action includes building up mileage gradually week by week sticking to a 5.3mph training pace. I will run both indoors on the treadmill as well as outside. I will commit to running 3-4 times per week and will cross train and weight lift two days per week. My ass better look FANTASTIC when I'm done.

Good luck to everyone! I'm excited to see how we all progress week to week. :-)

Jen