Hi LWL,
I was here a couple of years ago. I lost 30 lbs. and had completely reversed my symptoms of PCOS (more about that in a minute). You all were so inspirational to me. I found this community quite helpful in my weightloss persuits. BAck then, my main goal was to get in shape for the arrival of the 2 children we were in the process of adopting. Well, I dropped out of here when our lives became deliciously hectic upon the arrival of said children (2 and 3 at the time). Then, 2 months later, an equally delicious "oops" occured ...pregnant (preemptive strike: "no, it really isn't all that common...it actually only happens 1/2 of 1% of the time and in our case, it wasn't because I 'relaxed'; it was because I had rid myself of PCOS through diet and exercise").
Well, our 3rd was born a year ago June. During regnancy, I gained the 30 I had lost, but I lost that pretty easily post-partum (props for breastfeeding here). Now, still at that original 30 pound down from highest weight, I am ready to lose some more.
I started formally exercising this week and discovered that I am not so young anymore. This is the first time ever that beginning an exercise program has been tough on the body (not just soreness, but achiness). It is an eye-opener as to how seriously important this is. I do not want to have to do this in 3 years when I am 40. In fact, what I would like to be doing the year I turn 40 is running my first marathon. I also do not want to pass my weight issues onto my children, all of whom are quite fit (even the one year old, who everyone remarks is so "skinny", looking at her mother as if to say, "So where's she get that from?"
)
So I have returnd for further inspiration and look forward to reacquainting myself with everyone.
I am starting slowly -- this week and next, just cardio 3x per week (plus a dance class I take once a week). Then, I will add abs, which I really need after my unplanned c-section. Then, upper and lower body. I am hoping to challenge my metabolism this way, as well as start slowly in order to keep it up.
Good to be back,
Paula
Back in business
Maybe chasing around 3 small children helps? I'm returning to exercise also after a little time off, and I must say it feels SO much harder than it did before! I did weights yesterday, and today my quads and hams are KILLING me! (I don't know if it was the lunges, the squats, or the stiff legged deadlifts -- perhaps all three?? OUCH!)
!! My g1f did the same, adopted them OOOPS 2 pregnancies back to back, now has 3 great teenage boys, or are they older now, university I think, I should call her and find out 
... If I remember right MeL and MeG are already there 
(sorry I just had to 
)
