Start at the beginning

I've spent the last year of my life (and a bit longer), learning how to be a farmer and what it means to live a sustainable life. In this year, I have been working on my ability to do it all and maintain a balance. Can I be an engineer by day, a farmer by night and still not lose sight of who I am as an individual? I can't say that I really have the answer yet. BUT, in the past year, I've also learned that while I might think I'm still an athlete, I'm not. I've let age and life get in my way. This hits home pretty hard because I've spent my life as the 'athletic girl' and it's a bit jarring to come to the realization that this no longer applies.

I'm now in my 40's and like many women my age, I'm seeing how the body changes over time. Unlike many women my age though, I used to be an athlete. I used to play soccer, rugby and tennis. I used to lift weights and run. I used to ice skate, ski and swim. And in the past 5 years, I added cycling to my favorite sports. I even have a collection of workout DVD's that would put any library to shame. We have a treadmill, a squat rack, free weights and a full size club step in our basement collecting dust. I used to have a six-pack without even trying. I used to be asked to join co-ed work athletics because I looked like I played sports. I used to enjoy it.

Not anymore. I'm 35 lbs over-weight. I'm *almost* sedentary. I say almost because I still do quite a bit of physical labor around the farm, I did begin a weight-lifting routine about 2 months ago (that I've been slacking on for 3 weeks now) and I do still ride my bike on average about once a week. But I am no longer an athlete. No one would look at me and mistake me for someone fit. I've fallen off the wagon and it's high time that I picked up my lazy feet and scurried alongside until I can jump back on. I've slowly lost sight of one of my defining characteristics and admittedly, I'm feeling a bit lost.

So this blog is where I will document my journey back to fitness. Simple fitness. The kind that enhances my simple life and makes me a happier person. Come along and join me...