Throwing my hat into the Blogger arena.

Well, I'm throwing my hat into the Blogger arena.  I've hesitated to do so for quite while, just as I was very hesitant to start my fitness page on Facebook, because everybody and their gramma (quite literally at this point!) has one.  So what would I have to say that would be any different, or more special, worth reading?  I'm relatively new to my profession, haven't won any major races or competitions, and yet...I have alot to say.  And I've been reminded by family, friends, and mentors that I have a unique story to tell, and a unique perspective on life, fitness and how the two intermingle.  So I'm throwing caution to the wind, telling my inner critic (who is completely afraid of failure) to shut it, and listening to the support and advice of those who are close to and love me and starting this blog.

So, where to start?  With the facts, I guess! My name is Kate, I'm 38 years old, and I hail from Seattle, Washington.  I'm married to an amazing man (my biggest fan and advocate) who is a Chinook pilot in the US Army, and we're currently stationed in Germany.  I have two kids, ages 7 1/2 and 4 1/2, who definitely keep me from getting bored. I love running and strength training of every variety.  I'm an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, working at our installation's physical fitness center as both a trainer and group fitness instructor (Boot Camp and the KUT). And I am currently in the best shape of my life.

Summer 2012 (Photo credits to the amazing Paige Kimball at Paige Kimball Photography)

I thrive on growing stronger, adding to my professional knowledge and repertoire, and taking on new challenges.

But I haven't always been in this kind of shape.  I haven't always eaten so well, exercised as much, felt as good, or been this positive.

It's been a journey, and it's one I'm committed to seeing through to the very end.  It's also a journey on which I am committed to dragging  as many people as I can with me.  

Which, it turns out, is the real reason I've chosen to be a trainer and not just a fitness aficionado, why I've chosen to create and maintain a fitness page on Facebook, and why I'm now blogging.  Fitness has enabled me to achieve a higher quality of life.  It's that experience of enjoying a better quality of living through fitness that I desire to share with as many people as possible.

I hope by talking about fitness, trends, nutrition, realistic meal and training plans, and really delving into the trickiest part of it--what goes on in our heads--that I can have a slightly wider reach and bring as many of you along on a healthier, more fulfilling journey with me.