-What was your main motivation in getting started? Did something in particular happen that gave you a push to finally do it?

My moment of clarity happened one evening while watching TV. My last pair of 'comfy' jeans were no longer comfy. In fact, I could not sit and get comfortable while wearing them. I realized I needed to stretch myself with respect to working out. I'd been running for about 1.5 years but it didn't prevent the weight from slowly creeping up. That night I signed up to do a marathon that was 3.5 months away. So I had something on the calendar! Something to target.

-What was your main means of losing weight - did you join a program at a gym, followed by a doctor, join Weight Watchers,etc.?

Just additional time running. I don't recall really limiting my eating but I probably did. I did cut back wine to Friday and Saturday nights.

-How did you determine your goal weight?

No weight goal just wanted to fit back in my clothes.

-How long have you kept it off?

Kept off 10-15 pounds for 4 years now.

-Any tips for keeping it off?

I sign up for several races a year. I also sign up for a real test at least once a year like marathon or ultra-marathon. Last August I started commuting by bike as many days a week as I can. This year I'm doing olympic distance triathlon. Makes me get to the gym or get outside.

Refrain from that one/two glasses of wine on weekdays. Eat something small every few hours.

Have a big salad for dinner once a week w/o too much salad dressing.

I've vowed never to buy the next size up.