The Petite Athlete

I’m Courtney!

I started this blog because there once was a day when I was very unhealthy. Terrible eating habits, drinking like a fish, smoking like a chimney, sleeping all day, staying up all night … Generally doing really irresponsible (yes, fun!) but irresponsible and selfish things. I really felt like crap all the time, about my diet and the way I was treating myself. Finally, I took the initiative to change that. A healthy diet, nutrition and a regular fitness habit really began to change how I felt about myself, it changed my outlook on life, and just made me ~ happier. :]

(Alas, learning to balance healthy eating and a varied fitness regime on a college student/part-time working budget have been tricky!)

This blog is also a daily reminder of how far I have come in life. It’s great to look back and see how that run inspired me or how great it felt to finally burn through that particular workout. Even more than that ~ it’s a reminder that even though I grew up in a broken family – I lost my mom to her unhealthy habits, and couldn’t grow up with my dad because of his, and even after being split apart from my brother and sister ~ I don’t have to be a victim. It’s easy to blame every hard choice in my life on my past, on all the struggle I’ve already had to face, and sometimes I really want to give up, but this little blog helps reminds me that I can rise above. :]

{Sorry if that’s a little heavy.}

I really love fitness and a good sweat session. I love running, yoga, swimming, hiking, biking, weight lifting, dancing, beach volleyball, skating, you name it! I love a little healthy competition and encourage others to get active ~ it changed my outlook on life and allowed me to take control. Endorphins just make people happier, plain and simple. :]

I live in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest (Oregon) where outdoor activities (and rain!) abound! I love running in the summer when the sun’s shining, and in the winter when it’s drip, drip, drip outside, I forget about a gym membership and get creative with workouts at home (or running in the elements when I get a craving.)

I’m working on reining in my diet to see if maybe I can lose a little weight with the added help of my passion for fitness. (It’ll be a close game, because I also have a serious passion for eating!) Chocolate and a good, cold beer – my nemesis! (Not together, but sure, I’ll take them together, too!)

I’m a part-time student pursuing my Bachelor’s and a slave to the 9-5! (Gotta pay those bills while getting through school.)

I love: trying new things, making messes in the kitchen, traveling and relaxing after a hard days work and workout. I started this blog to stay motivated, track my progress and to develop my passions: fitness, writing, photography and creating yummy (but healthy) foods!

I’m an open book ~ any questions? Ask away. :]