Up to 2004, I led a pretty sedentary lifestyle.  I worked all day behind a computer, and didn’t move much outside of the office.

I remember friends talking about going running, and I was sure that wasn’t for me. Nope. Never.

I wasn’t an athletic child at all. I tried to join a track team with a friend when we were about 10, but was too slow to make the team. I played tennis for one season in seventh or eighth grade, but that didn’t go anywhere.

It wasn’t surprising that I had turned into a non-active adult.

Then one day in January 2004, some of my co-workers started putting together a team for a corporate 8K. No thanks, I’m not a runner…

But could I be?

I decided I wanted to try. I never had a weight problem, but I was sure my metabolism would be slowing down. I was approaching 30 at the time and figured it was about time to start exercising. Not just to maintain my weight as I got older, but for my health as well.

I bought a cheap treadmill, found an online training plan, and started running. And if you’ve ever been here before (or just peek around a little), you can see it’s become a major part of my life.

I’ve run all race distances from one mile to marathons, and added sprint triathlons to the mix in 2008.  For 2011 I’ve already lined up quite a few races, including a couple half marathons and another full marathon. I’ll be attempting my first adventure race this year, the Warrior Dash! Kind of scary, but I’m excited!

I run three or four times a week,  do yoga twice a week, and try to strength train three or four times a week. (Clearly, I double up!) During triathlon training, I add swimming and biking. It’s been a major transformation, and I’ve never been happier. Or healthier!

This trip through my fitness past was prompted by fitness-apparel company 4all’s search for bloggers to be brand ambassadors.  I think I’d be a great addition to the Team 4all roster!

I love to help and encourage new runners and athletes — I still remember what it was like to run/walk my first steps on the treadmill.  Online, I share tips and advice with Twitter and blog friends. In person, I work with my local running club as a mentor in their 10K training class each fall.

And I love to dress cute.

Yes, I think I’d be a good fit with Team 4all.

Don’t you think this tennis dress could also work as a running dress?