When I joined the local triathlon club, I wasn’t prepared for just how life changing it would be. But let me back up. About 3 months prior to this I was smoking, undernourished (but chubby), drinking too much alcohol  and generally unhappy. I quit smoking and gained about 15 pounds almost overnight. Started dressing in last minute charity shop ensembles because I couldn’t bear to spend money on “fat” clothes. I had one of those moments where I looked down on my thighs and thought, Oh no this is not happening and I’m dressed like Aunt Gertrude minus the knee rolled stockings. I decided to do something. Someone I knew was doing a triathlon, it just sparked an interest, and I thought, well why not. So I signed up for a sprint distance triathlon 3 months down the road. Then I thought, well I probably better learn to swim and was told the best way was to join a club. Not only did I learn to swim, but I have also became friends with some awesome people. My life was almost immediately surrounded by people from all walks, but obviously all impassioned with multi-sport/triathlon and basically just getting out there and doing something. I can’t tell you how inspiring it is to watch someone you know train for years to swim the English Channel, and then go conquer it. Without them, I would not have followed through to the level of fitness and health I now enjoy and I would be many a friend down in number. To cut to the chase, my point, is that if you want to change something in your life, start by surrounding yourself with people who are moving in that direction as well. I don't think as a species we are meant to plow through life alone.