Kristie Grey; Harrisburg, PA

Looking back at how I used to feel:
I always felt like I was ALMOST energetic. ALMOST youthful. I always felt like I was ALMOST an athlete, but never quite there. I always second guessed my appearance, my strength and my abilities.

The turning point for me:
I have always wanted to be healthy. The last 10 years I have been trying to lose the weight of college. When I was rock climbing and in theatre it was a step. The huge turning point was putting on a pair of roller skates in August of 2009 and falling in love with roller derby

How I reached my fitness goal:
Over the last three and a half years, I have tapped into the competitive and motivated athlete of my teens. I have found a reason to push harder, run faster, jump higher. I am coming off of an LCL injury incurred during a bout, and it has not slowed me down. I continue to train, to set goals and to evaluate. For the last 6 months I have also been an Herbalife health coach, so my nutrition has changed even more drastically than it had when I began my training. The secret is having a sport that I love and desiring to be the best roller derby player I possibly can be. I have so many role models on the Dutchland Rollers and each day I skate a little closer to being at their level.

How I feel today:
My energy and confidence are through the roof. I know how and what to eat, I take my multivitamin 3 times a day, I get enough protein, I drink 120 ounces of water a day, I workout at least 20 minutes a day (whether cardio or strength). I can do school and work full time plus all the extras that come with being in a derby league. My stress control has tightened and I smile more than ever.

My advice for others who want to make a healthy change:
FORGET FEAR. Making a change is not going to be easy, or comfortable. It is going to be difficult. It will push you to your limits. You will hurt. You will be sore. Maybe, sometimes you will feel hungry. You will fight cravings.

STICK WITH IT. Your body will not only adjust to a new and healthy lifestyle, but you will start to love it.

You will crave push drill at the the beginning of practice. You want to go for an extra run after practice. You will look forward to that recovery shake. You will crave broccoli instead of ice cream. If it were easy, than everyone would be fit.

Any success takes time, work and diligence. If you think you can skimp on one, you will have to work twice as hard at the others to achieve the same success.

Also: DRINK MORE WATER! (And play roller derby)

What's your success story?  We invite you to share your own story here!

Success stories:

• Check out Dutchland skater Hannah's success story!  
• "I found my support:" Stephanie lost 84 pounds and ran 4 half marathons
• Read Janice Balmer’s success story: “Wellness means quality of life”
• Tommy Tran shares his story: "I'm being healthy for my future"
• Mike Silvestri's success story: "Saying 'yes' is my motivation"