Then came overcoming my swimming with fish fear. Jeff Dauler with his calming humor and presence took the edge off my first ocean frolic. Nancy Klinger, with her child-like glee for swimming with sea turtles, made me want to go see what all of the fuss was about.

And then came unexpected support.

I scheduled a mid-week massage during a block of free time and when I checked in, the attendant said, "We have you for a 2:30 p.m. massage followed by a 3:45 p.m. facial, complements of Nancy Klinger and Denise Castelli. Happy Bridal Shower!"

I started crying in the entryway to the spa. Their gesture was one of the most thoughtful, surprising things anyone has done for me.

I would like to thank my fiance, Christopher, for being there through it all. Through my freaking out on bike rides, through all the tofu dinners, for building a vegetable garden mecca in our backyard, for making me feel like a rock star while I was in Hawaii and you were home with our girls, and for coming along on this journey with me each step of the way. I couldn't be more proud and grateful to have you in my life.

My advice for anyone starting your own fitness journey: Don't be afraid to involve others along they way. I wouldn't be where I am right now without each of my CNN Fit Nation family members.