Currently running 3-4 days a week, crossfit 3-4 days a week.
On day 5 of my cut, and so far I've been below 1800, averaging upper 1600s. So far so good. I keep having urges to look at the scale but I hid it on purpose. Goal is a solid 30 days on track and then I can re-evaluate if I need a new calorie goal or if everything is working well.
*Edit, following gettinfitter's idea.
In HS I was always larger/curvy. My parents never taught me a healthy food relationship. Lots of binge eating and then not eating cycles. But I was still an OK weight so it wasn't a "problem". Fast forward to college where I ate everything for a few reasons. One, I was lonely in my relationship (8 year HS relationship that I didn't have the courage to end until I was 24). Friends weren't in the college with me. I'm kind of awkward/antisocial at times which wasn't easy in college. I went from ~160 in HS up to almost 220. May have even gotten above that, I don't know, I never checked.
After I ended the 8 year relationship I finally took some responsiblity in myself. I wasn't happy,and I knew I'd never get another relationship if I didn't look better. (all vanity at this point). So I started counting calories because I knew it worked. (went from 220 down to 170 then back to 200+ in college when I gave up counting). And this time I did it slow. I lived alone, so no other tempatation. In about 6 months I got down to ~180. And I stayed there for 2 years or so. I wasn't happy yet, but I was better than I was.
Met the current BF about 2.5 years ago. He did it all the WRONG way,but he meant well, and would make comments on how I should workout/lose weight. I took it wrong for awhile but he really just wanted me to be OK with my confidence and body. Finally something clicked last year and I just did it. CICO and cardio at the gym 2-3 times a week. No other goals, just food. Got down to ~140 last fall and then have been there since. Found out I like running, so I started training for long distances. Found out recently I like crossfit, so I do that too.
Went from not being able to run a mile last year to training for a half marathon and doing crossfit multiple times a week. I am now ready for another cut, another push towards my final goal.
I'm so glad I found fitness though because I'm a huge volume eater. I love food. Still fight those binge eating issues from HS. Fitness helps give me an outlet. gives me confidence. gives me goals, helps me avoid the binges and emotional eating.