SBM–I love it! Two years ago I began my own journey. I was 176 lbs. I started simply, with some light running and swimming. Eventually (after 8-9 months) I lost 10 lbs and was thrilled with the results. Then I moved into my second year of swimming and running and decided to do my first tri-sprint (last year) and then a second. By the end of the summer I had lost another 10 lbs. This past fall I made a major dietary change, following the advice of my running coach/trainer. I started cutting out breads, pastas, etc., and upping my proteins and vegetables. He told me to each enough vegetables each day to fill my head. I am now the queen of the spinach and cherry smoothie. YUM! I eat nuts instead of (gulp) popcorn and pretzels (my salty favs), and avoid bread most of the time (just the dog, just the beef burger–oh, and veggies). Since last October I’ve lost almost another 15 pounds. The only real change to my exercise regimine was more strength training. So the math is this: I lost 20 pounds in 2 years and 15 pounds in 3 months. All because I basically started eating like a diabetic. (I am predisposed to diabetes anyway: my grandma was diabetic, my dad is diabetic, and I had gestational diabetes.) So now, inspired by you, and over 30 lbs lighter than when I began my fitness journey, I’m planning to run a marathon (or 2 or 3) and do some Olympic distance tris, and who knows what else. I try not to be to vain: my belly is covered with wrinkles from my kids despite being much slimmer than it ever (since I was in junior high). But I love having dropped from my size 12 to a size 4 (at least in pants), and my running performance, while never great, is vastly improved due to a better VO2 max. (Of course, swimming is better too, but that was my strength before.) Now, if I can just learn to fall in love with my bike….. Bottom line: baby steps. Your healthy diet will pay off. Avoid the carbs (read “Why we get fat,” “wheat belly, etc.”), keep up the hard work, and continue to be an inspiration to your kids and the rest of us. I’ll keep reading (and am still enjoying your book) and can’t wait to hear about your hard-won successes in the next year. p.s. I’m thinking I might take on a half ironman this fall or in the following spring and then an ironman from there. I never would have contemplated it were it not for you!

Great job with being so honest with yourself and us!! I am fighting the same battle of losing weight. It is an everyday battle but as long as we take it one day at a time it willl make it easier!! Plus keeping it positive!! I love reading your blog!! Keep up the hard work!!

Keep up the good work! You can do it!

I know we all have our own body issue hang ups and our own ideal of what we want to look like… so I get where you are coming from. But, I have to say I think you look fabulous! As I read your book, I thought the same thing. I’m the same way, so I do understand. You’re doing great with the diet, and you are an inspiration. But I also had to chime in with a “Don’t be so hard on yourself!” because you really do look fit and amazing!

I am proud of you for posting pictures! It’s hard and scary to put yourself out to the internet where who knows who is looking. I do it on my blog too, and it’s a great way to stay accountable. Keep being awesome SwimBikeMom! You got this! #itsajourney

You say “chunky belly” but I see abs there. Work in progress, sure–aren’t we all?–but you look strong and awesome!

I see ABS!!!!