Then and Now

One of my pals from high school has a page on Facebook where we help each other stay motivated with exercise and eating right.  It's a place, kinda like blogging, where we can share our fitness journey with those who care to hear about it and provide support for others who have the same goals as you do. 

One of our friends posted a before and after picture and then other did.  It got me thinking.  Did I have any photos of myself before I started all this triathlon business?  Photos in my 30's are pretty few and far between.  I think partly because I was the one taking the pictures and partly because I didn't really like what I looked like post baby, nursing, whatever.  Somehow we moms are good at removing ourselves from photos like that. 

Anyhoo.  Here's some photos from before:

2006 still nursing because there are boobs there

 

2007

 

around 2004?  and clearly, I am in desperate need of a decent bra

 

2009 not nursing and still in need of a good bra and a smaller ass

Not overly fat, but definitely not fit either.  You will be glad to hear that I have since discovered the wonders of a padded lift bra.  It is like magic to the 40+ year-old-post-nursing boobs.  Since I am happily married and he knows what he's getting, it's not false advertising. 

Now fast forward to more recent post-tri training photos:

2011

 

2011

this summer

 

and my favorite pic of all racing photos--except for my finish photo with the kids

I love this last photo so much.  I would have my picture taken all the time if they came out like this.  It's not just about being thinner or a lower number on the scale, it's about looking fit and strong.  That is always my goal.

I have come further than I thought I had.  And these photos are just enough motivation to head to the Y for self-taught spin class today even though I feel like crap from a head cold.

Got to keep chasing away the chins.

Do you have any photos that keep you going back to the gym?