What’s MY Excuse?

54 Responses

1. Bingo. I thought the same thing. It’s not her fault I feel bad about my body. It’s all my own doing.
   I’ve lost the weight but regained it. And I have tons of excuses. Not really maybe about 45lbs of excuses. But still they are excuses. All belonging to me. Not someone else on the internet.

2. I think most people reacted negatively because of her statement “What your excuse?” Excuse for what, if we don’t have her body we’re supposed to be deficient? I think that’s why so many were so offended. We come in all shapes, sizes, and color. We don’t have to look like her to not have an “excuse”.

3. Wow, first of all kuddos to her! And to you! I have so many thoughts racing thru my head right now probably none of them will make any sense if I try to put them here. I am so negative to myself, and I know I shouldn’t be. I need to be thankful for what I have, what I’ve been given and how blessed I am. No matter how much pain I’m in, the defeats, the lows, the hard aches, I need to remember that I am here, I have an amazing family, I’ve worked so hard to succeed and some days will be better than others. I can do what I put my mind to. And I need to learn how to accept defeat better. I need to listen to my body more, to those who are trying to help me and not let the demons get the best of me in my head. We all have issues or things we can do better, but until we accept the fact that its ok just the way we are somedays, we will not move forward. Sometimes taking a few steps backwards helps us move forward better than before. Huh, listen to me…the negative one, trying to convince myself of the positive??!! Thanks for posting this! Once again, you get me out of my funk!

   PS….got any good sherpa’ing advice? My husband is running a half marathon on sunday and I’ve never been the sherpa, always the athlete!!! 😉

4. When you post stuff like this, it feels like you are inside my head! And I love it. Love hearing that I’m not the only woman who thinks and feels this way about myself. It is a constant struggle, and I’m still learning to be happy with myself and where I’m at, and just be comfortable in my own skin. So THANK YOU for really nailing it. You are amazing! Do you think that chick has done an ironman? Probably not! Just keep doing what you’re doing, because it means so much to so many other people, especially women.

5. This picture of MS. king plus the addition of your post motivates me.

6. I have no problem with her showing off all her hard work. I think the offensive part is the lack of compassion / empathy for others that it seems to convey. (For example, if the title on the poster was “Look What I Did!” rather than “What’s Your Excuse,” I would have no issue with it.) All of us “Biggest Loser” fans know that people get into the shape they are in at the beginning of the show for different reasons and many of those reasons are things that the vast majority of us have never had to deal with. I am all for everyone maximizing their potential but everyone’s journey is different and we need to celebrate each other successes and encourage one another in the hard times.

7. I think the title itself is an indication that this was not meant to motivate others. What’s your excuse? Is not an empowering statement, it accusatory, as if you haven’t been doing enough.

8. Wow. I think she is trying to motivate the people who make excuses and don’t work out at all. The ones who don’t have time or energy to go to the gym or take a walk, but have all the time in the world to post recipes on Facebook and bake brownies. I don’t think she is talking to you SBM. You, who does 3,4,5 + hour workouts. You, who trained months and completed a freaking Ironman! She’s not talking to you! I think we all have to do the best with what God gave us. Some of us have the ability and drive to train for hours on end ( that would be you), some of us nail the nutrition day in and day out ( I’m guessing her, not me for sure). The key word here is DO! Do something. I think that’s what her message is and that’s what I took from it. Today I DID a 5 mile run with tempo intervals because I’m training for a HM. And I’m going to try to eat lots of fruits and veggies. That’s what I do. When I don’t do as well as I wish I could, I don’t make excuses. I just keep moving forward. Just like SBM says to do. P.S. I like your posters MUCH more, keep them coming!

9. Spectacular.

   I just found your site a week ago. There are a number of similarities between us – your message really resonates.

   Thank you!

10. Thank you for posting this. I see her point and yours, both are great. If we want something we make a plan, if we don’t we make excuses ( read that somewhere). I made a plan, executed it and still can’t appreciate my hard work and see my great new body. All I see when I look in the mirror is the roll of fat and skin leftover and not the new me who was buying size 4’s and 6’s last weekend, the same weekend I ran my first marathon. I need to love my amazing whole body, the one that allowed me to run 26.2 miles and 6 weeks earlier did a 70.3 triathlon. Thank you!

11. I get it but it would be way more real for me if she had on no makeup, unstyled hair and in a normal pose, i.e. standing (her thighs might even touch!). That is my reality.

12. Her post didn’t bother me at all. How can someone, whom I’ve never met, make me feel bad about myself unless I give her the power to do so? Social media has become so crazy, we act as if the people who post actually know us and are speaking directly to us. This woman posted something out into the universe, used the word “your” and people actually take it personally. I find that fascinating.
    Another thing that interests me about this is the same people who are slamming her likely tune in to The Biggest Loser because they find Jillian’s abusive style to be “inspiring.”
    I stand amazed.

13. Bingo! You articulated exactly what I was thinking.

14. I’m not offended by her message, but I do think it’s the way she’s presenting it. It’s just my feeling that the sexy pose & clothes with the kids is a strange combo. I’ve had issues with eating, weight gain/loss etc. I’m now probably in the best shape of my life @ 44 y/o. I’ve got a child (no not three) & had to make a lot of changes in my eating & my mentality to get where I am. I’m not saying I’m as hot as her or whatever – but I think if I threw on that same get-up I could probably be a good rival (from the neck down at least – and with a spray on tan 😉 But I’d prefer to try & motivate others by speaking of my accomplishments – not my physical appearance. I am so much more motivated by others & what they DO – wether it’s getting on the scale for the first time in years & facing the battle, running their first mile without walking, or completing a Ironman. I am not one bit motivated by that “look at my hot body” poster. It’s just too egomaniacal. I really looked at it and thought – hmmmm – she’s giving a LOT of men a good eye full – her husband must be so proud!! (Sarcasm). But that’s just my feelings – I’m pretty conservative & don’t work hard for the look it gives me so much – it’s the benefits of being HEALTHY physically and mentally that is the biggest reward!! And that comes in all shapes & sizes!!!

15. her post doesn’t bother me, i workout and eat healthy and know i will never look like that. i am finally happy in my own skin. i applaud her honesty about her eating disorder and her body is evident of her hard work and dedication. i think her comment “what’s your excuse?” should make us think, we’re a society that likes to put blame on anyone but ourselves. what strikes me most is her beautiful smile. she looks like a confident and happy woman (person)-that’s enough for me.

16. If she had put a different title INSTEAD of ‘what’s your excuse’ like showing it as a success of where she was..that is one thing. but an in your face…. not very inspiring. I totally respect what she has accomplished…. BUT that body is not my body and I DON’T want her body either. I like being fit and I have muscle and curves. I can do a triathalon…. yes I work fulltime, I have 3 kids, I have no money…. but I have ZERO desire to be or look like her. Post a picture — SHARE your story. I like the story part of it. SBM — I am more inspired by YOUR story because it is very much real!! and relatable to me.

17. You nicely articulated my thoughts and reactions.

18. Except, it’s really NOT your own doing, it’s the relentless media assault that’s putting that idea in your head and reinforcing it: the actresses who lose their baby weight in 21 days (without mentioning they transitioned to a full time job of working out with a trainer), the skinny airbrushed models everywhere — even this woman, who didn’t say anything about how she got there other than she didn’t give in to cravings. Interestingly she says she IS NOT a personal trainer, but doesn’t say she didn’t use one.
    My first thought upon seeing this pic in SBM’s blog was, “But Swim Bike Mom did the CDA Ironman, which is completely impressive, so what did this gal do with her rockin’ abs?”

19. She looks great but I bet she can’t complete and Ironman 🙂

20. Congrats to this woman for getting to a physical and mental place that makes her feel powerful and beautiful. We all have different ways of reaching this point, right?

    This TED talk from Dr. Ivan Joseph is a must watch before any interview, grumpy morning, workout, speech, test, triathlon, whatever. Thank you SBM for contributing inspiration to my mother, who completed her first triathlon at age 55 (and has lost 50 lbs in the process). This is an amazing accomplishment for her and we are all unbelievably proud. Thank you for consistently posting about real world fitness. Life gets in the way sometimes but you just steer yourself back onto course. Thank you for focusing on miles and times versus calories and waist lines. Losing weight is a happy byproduct of kicking so much ass. Check out this TED talk anytime you need a 13 minute pep talk!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HYZv6HzAs

    Cheers!

21. So true! People cannot make you feel any other way than how you let yourself feel. You are in control of your own emotions, and how you react to something shows a lot about how you feel about it. I believe that responses to social media are many-layered and that you have to go through an entire thought process before you can really decide how you view it. So dont just stop at the first thought… investigate the rest of them! Everyone is an onion and we all have layers- what affects your layers may say something about the core. I know my head is always filled with excuses, and when I saw the post- I was like, hmmm… I dont have any excuses. I dont have one good excuse as to why I cant accomplish my goals. So maybe her post isnt all about the perfect body, but if her body was her goal and she met it with everything she had going on, maybe its a chance for us all to.reflect on what we are letting get in the way of our goals. Your goals can be anything, maybe hers were more than just the body. But pick your goals and figure out whats preventing you from reaching them. I think thats what she did.

22. Thanks for posting your response SBM! I love your response and how you laid out each step of your thinking. You were very genuine and sincere in your response. This is why I love reading your blog — your accomplishments, attitude, and and real-ness motivate me!

23. I didn’t find this offensive at all. Proud of her accomplishments. Found some truth to “what is our excuse”? U get what u put into it or not. Whether she is born with beauty or not. That is neither her or there. Simple put: Jealousy. Haters are going to hate. Yes, she could have worded it a little different towards the end, but I am sure she felt like she had to defend her accomplishments. KUDOS to her.

24. Fantastic and Spot. On. Appreciated your comments. I am a single mom with 3 great kids, own a bike shop – a Women’s Centric shop – and deal with this issue daily with my customers and myself. Trying to motivate, encourage and assure all of us that we ARE good enough, that we CAN do what we set our minds to do and ALL of our bodies are made differently. Each goal should be personal and specific taking in all aspects of ones life. I think at some point in life I did work out and eat correctly and DID have something close to the body shown in the photo – which kinda makes it worse. I know my body did it once, but thinking about what it took to get it there now makes me want to go lie down. It’s my job to learn to love my changing body because I have 2 girls watching! Enjoy reading your blog! RB

25. The photo brings about mixed emotions in me…..I have strugglesd with body issues my entire life. I was bulimic/ borderline anorexic in high school then went completely on the opposite end of the spectrum, finding myself weighing over 200 pounds AFTER my last child was born. I lost 60 pounds 10 years ago while training for my first triathlon, and I can honestly say being a competing triathlete has saved my life, because I have FINALLY focused on being strong and healthy…..Could I afford to lose 20 pounds? Sure…. But it doesn’t consume me.

    Once, two of my skinny friends commented they wished they could be confident about their body like I was with mine ( neither one of them weigh over 105 pounds). At first I,was offended, thinking what was I supposed to do, hide in a closet because I’ll never weigh 115? Then I felt sorry for them because their demons seemed far greater than mine…..P.S. It helps to have a husband who absolutely loves my body.

    No, I couldn’t strike a pose like the woman in the photo, but I could put my hands on my hips and smile for the camera. I’ll take that as a win……

26. Body image is a funny thing. I think it’s something engrained in a person when they are young. I’ve always been raised by parents who taught me to be of strong mind, and strong will. I will tell you, I don’t understand the younger generation nowadays. They seem so ego driven, and have the “look at me mentality.” I think what it boils down to is self love. I’ve never disliked my body, even when I was 215 lbs., and about to give birth to my third child. I’ve been a size 6, and a size who knows depending on the maternity wear. If this woman is happy about herself, good for her. I just don’t understand that need to post it to the world and say, “look at me!” She’s lacking something in her emotional or personal life. And, IMO looking to fill a void somehow. I was told recently, “it’s sad I look for the bad in others” by someone who does the same thing as this woman. Maybe it’s a generational thing? Something cool, and fun for those 20-30 crowd. Maybe it’s insecurity, or maybe it’s just total vanity. Either way, love yourself no matter what size you are. We all have one body, and what we think of it is the only opinion that matters. You is kind, you is smart, you is important! Words to live by. TLC

27. BINGO

28. Yea, that’s it. You articulated it perfectly.

29. Yes! I agree! I am working hard to realize that we are all different. Some of us can start running and immediately run 7 min miles for 10 miles straight. I’ve been running for 4+ years now and, while I’ve improved by leaps and bounds, I have accepted I will never be a 7 min mile runner. And that is OK. I need to compare myself to the person I was yesterday, not anyone else. We all have different starting points. Some of us have body types which lend to building muscle better, running faster, breathing more efficiently. Some of us can put the fork down when we feel full, have a killer metabolism, or never hear food noise. What we need to think about is how hard it is to work at whatever it is we want to accomplish and look back at what we have accomplished. I am in awe of those who set a goal- like your Ironman finish Meredith- or my friend who finished her first marathon this year, or another friend who is a beginner runner and up to 3 minutes running straight before she walks- and work to accomplish it, no matter how hard it is.

30. Haha! So true!
    I guess your poster, Meredith, could have been YOU holding your IM medal and with the exact same title!
    It’s just about YOUR own goals what gives you the sense of accomplishment!!

31. Thank you! I thought it was ludicrous for her to say “What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head. I didn’t create them. You created them.” when she most certainly instigated any thought around the image by posting it and initiated the whole idea that anyone looking at the image would feel bad or need an excuse for not looking like she does in the photo. It was utterly narcissistic. She sets up a dualistic idea that if you don’t look like her, you look an unacceptable way. My response would be to post on her page multiple photos of Scarlett Johansson, Maya Angelou, Eva Mendes, Jack Black, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Kardashian, Sissy Spacek, Kerry Washington, Diane Keaton and ask her what her friggin excuse is. Now that she has her body all squared away, she should work on her mind.

32. I thought it was ludicrous for her to say “What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head. I didn’t create them. You created them.” when she most certainly instigated any thoughts around the image by posting it in the first place. And she indeed initiated the whole idea that anyone looking at the image would feel bad or need an excuse for not looking like she does in the photo by saying so “What’s your excuse?” It was utterly narcissistic. She set up a dualistic idea that if you don’t look like her, you look an unacceptable way. My response would be to post on her page multiple photos of Scarlett Johansson, Maya Angelou, Eva Mendes, Jack Black, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Kardashian, Sissy Spacek, Kerry Washington, Diane Keaton and ask her what her friggin excuse is. Now that she has her body all squared away, she should work on her mind.

33. I agree with some of the comments made above-it’s the headline I have a problem with. Why do any of us need an excuse? And the headline seems to assume we all place the same priority on what she is so proud of- a great body after 3 children. Well, some of us have other important goals– and I think that’s more than okay. It’s great that she’s managed to stay fit and trim with a full-time job and 3 kids, but we’ve all got different priorities and demands in our life. If you share her goal- her success can be inspiring to you, but for those of us who don’t, I just say, so what? Maybe we define success in ourselves in other ways that don’t have to do with how you look in workout clothing.

34. I heard Ms. Kang on BBC radio early this morning driving to the pool. What bothers me about her post is the attitude behind it: “Look what I did! Look at me! ” I don’t buy that she’s trying to motivate others. To me, this photo shows her insecurity, because she feels the need to post that photo for the world to see to make herself feel like she’s better than others. How many professional female athletes who are also moms do you see posting their photos like that asking that same question? I can’t recall any.
    And as for you, Swim Bike Mom, I’m always so impressed with your honesty and your ability to capture the thoughts of so many other women who aren’t able to express them publicly.

35. This one did make me think about a few things.
    First- I don’t mind her poster message (the design is horrible, but I am a graphic person). All too often people say “oh I would love to… look like that, do an Ironman, be an athlete… but I can’t because… kids, job, no time, whatever…” I think the most common reason women say they can’t do something is because of their kids. This poster is about understanding that and saying “I can do it, so you can too”. It’s not her whole story, but it shows a bigger piece of it (her kids).
    Second- I agree with her statement “What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head.” As hard as it might be for all of us to swallow, we are responsible for ourselves and our thoughts. Personally, I don’t find her image motivating, but I don’t find it to be de-motivating either. I just see someone who I don’t look like, but maybe if I was motivated enough I could get close.
    Third- I like your images better because they are thoughts, not deeds or looks. I have recently found that if I control my thoughts to be positive I can do a lot more. It’s not about doing it to please others, though. My thoughts all push me to be better FOR MYSELF. I have stopped seeking approval from others and that has been wonderful for me. Maybe the key to not being bothered by these images is to figure out the underlying reason why they bother you, like you did.

36. I don’t know if her intention is to motivate people really-because motivation comes from being relatable. If I can relate to someone in some way-and they have accomplished something awesome (like an Ironman 🙂 then I can tell myself-that with hard work it can be a possibility for myself as well. During this past year I have taken up running and have only lost 19Ilbs since January (see I said “only”). Like you said we need to reframe the conversation we ourselves daily-my focus shouldn’t be on the scale (but of course I’m human) but on how much better I feel. Yesterday I did and 8 mile run at an 14 min/mile pace- ( in preparation for a 15k trail run next weekend) ,but I was starting to do that negative self talk about how I am not good at running-despite finishing the eight miles without feeling totally wasted.
    Really the poster she shared shouldn’t say “what’s your excuse” instead it should say what is really her deep down motivation. She maybe have here own issues with self-esteem, although it appears that she is exuding confidence.

37. Hey, she has 3 of the best exercise machines ever invented: 3 small boys.

38. I do not know who you are Suzanne, but your struggles with weight sound very similar to mine. It is hard for those who have gone through eating disorders to obtain a healthy mentality about their body. After finding running and triathlon, I have learned to absolutely love my body and what it can DO. Like you said, could I stand to lose a few pounds? Sure. But at the end of the day, I feel very confident about what my body has done for me and all the amazing things it can do!

39. Good video!

40. I interpreted her message as challenging all of us to prioritize our own fitness. We don’t all have to look like her but I think she was trying to say “I have 3 young kids and have time to work out enough to look like this so even if you have challenges in your life, you can still prioritize exercise and fitness.” No, not everyone wants to or can look like her. BUT we can all be healthier within our own worlds. I work out 5 times a week, love every minute of it and am proud of the strong and fit body I have worked hard for. Do I look like Maria Kang? No. Am I jealous of her? No. Do I think the vast majority of people could be fitter if they ate less processed food and moved more? Yes. Do I feel like a lot of people make excuses for their lack of good health because they refuse to take responsibility for themselves? Yes. I applaud Maria Kang for continuing the conversation and challenging all of us to look inward, reflect, and strive to be our best selves.

41. Well said. I thought her intent was to motivate, but it failed to inspire me. The part that was a bit demoralizing, and this isn’t her fault, is that I will NEVER look like that. With roughly 90 pounds down and another 110 to go, things don’t hang out where the used to. (Paticularly at 40-something years old). I am FAR more inspired by this blog and others who have faced similar obstacles.

42. I had the same thought…. did this woman do an Ironman? Or a marathon? Or just have a goal in mind to flaunt her awesome bod on her facebook page? I guess either way, a goal is a goal.

    However, I see nothing wrong with her using a personal trainer, IF she did use one. She says she isn’t one. She didn’t say she didn’t use one. But if she did, so what, good for her.

    I’ve lost over 100 lbs, and am running my second marathon in a few weeks. I also have used a personal trainer weekly for 3 years now. I can say this… I am LUCKY. Lucky to be able to afford it, and lucky I found one who gets me, who challenges me, and who supports me. But I DO THE WORK. Period. I can cancel my appointments with him, and sometimes I do. But I am the one who has to get there, keep my appointments, do the work, tolerate the pain, and eat right. He is one (sometimes two) hours of my week. The other 166 hours are up to me. There is nothing wrong with using a personal trainer to help you get fit. Because in the end, it is up to you!

43. I wouldn’t want my wife to miss out on bacon, ice cream, fries, and my cooking just to look like that. Beauty is much deeper than appearance.

44. Beth, you nailed it. Why does one feel the need to put others down in order to build themselves up? Be proud of who you are & what you can do, period.

45. I read this yesterday, then pondered it awhile before coming back to it. My wish is that instead of using the word “excuses”, we could use the word “choice” more often. She obviously chose to make her physical appearance a priority. Some others with 3 young boys may choose to spend more time snuggling, feeding, cleaning, sleeping, etc. because they like how that makes them feel. Sure, having awesome abs is a great feeling, but so is a grubby little hand that just wants you to hold it because before too long that little hand grows up & doesn’t want mom around as much. We shouldn’t second guess anyone’s choices, they made them for a reason. She made her choices & appears to be happy with them. I’m happy with a lot of the choices I’ve made, & other choices I learn from & hope to make a better choice the next time 🙂

46. What if her poster said, “Yes you can!”? This is the phrase coined by Team Hoyt, the father/son team who has completes marathons & Ironmans. Oh yeah, the father does all this while pushing/pulling his son who has cerebral palsy. I am currently reading their book, One Letter at a Time. Now That. Is. Inspirational.

47. As I read this I wondered if she would have done the same thing if there was a daughter in the photo -especially since she describes her struggles with eating disorders and genetics, etc. I have 2 three-year-old girls – one has a slim frame and the other is more broad shouldered and sturdy like I am. They have the same diet and do the same activities, but one will always be slimmer. As they get older and become more self aware, my husband and I are doing everything we can to keep them from comparing themselves to each other -as well as others -as long as we possibly can.

48. I remember seeing that picture showing up on my facebook feed the other day. To be completely honest, I looked at it for 10 seconds and then I scrolled on down the feed to read things that interested me more. I really could care a less. I think it came though my feed as advertisement or what, I don’t remember. I guess what kept me from really pondering her question was this.

    I go out there and do it to the best of my ability 90% of the time. Today I was suppose to get out and do 7 miles for Goofy training but it didn’t happen. It’s done and over with and I don’t want to waste my energy thinking about what could have been.

    I have already overcome a lot. I have type 2 diabetes that is controlled by diet and exercise now for over 2+ years. At one time I used to take insulin. I have lost over 60 lbs, at one time I had lost 80, but you know how that goes.

    /start soapbox rant
    I am done comparing my body to anyone else. I will never have her type of body unless I have surgery and that is never going to happen. While I am not completely 100% healthy, I will always be considered type 2 and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I am in best shape that I have every been. I have participated in over 10 half marathons this year, plus a sprint tri, a Ragnar Relay and a couple of 5 K’s.

    We all need to remember that no one can really defines us. We define ourselves and that is the
    only definition we should listen to. It is really easy to dump on ourselves, I have lots of experience with that and it can still be a struggle. We can be our own worst enemy or we can be our own best friend. Old habits are hard to break but each time we make break out of our norm it can be for the better and I have to believe that that is for our own better good.

    /end soapbox rant

49. The question “What’s your excuse?” overlaid on the photo is accusatory and “Tiger Mom” style. Its not kind. We need to be kind to each other and ourselves. Life is short. We are all young and beautiful for a while and then we grow old and infirm. Maria Kang is beautiful, but its a snapshot in time. Her legacy is yet to be determined. Lets all focus on what we are going to contribute to each other, our families, our children if we have them. Lets be kind and think about how to make the world a better place. A body is just a body…maybe beautiful, maybe overweight, maybe less functional than others..lets not get seduced by an image….lets work on the world that is outside of us…lets lose the ego… Swim Bike Mom entertains, communicates, inspires, endeavours…thats why I read her blog. Its a contribution to the world. Thats what matters…

50. Erin, you nailed it!I agree – I don’t think Mrs. Perfect-Bod ever intended her message to be taken as criticism for people like SBM or those of us who ARE out there trying to ‘tri’ and be fit. But she missed the mark because I still can’t decide if her message is that she has small children and a job and is trying to point out that it is possible to find the time/motivation to exercise & eat well and feel good (in which case, bravo). OR, is it about how one looks, narcisism, and all those unattainable gifts of the genetically beautiful that make us regular folk feel inadequate–It just seems to callous to imply that “I have 3 kids and look at me, no stretch marks and thick full hair–what’s the matter with you??” I may weigh the same as her, and I may be able to swim/bike/run around her in circles (maybe…), but I certainly don’t look anything as good as her. So what’s my EXCUSE?? Is it my dad’s fault for giving me my nose and weak chin ? Or my mom’s for the thin hair??? Or my gestating children for making my belly button look like one of those dried apple-witches we carved in elementary school? “What’s your excuse” was a poor choice of words- it is more accusatory than inspirational, and it’s certainly not supportive.

51. Having said that, the point is it’s about HOW you take Maria’s message. I really wasn’t offended until I started writing the above, and then all this self-criticism came out. Kind of humbling really…. There’s always going to be prettier women and faster triathletes out there. That doesn’t mean the rest of us ‘normals’ shouldn’t show up on race day, or need to make excuses for not being the fastest/smartest/prettiest etc. This whole thing really highlights why negative self-talk makes us our own worst enemies. The criticism on this could be turned around as “what’s our excuse” for not seeing ourselves with same pride that Maria has? Is it really all about the size she’s wearing and the grooming vs a lifestyle of fitness and taking care of ourselves WHILE we take care of our families ? I certainly see Meredith SBM as a superhero and inspiration, even if she doesn’t see it in herself 🙂

52. New mantra. Let’s say it out loud to one another until it reverberates through our bodies and into the world. Thank you.

53. Loved your write up and agreed with alot of things that you mentioned. The fact that she posted it made me smile in the way that it was great to see someone trying to have good intentions in motivating people, but that smile quickly turned into a confusion as to why would you post something like that to make others either feel jealous or outright bad about themselves. What about the kids when they grow up? How are they going to feel when an future colleague makes a joke about his mom that is attractive?

    Just my two cents. Love your blog and keep it up the awesome writing!