In 2011, I weighed 235 pounds and was morbidly obese. After trying and failing several diets over the years, I finally decided to have weight-loss surgery called sleeve gastrectomy. This is where 75% of the stomach is removed and the result is a slender, tube-shaped structure in the shape of a sleeve. Within a year of the surgery, I had lost over 75 pounds. But I was determined to lose more weight—and to keep it off. More importantly, I was determined to start exercising. So I signed up and trained for my first triathlon. On Mother’s Day in 2012, I did the TriGirl “super sprint” triathlon in Houston. After finishing the swim in cold, choppy water, as I was transitioning to the bike, I told myself (and my spectator family) I’d never do one of these again. I lied. Since that day, I’ve done more than 20 triathlons of various distances including my first full Ironman in 2017. When a race is over, you won’t find my name at the top of the leaderboard. But you will see me proudly wearing a finisher’s medal, high-fiving my friends and competitors, and smiling the entire time. How do I pull this off? Simple. I set concrete goals. I commit to doing the work. I train smartly and consistently. And I stay motivated with the help of my family, friends, coaches, and training buddies. Easier said than done, of course! Looking back, I’m proud that I’ve lost so much weight and gotten healthy again. I’m proud that I’m a fit, active triathlete and that I challenge myself to get better every day. Most of all, I’m proud that I’ve inspired lots of other people—family, friends, and random Facebook acquaintances—to lose weight, get active, and try triathlons.