The Athlete Inside: The Transforming Power of Hope, Tenacity, and Faith

by Sue Reynolds

Overview

The inspiring true story of one woman's transformation from 335 pounds to world-class triathlete in just four years.

After being on yo-yo diets almost all her life, Sue Reynolds was still morbidly obese, but decided to try one more time without much hope for positive results. But this time was different. She was fed up with not being able to do things because of her size. She was tired of not being able to tie her own shoes, fit in restaurant booths, or walk more than a few feet. She was ready.

The Athlete Inside follows Reynolds's journey as she lost 200 pounds and found an athlete hiding inside her body. From her first walk to the neighbor's mailbox to finishing sixth at the World Triathlon Championship, Reynolds discovered the joy of conquering fear and pride to find that the best version of herself had been there all along.

A world-class triathlete and a grandmother, Reynolds is proof that you can transform your life at any age. Her story is one of hope, tenacity, and faith, as she committed to doing whatever it took to be among the best triathletes in the world. It's a story about a unique intergenerational relationship between Reynolds and the young coach who earned her trust and helped her develop fitness and confidence. It's a story about the power of kindness and the spiritual growth Reynolds experienced as she realized the compassion that surrounded her was the face of God. Ultimately, it's the story of how each of us can discover amazing gifts and talents within ourselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506458809
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	04/28/2020
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Sue Reynolds is a world-class triathlete who, only four years prior to placing sixth at the World Triathlon Championship, weighed 335 pounds and could not walk a block. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has been featured in several national periodicals and various television shows. She currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

Before Triathlon 7

8 → 335 → 235 pounds

Chapter 1 Becoming Obese 9

Chapter 2 First Steps and Setbacks 19

Chapter 3 Reset 33

Triathlon Season 1 Crossing the Start Line 43

235 → 226 pounds

Chapter 4 First Triathlon 45

Triathlon Season 2 Discovering Me 59

226 → 176 pounds

Chapter 5 Becoming Coachable 61

Chapter 6 Facing Fear, Finding Courage 75

Chapter 7 Discovering the Athlete Inside 89

Chapter 8 I Know This Is You, God 101

Triathlon Season 3 Developing Grit 113

176 → 140 pounds

Chapter 9 No Stone Unturned 115

Chapter 10 Who Am I? 133

Chapter 11 Team USA 145

Triathlon Season 4 World Championship 157

140 → 135 pounds

Chapter 12 Building the Team 159

Chapter 13 Catastrophe, Faith, and Cozumel 169

Chapter 14 Worlds! 181

Triathlon Season 5 Sixth in the World 199

135 pounds

Chapter 15 Blues and Joys 201

Editorial Reviews

"In her book of transformation and faith, Sue Reynolds shows how sport changed her life. She tells a story familiar to me—one of discovering untapped talents, finding a trusted team, and using focus and discipline to achieve goals. That my journey provided inspiration fulfills one of my own dreams—to empower women and inspire others to be active." —Gwen Jorgenson, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, Triathlon

"Sue Reynolds changed her perception of herself, and this book will help you do the same. Her message is simple: If this 335-pound grandmother can change her life for the better, so can you!" —Bob Babbitt, Hall of Fame Inductee, USA Triathlon and Ironman Triathlon; Co-founder, Competitor magazine and Challenged Athletes Foundation

"Sue Reynolds has inspired many by sharing her transformative journey. Her infectious personality and incredible determination are evident as she shares how she tapped into the strength she had all along." —Rocky Harris, CEO, USA Triathlon

"Sue Reynolds's incredible story of personal transformation is proof there's an athlete inside each and every one of us, and it's never too late to find them. If she can do it, you can too!" —Matt Fitzgerald, certified sports nutritionist and author of Racing Weight and Life Is a Marathon

"Sue Reynolds offers a remarkable, inspiring story about personal transformation." —Dr. Ronald Hoffman, host, Intelligent Medicine

"The Athlete Inside is a powerful reminder that each of us is capable of athletic achievement. Sue's example inspires both courage and vulnerability, two necessary ingredients for anyone thinking about taking that first step to fulfillment." —Joe Maloy, USA Olympian

"Anyone striving to improve in life, health, or sport can learn from Sue's stick-with-it-ness through doubts, struggles, and setbacks. Read this book, surround yourself with support, and go achieve your goals." —Brittney Bearden, Sports Dietitian, Dallas Mavericks

"Sue Reynolds' journey—and success—is accessible to every single person because success is a daily decision, and today is a new day. Regardless of your end goal, Sue demonstrates the possibility of achievement." —Jane Rubietta, international speaker and coach; author of Worry Less So You Can Live More

From the Publisher