Sue Reynolds - The Athlete Inside:/ The Transforming Power of Hope, Tenacity, and Faith

For my husband and sons.

I love how God is working in each of us.

To my husband, Brian:

God answered my prayers when he brought you into my life. Thank you for your love and support for the past forty-plus years. Youve enabled me to chase big dreams with the confidence that youd always have my back if something went wrong. You are our familys role model for everything good. I love you to the moon and back.

To my son Michael Dean:

Thank you for having the courage to open a meaningful discussion in our family about Gods love. You are truly a disciple of God, and your gentle spirit allows others to open their hearts to you. Ive greatly enjoyed observing your passion for helping troubled youth as you and Megan launch your Christian wilderness therapy program.

To my son Andy:

Thank you for pushing me to be healthy and for encouraging me to do my first 5K. I love watching the joy you take in your family and how you lovingly interact with your kids. You and Laura are amazing parents. Youve made a place for yourself in the world of work, and your generous gift of talent and time to your church and community is inspiring.

Losing two hundred pounds, becoming a triathlete, and writing a book about my journey have been possible through the love, support, and kindness of many people. In addition to those to whom I dedicated this book, I am immensely grateful for the following people who have played a part in my journey. Thank you, all of you.

My daughters-in-law, Laura Reynolds and Megan Reynolds: I love having other girls in the family, especially ones as sweet as you. You have blessed me beyond words by loving my sons.

My grandchildren, Harper, Emma Kate, Caroline, and Mack: You bring laughter and joy into our lives. You make my heart sing.

My brother and Ironman, Tom Engle: Although you are my little brother, you have always seemed like a big brother. I appreciate your wisdom (which Im sure you inherited from Dad), all youve taught me about triathlon, and how you always know the right words to calm my nerves before big races.

Coach Brant Bahler: You saw things in me that I didnt know existed, helped me develop the confidence I needed to go after my dreams, and supported me every step of the way. Through your actions, you taught me how trust is built. Most importantly, you showed me how deep ones faith can be, helped me see the doors that God put before me, and helped me have the courage to step through those doors. I am grateful for your triathlon guidance, your silly sense of humor, and our intergenerational friendship.

USA Triathlon: Thank you for all your support and encouragement as I transitioned from a triathlon newbie to a member of Team USA. I will never forget your kindness.

Adam Schaeuble and the coaches at Next Generation Personal Training/Meltdown Bootcamp: I am grateful for the nutrition and exercise instruction I received at Bootcamp, along with Bootcamps supportive culture and accountability system. Bootcamp was exactly what I needed to start my fitness journey.

Matt Fitzgerald: Your many books on nutrition for endurance athletes fill my personal library. Thank you for helping me determine my ideal race weight and for your personal interest in my story which gave me courage to share it with others.

My sports performance dietitian, Brittney Bearden: Your guidance, kindness, and patience as I transitioned from a weight loss nutrition plan to a sports performance nutrition plan were greatly appreciated. Your plan worked. I have sustained my ideal race weight for several years.

My writing mentor, John Woodcock: Your guidance and positive support as I wrote the first draft of each chapter meant so much to me. Your kind encouragement caused me to fall in love with writing. I will cherish that gift forever.

My literary agent, Julie Gwinn: I will never forget the shock I felt when I asked before writing a word of this book, if you thought anyone would be interested in reading it, and you replied, Yes... and Id like to sign you right now. Thank you for believing in me and for all the help you have given me along the way.

The team at Fortress Press: I appreciate all your editing, proofreading, designing, typesetting, producing, and promotion for the book. Emily Brower and others, thank you for guiding me through the editing process and for helping me understand that I cant have thirty-six exclamation points in one chapter!

And most importantly, thanks to God: You welcomed me back with open arms when I had been away and have showered me with abundant blessings for which I am deeply grateful. I pray that you will help me have the ability to recognize your will and the tools I need to put your will into action. While I may win a race or receive a medal, all glory goes to you.