My name is Kathy Gilmour! I’m 50 years old and I have been overweight my entire life. I generally haven’t let it stop me from being athletic and adventurous. And yes, I’m constantly in a state of trying to lose weight. Though, admittedly, lots of times maybe I’m not trying hard enough!
I’ve recently moved back to Massachusetts after living in Key West for 20 years or so. I’m focusing more on running now than tri as I feel like that’s my personal key to living a healthier life. I took a break from this blog for awhile as I just couldn’t deal with the criticism. Now that I’m 50, I can honestly say “f the critics”! Don’t like what I’m doing, move along!
I’ve also been doing Stand Up Comedy now for about 5 years so some of those videos will be here as well.
I hope you enjoy reading! I love comments! and please follow my blog 🙂
The Gilmour Girl 
Hi! Thank you for sharing your story. It’s an inspiration. I would love to know what bike you use for your triathlons (both starting out and now). Newbie here.
Hi! Congrats on starting your journey!! Highly recommend Triathlon for the Every Woman by Meredith Atwood btw. I started with a Raleigh road bike- just a basic model. Served me really well!! I now ride a Specialized Roubaix. It’s carbon, has electric shifting. It’s a dream! Keep in mind most carbon bikes have a 275 pound weight limit. Plus they’re expensive. So see how much you like riding before committing to a more expensive bike. The number one thing you can do for yourself is get a bike fit from a pro. It will end up saving you money in the long run. They’ll take all your measurements and help you find the right fit at any budget. Then they’ll have you come back and adjust the bike as needed. This will reduce I jury and greatly increase comfort. Please teach out if you have any questions!
Not sure how I came across your story but I’m proud of you for going for it. I’ve wanted to run a half marathon for a long time but always hit a training wall and miss my window to do the big one in Dallas. But then I discovered high intensity interval training and I’m over the wall finally. Then I got this weird idea that a triathlon wouldn’t be that hard. I like running and biking just not a strong swimmer. But then I asked myself why do it? I’m almost 48 what do I have to prove? Which is then followed up with I’m just a hamster on a wheel right now what am I working out for besides my health? How’d you talk yourself into a triathlon?
Hi Christopher!
Thanks for your kind words. I’ve been on the struggle bus (heck, I’ve been driving it) over the last year and have only done one Tri! which is crazy for me! But I’m getting over the wall (again) myself!
And hells yeah you should do it! (I’m 48 too and launching a comeback). Talk to yourself with a why not? rather than why?. I personally find getting fit is easier when I have a goal. That’s how I got into it. and dang it, racing is FUN. Not a strong swimmer? that’s ok! you can take a lesson, join a master’s class or download a beginner workout. Start with a Sprint Tri (to get your feet wet, so to speak ;). and if you like it, then you can think more seriously about coach, upgraded equipment, etc. Keep me posted and reach out with any questions!!
Thank you for doing this!!! I am just getting into training for a triathlon and am overweight too. I did a few sprints when I was younger and thinner, but I dream of doing an Ironman someday. So I will start today… and am writing things for my blog – one day they will be up!!!
Thank you for encouraging the Athenas out there that also believe we are athletes!!!!
Can start whenever you need to! You’ve got this!
thanks for checking in!
Hi. My name is Cecilia. I’m 35 yo.
I’ve never been fit, always “the nice chubby friend”. I’ve never been an athlete, most of the times I’ve exercise, after a period of time I just quit. Even if I’m doing fine.
I want to stop that. I’ve been reading books, blogs, articles on the internet and watching videos to keep me motivated to finally keep on track and do not quit until I get what I want.
Some might laugh at me but… I want to participate AND finish an Ironman race. I admire people who do that. I want to be one of them, even if it takes me 5, 10 or 15 years from now.
In 1 week I’m doing my first 3K race. Yeah. Just 3km. And I’m not nervous about it… I am PANICKING about it! I am SO afraid of not finishing, of being he only fatty running, of being a joke, and doing a pathetic, ridiculous failed attempt in front of my husband and hundreds of people. I am afraid as hell! Even sometimes I think… no.. I better not go yet…
But… I am convinced of stepping out of my comfort zone and for the first time ever actually take the first real step towards my goal. People like you inspire me to try it, to go for it. I wanna be an ironwoman, no matter how long it takes.
But right now.. I just have to beat my first challenge… and I’m not talking about the 3K… but the PANIC I feel right now.
Thanks for sharing your blog. I just found it yesterday but I will keep reading you.
Bye!
I’m so sorry not to have answered you sooner. How did your 3k go????
I just want to say I love this! You sound like you are in my head sometimes! Keep it up- you are so inspiring to Tri newbies!
Thanks Carmen!! I’m definitely lacking in the writing department at the moment but comments like this will keep me motivated!!
Hi Kathy,
Just read your blog for the first time; a tri friend sent me the link. OMG you are HYSTERICAL & REAL! Thank you for empowering me! As an “athlete wannabe” I’m just about to pull the trigger & sign up for my first sprint tri. My only goal is to not need resuscitation either during or after. I’m older (50’s) & a little fluffy. I’m trying to find my IBA (Inner Bad Ass). It’s a journey & I love to laugh so I’m glad you’ll be there via your blog to help me stay motivated, laughing, & in perspective.
Thanks!
Carol
P.S. U R A ROCK STAR!
Thanks Carol!! Do it!! Pull the trigger. Even if the journey is the toughest thing ever, it’ll be worth it!!!
Kathy,
Saw you today at the Boston Tri. How did you do?? I didn’t have the guts to go up to you and ask if you were a Pathetic. (I know you are.) Cannot wait to hear your Boston Tri race recap!
Hi! I wish you did come up. Of course I’m a Pathetic! And it was Pathetic today. I was informed my swim took too long so my race was short. Took me 1:08 to do the Oly Swim. #pathetic! Did you race?
Yes, I did! I placed Dead Ffing last in my AG for the OLY (F 30-34). #Pathetic But PR’d the OLY distance by 13 minutes! #NotPathetic And don’t worry about the swim, it was such an awkward course that I spent more time sighting than I did swimming!
hey! Congrats on finishing!!! #notPatheticAtAll!
Today I turn 40, and on Saturday (7-30-2016) I do my first triathlon. My training has not been what it should, but I’m stubborn so I’ll do it anyway (how hard can it be to swim 500-meters in a lake in Missouri in July??) and, like you, I’m not what you would call ‘normal’ triathlete material, being a bit on the fluffy side myself (more effort to lose the 40 pounds that I lost but have subsequently gained back). So, to you, I want to say ‘THANK YOU!!’ for showing that abnormal in the fitness world is awesome! (Besides, normal is boring, be weird!). 🙂
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Go out there and get it! All you have to do is finish. Don’t pay any attention to what others are doing during the race. Just you do you and you’ll be fine!
Thanks for following! How’d you do??
Came across your blog today. Thank you ! You inspire and motivate me to do better! I am overweight, wanting to lose 40lbs . Just completed my first super sprint! I feel great!
Thank you so much Judith!! Congrats on your first triathlon. That’s exciting!! Keep it up!
Thank you! keep at at it!!!
Please subscribe me. You’re awesome!
Thank you for subscribing 🙂
Thanks for a great blog. I am also an overweight triathlete. When I tell people I do many triathlons every year they look at me in disbelief. I may be overweight and I probably always will be, but I am healthy and that’s what matters. Good luck in all of your upcoming triathlons, can’t wait to hear more about them!
good for you! we know you can’t judge a book by it’s cover 🙂
Hi Kathy, Thanks for sharing your story! I’ve been doing Triathlons for about 8 years and laughed when I recognized myself in your posts! I LOVE your modified triathlon icons! (I snorted my tea.)
Did you design them? They belong on a T-shirt or a Race Cap! I’d totally buy them.
Keep on training and racing, but I hope you can find out how to stop vomiting so you don’t have that leg to your races anymore!
Zabeth — Team EnVision Women’s Tri Team.
Hi! I designed it with the help of a friend who’s a very talented graphic designer. No shirts or caps yet! We’ll see! BASE Performance has cured me of the voms! thank goodness!
I am with you. I am a large woman who is addicted to triathlons. I am 43, and have done 5. I live in North Idaho, so we have only a few months to be able to do them. Go us!
awesome! go us indeed!!! I’m lucky that it’s Tri Season all year round in Key West 🙂
Hi!
I just wanted to thank you for writing about your experiences. I am a former triathlete, and have been struggling with maybe getting back into it. I’ve been completely down on myself because I have never, ever looked like a typical triathlete, and like a typical female, I’m my own worst critic. I needed to read this – and I appreciate your sense of humor! Keep kicking ass, you have a new fan who you’ve definitely encouraged to get back out there. JJ
Thanks so much for the comments! Yes, it’s very hard not to compare ourselves to what we see as “the ideal person”. We are for sure our own worst critics! Glad you’re definitely getting back out there! Let me know how it goes!
Hi Kathy,
Saw your blog through Lazydog on facebook. I love them, what a great place. I like your blog, hang in there… enjoy your life & keep moving. Will enjoy reading your future blogs. Tabble
Thanks for posting. I’m the manager at Lazy Dog and it’s a great family! I appreciate your kind words Tabble!