Here’s a rewritten version of the article,aiming for 100% uniqueness while retaining the core message and personal narrative:
## My Journey Beyond the Scale: Finding Health and Joy on Two Wheels
The cycling world often celebrates physical transformation,and my recent experiences have certainly put that into sharp focus.After a critically important period of managing chronic pain, I found myself on a medication that, while not intended for weight loss, had that as a side affect. This led to a noticeable shift in my physique, and the reactions from others were a stark reminder of how we, as a society, perceive and comment on bodies.
During the Mid South 2024 event, I had shed a considerable amount of weight – nearly 20% of my starting body mass. The comments that followed,from acquaintances noting I looked “faster” to social media followers declaring I was “getting skinny girl!”,were,I believe,meant kindly. However,they caught me off guard. I’ve consistently advocated against commenting on anyone’s body, irrespective of their size, and have personally requested that people refrain from making such observations about me. My weight loss was an unintended consequence, and I had no desire to present it as a intentional goal.
The personal and social impact of a visibly changing body is profound. This experience underscored, yet again, the often harsh reality faced by individuals in larger bodies. Where I might have previously felt largely overlooked, I now encounter unsolicited attention from men and find that my concerns are more readily acknowledged in professional settings, like doctor’s appointments.
A hiccup with my prescribing physician and insurance coverage meant I had to discontinue the medication in May 2025.My final dose was just two weeks before the Unbound Gravel race. I managed to complete 109 miles,though I had to rapidly adapt my eating strategies on the go,as my appetite had returned with a vengeance! unfortunately,the joint pain and inflammation that had plagued me before have also resurfaced,alongside my hunger. My health journey, it seems, continues to be a dynamic process.
Sharing this narrative as someone who champions body positivity feels complex. I’ve witnessed other prominent figures in this space face criticism for their own weight fluctuations or body changes. My own journey has only solidified my conviction that all bodies are valid, all cycling approaches are legitimate, and every ride deserves recognition. My weight or size does not alter my core values, my personality, or my deep affection for cycling. Whether I’m fitting into a size 22 or a size 14, my belief remains unwavering: everyone should have the prospect to experience the sheer joy of cycling, supported by inclusive equipment, apparel, and a welcoming community.
Ultimately, I believe in empowering individuals to pursue what feels right for their own happiness, health, and freedom from pain. Thes are deeply personal decisions, and their intricacies are best understood by the individual and their healthcare providers.
If there’s one overarching lesson from this experience, it’s that health is not a monolithic concept, and it’s never solely defined by the number on a scale. Our choices regarding our bodies, our medical care, and our overall well-being are intensely personal and often far more nuanced than they appear from the outside.
My decision to use a GLP-1 medication was not driven by a desire for thinness or to conform to a narrower athletic ideal – by many metrics, I still fall into the “obese” category. My aim was to manage chronic pain, maintain an active lifestyle, and continue pursuing my passion for cycling. This is not a directive or a blueprint for anyone else; it’s simply a testament to the fact that we all deserve access to resources that help us feel good in our bodies, irrespective of their appearance.
*Editor’s Note:* For elite athletes, it’s vital to be aware that semaglutide is currently under observation by the World Anti-Doping agency (WADA). while medications like Ozempic are not presently prohibited by WADA, the agency is monitoring their use in sports to assess whether they should be added to the official list of banned substances in the future.
