From Wake-Up Call to Weekly Goals
by Anne Marie Sebastiani • Mar 5th, 2010 • Category: Share Your Chi
We all have those moments when you stumble upon an old picture and it brings you right back to that moment in your life. Well that’s what the picture to the right did for me. It’s from five years ago, and I vividly remember it being my wake up call to finally do something about my weight and fitness. While I was never considered overweight, I hadn’t realized how the weight had crept up over the years.
So I made it a goal to try running. Now, let me tell you, I was one of those people who *hated* running at first. Really. I saw absolutely no thrill or point to it. But I begrudgingly started jogging 1 mile at a time, and within four weeks, I felt a difference in both my performance and fitness. I became a believer.
And I shaped up a bit…just in time for a twin pregnancy. Woo-hoo! Fast forward after a year of babyhood…and I was ready to give my body the due attention it deserved.
So I set out to work with a nutritionist/trainer, and it changed my whole outlook on fitness. It gave me the foundation for strength training, how to train properly for races and triathlons, and a new confidence to actually view myself as an ‘athlete’. I loved the results I was achieving, and how this new confidence transcended to all my roles in life.
It also gave me the nudge to venture away from my long career in education and attempt a new career that mixed fitness with my counseling background. I became personal trainer and coach, which later helped me become a fit model for a VERY cool women’s athletic clothing line…
Fit Model? Me? Huh? Yes. I serendipitously heard about the opportunity, applied, and became one of Athleta’s try-on models. With the job, I try on clothes for all the various designers, merchants, and managers for their current and future lines. It’s pretty much the coolest job for this mom.
All this may sound a bit Pollyannaish, but I really never, EVER imagined I’d be a personal trainer/fit model/mommy athlete who’s serious about her sport — and say it all with confidence. But when I look at the big picture and reflect on the past five years, I realize all my prior goals have led me to exactly where I am today. And then it makes perfect sense. Which is a pretty cool feeling — a feeling I try to remind myself of everyday.
ANNE MARIE SEBASTIANI is a USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and a fit model for Athleta. She loves all things related to mommy fitness and racing, as she's a mom to four-year-old twins. She has been participating in triathlons and running events for the past six years and is always on the hunt for family friendly races, inspiring stories, and ways to stay motivated. You can read more about her work at GoalsForTheWeek.com »
I love you story!! I’d love to hear about how you got certified! I am running now too! And I love it!
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Anne Marie, this is super inspirational. Go girl! And by the way I LOVE your blog Goals for the Week!
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Hi Kelli,
I became certified through ACE- American Council on Education. I’m really glad I did it, and what helped me most was referring to what I learned from my own experience with my nutritionist/trainer. Hope that helps.
Good Luck!
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WELL, as the nutritionist/strength & conditioning coach that you hired, all I can (continue to) say is I am SO, SO proud of you. In addition, having worked w/ several professional athletes, I can honestly say that you are one of the best (and most admirable) role models with whom I have worked. Yes, Anne Marie, YOU are a role model…in so many facets of your life. I am so proud of your desire, commitment, enthusiasm, and your spirit! Keep it up!
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Great job, Anne Marie, you’ve accomplished so much. Your story and weekly goals set good examples. It must take untold energy to parent twins, and you’ve found the way to do it and look beautiful, too. Congratulations! Harriet
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Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your journey!! It is inspiring…how you did it while raising twins is incredible!
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What a wonderful story Anne-Marie! You are an inspiration and you look amazing :)
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Congratulations!! I am very excited for you. Thanks for all the motivation you have given me. I love your blog.
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I agree, you are truly an inspiration to women in every stage of life! I am particularly inspired that you made such a huge change in your life by following your heart and modifying your career to do what you truly wanted to do. Your weekly goal setting has really helped me as well. Thanks for taking the time to give to us in so many ways, you are incredible!
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Wow! What an inspiration you are! That has to be the coolest job ever and you look great so I am not surprised you got the gig! Congrats!
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Yay Anne Marie! Your story is so inspiring. Keep up the great work. You’re setting such a great example for your twins!
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Good for you. I know how hard you must’ve worked to get there.
I know that pic. I took it when my oldest was 3mo old. I was carrying baby weight+post Katrina stress weight+college+never really being fit. I wasn’t just unfit. I was FAT. I still look at it occasionally. It makes me so sad to look at her. Why did I waste sooo much time like that? I really thought I was happy.
Plus I love athleta clothes.
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I am proud to call you my friend! A true inspiration….way to go. I love hearing about your new fitness adventures! Keep up all the hard work and good work!
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Go Anne Marie! What an inspiration to both mom and non-moms :-)
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Love this A-M!! Well done. You absolutely ROCK!!!!!
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what an amazing story anne marie! so encouraging!
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Fantastic Story! AWESOME!
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I love how happy you are & there is a huge ripple effect from your positive energy.
It’s so good for the world. Congratulations on feeling fit & healthy. You look absolutely amazing!!!
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Aloha Anne Marie! Wow, tremendous and inspiring story! I admire those that can walk the walk and live and share with others. I’ve noticed, as you may have too that when you’re ready to make that serious, life changing decision, is when one can obtain the best results. Go Anne Maie go!
Suzie
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Awesome story! Can’t wait to meet you in a few weeks!
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way to go !! a fit model, now that is a dream of mine !!!
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Hi there Ann Marie!
You go girl!! The energy here blogging is amazing from your story and success! Thank you for your natural inspiration which is so wonderfully contagious. It lets us all know that we ‘can do anything’ we put our mind and self into with self-starting desire and drive.
~Catherine :)
P.S. I’d love to know a bit more on what it takes become a fit model for Athleta. Can you tell me more?
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Awesome! You are my role model!
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Amazing! What a great example to all of us mothers out their. My favorite part of the whole interveiw is that she does it with confidence! That is the best example she give to women of all walks of life…..BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
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Dear Anne Marie,
Yes, I too have that picture. Only I’m in a SWIMSUIT! Now to be fair, it was taken cause my adorable 18 month old had wondered out to me, and he is the focus of the picture, but all I could see is ME – body huge, and with a fake, kind of crazy smile pasted on my face.
I was fortunate to have several very gifted Yoga teachers at my YMCA, and when I turned 40, I decided that I too would become one. And being a yoga teacher gave me the confidence to return to running, and semi-serious cycling. My kids will always remember me as “fit mama”.
Thanks for your grace in sharing your story and inspiring! Rock on…. Suzy (Lisa’s friend)
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Nice blog … I recently discovered it. And … as a mother of 2 children who is running her first 5K in 2 weeks, this post inspired me. Thanks :)
Much Peace.
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I just want to say, I am so touched by the positive comments. It feels rewarding to share my story. thank you;-) And I swear, if I can become a lover of running, anyone can;-)
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I had my wake up call at 17 when my 40 year old father had a heart attack. I’ve been teaching cardio classes ever since. I’m not stick thin and I’m not manic about my workouts. It’s simply about safe exercises, being healthy & feeling my best so I can be my best for others.
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What a great testimony to being fit and healthy for all the right reasons! It isn’t about being skinny or thin, it’s about being healthy…love your story. I found you thru Wendy at “showered with grace”
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Hi Anne Marie,
This is so awesome!! You look so good and I am so excited for you:) You have a wonderful blog and I am happy that I was one of your first fifty followers:) You are amazing!!
Julie at Julie’s Running Blog
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It wasn’t a picture that did it for me…it was turning 40 and not wanting to turn into my mom lol. I’m happy to say I’m far from that.
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You are such an inspiration for a stay-at-home mom like myself! Wow!
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Excellent article, a true inspiration! You’ve accomplished so much, I’m going to show this to my college aged daughter.
Jill @ runwithjill
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Very inspiring story!! Congrats on your first Athleta blog!
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Love the blog!
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Anne Marie, what an awesome story. Thank you for sharing. My moment is turning 40 next month. I became a vegetarian last year and this year aim to get back to running, swimming and possible some triathlon, although the bike scares the daylights out of me. Thanks for giving me the push I need to think of triathlons as opposed to shutting the door on them completely.
I’ve found your blog and can’t wait to start receiving your posts.
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love your story! give me even more motivation to stay active with just my 19 month old. if you can do it with twins then i should be able to handle it with just 1 right:
i have come across your blog just recently and love the idea of goals for the week! it helps me plan out each workout and what i would like to achieve in that workout. keeps me focused on the BIG goal!
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Anne Marie,
You are such an inspiration! I loved reading your story!
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Had no idea you were a fit model! What a cool story you have about how you got to where you are. It really speaks to the fact that we never know where things will lead, but if we follow what we love, doors open. Nice work!
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That’s so funny about the picture! I make ans sell aprons and my husband just said I REALLY need to take new pictures of some of my older styles because my weight loss has been so gradual that you don’t really notice it until you see an old picture!!
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What a great story! Very inspiring!
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You are such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story with us! Oh, and I love your blog! :)
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Wow! What a great story, and I know it’s only the beginning! It’s amazing what we can achieve when we want it and how small, consistant steps lead the way to our success. You are a role model and that’s way, way, way more important that being “a celebrity”. Health, excercise and vitality are the keys to a good life. Thank you for sharing! Your story is inspiring.
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I totally relate Anne Marie. I never wanted to be a runner either, but I’ve changed my tune as well and now I actually enjoy those long runs out on the road. Way to go!
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Fitness opens such incredible doors doesn’t it! It really has been quite a journey for me and I can’t wait for the journey to just keep unfolding! Now it might be a fun little excursion in the journey to do some fit modeling! hahaha! I wouldn’t mind! hahaha
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You are an inspiration…I am just beginning my journey to being healthier…Thanks for doing what you do!
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Great article on an awesome athlete and multi-tasking mom! So glad you included Anne Marie here.
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What a great story!! I loved learning about your journey.
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You are such an amazing woman, you truly inspire me.
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Hi Anne Marie,
I love your story, your blog and what you have accomplished. Truly have inspired me to get back into running after I have baby number too. Hope I can do it with 21 month old and baby. Like I said I’d love to talk to you about the whole mommy balance thing with training for an endurance event. I’ve ran two marathons before, before kids and now I have a goal to complete a triathlon.
I left a message on your goals for the week blog for the chance to win the Athleta giveaway!!! Keep on doing what you’re doing and inspiring all us mommies!!! Gina Hewlett
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Such a brilliant story, an inspiration as your blog always is Anne Marie.
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What an empowering story!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!!!
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Inspiring story Anne Marie! Thanks for sharing!
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You are so fantastic! I am so glad that your story was shared. Way to go girl!!
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Great story! Thanks for sharing!
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What an awesome story! So happy to have found you to motivate me through my running adventure. You are a true inspiration!
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This is really inspiring. As a mother (of 3) I’ve recently committed myself to improving my fitness. I’m down 25lbs and can run about 3.5 miles without dying. I love to run and while I still feel like such a newbie I can see that this isn’t a fad for me.
I love your story and I love to see what real women can do when they have the determination.
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I started running two months ago and will run in my first EVER 5k tomorrow! I loved it at first but it’s become hard lately… please tell me it’s just a phase?! Anyway, thank you for sharing your story. You look GREAT but mostly you look really, really happy!
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OK, I’m not a mom but at 51 I’m grappling with whether or not I think I’m nuts for pursuing week 6 of my C25K program. 20 continuous minutes just about slayed me but I was determined to see it through. Glad I came to this page–Anne Marie and friends have just provided me with further motivation.
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AWESOME!!! Thnaks.
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You are AWESOME! Holy hot fit model! What a journey you’ve had – and how awesome that you now model AND love running. And you’re a trainer! Go you!!!
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Ann Marie-
This is such a great story, Thanks for sharing it!!
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I love your story. You are inspirational. Cool job.
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Great story! This was really fun to read. I love the picture of you jumping! You look like you’re having fun.
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Yay, great job!
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Super inspirational!
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Sounds so much like my story (except my kids came one at a time!) now I need to be a fit model too! Sounds like tons of fun! I love the goals blog!
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I love your story! It’s very inspirational. I CAN do this! Thank you for your example!
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such an inspirational story! It is amazing how life, looks, and goals can change once a person embraces running and being physically active. But you went further than most of us and I am so amazed by that! I am so looking forward to reading your blog and advices! A fit model! How cool is that!
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