Ashley Sieb

My body has changed a lot in the past two months. I've gained 9 lbs since my half IronMan. I've lost some definition in my belly and arms.  But I expected that.  It's off season.  I'm not spending 15 to 20 hours a week working out.  I'm not spending every Sunday on a long bike … Continue reading Off Season  →

Cooper loves stories.  And one of his favorite stories is how I met his daddy. "Well, mommy was with her friends walking to a birthday party. I saw a boy on the steps. I told him my name and said that he shouldn't ever forget it. A few hours later, I asked him to play … Continue reading The Night We Met →

How do you start over? How do make an effort to stop what you're doing and turn the other way?  Sometimes you have the choice to start over. Other time, it's a forced transition.  The last two years have been filled with many "starting over" moments. As I reflect on the past two years, these … Continue reading Starting Over →

When I first signed up for my Half IronMan last summer, I didn't think much about it. That sounds a little crazy when I look back. The decision was as impulsive as the boutique t-shirts I ordered last week. I was following posts and stories from inspiring women from Betty Badass Designs, a triathlon apparel … Continue reading 3 Things I’ve Learned through Half IronMan Training →

"These dang shorts are so tight!" I said. "Did you put them in the dryer?"  "You probably put them in the dryer, Ash," Justin said.  He's right. I suck at laundry. I make a killer dippy egg. I don't mind cleaning the bathroom. But please don't make me do laundry.  I stepped toward the hallway.  … Continue reading Leg Biscuits  →

This morning, I felt sad. I felt loss. I felt heartbreak. Death and loss breaks into your life. It tries to steal your spirit. It crushes your heart. It breaks a circle that once felt complete. Cooper started to wake up. He opened his little eyes. "Hi mommy," he said. With teary eyes, I faked … Continue reading Basketball & Life: Lessons from My Grandparents →

I held a secret for years.  A deep, dark secret that controlled my world.  I tried to hide this secret from everyone I loved.  I managed to keep something so dark, so scary from family and friends for nearly 3 years.  The trigger point was when I found myself throwing up blood.  I was sobbing … Continue reading My Addiction: Then and Now →

My body was trembling. My lips were shaking. And my teeth were clattering together. THE LOGOS. Did the logos get done in time? Does everyone have them? It's funny that my first thoughts out of surgery were about work. I suppose I shouldn't have worked the entire morning and drive to the hospital. I was … Continue reading PCOS: A Farewell Story  →

"Mommy, why is it getting dark outside?" Cooper asked. "Well, buddy - it's getting ready to rain," I said. "But why!?" Cooper asked. "Because a storm is coming," I said. "That's not good," said Cooper. "No, but you know the good news about storms?" I asked him. He waited for my response. "They end," I … Continue reading The Good News About Storms →

Much like Oprah, I’ve struggled with weight my entire life. Most of my childhood memories include some  variation of being called these names: Fat. Whale. Obese. Fatty. Shamu (This a slightly less offensive term than Whale, because at least you get a proper name). Big Girl. Massive. Huge. Beast. (I am OK with this now … Continue reading How I Changed My Life and Lost 100 lbs →