Next time she draws that comparison, show her some slow motion video of a thoroughbred in action.
Body image is a powerful thing. I think that sports mean that everyone's "thing", be it chicken legs (fast runner), thunder thighs(wicked cyclist), linebacker shoulders(swims like a fish).. whatever fails to line up the the latest photoshopped images.. can be a competitive edge. It changes the paradigm from focusing on what you don't have to appreciating what you do.
Over the summer, I stopped at a grocery store on the way home from a ride in a cycling kit. An older British woman commented "good on you for being able to prance about like that!" I died. She saw I was horrified and made sure I understood that it was a compliment and that I had her admiration and respect for being fit. I was raised to hate every inch of my body. Recently, a family member posted a photo of my mother when she was in her 20's. She was a beautiful woman and several people commented on the fact. The thought created so much dissonance for her that she became truly upset that people felt that way. The only thing that has allowed me to lighten up on the self hatred that I was raised with is the fact that my father was an athlete and I have escaped through that door. Going to a group ride for the first time, I will nearly have an anxiety attack over fear of judgement until we get rolling... then those massive slabs of meat earn the respect of everyone. It took a bicycle and the surrounding culture for me to finally gain some acceptance. I'm a long way from being as comfortable in my skin as Rinny or Leanda are but at least I will stop at a store in spandex without worry.
To the OP... thanks for posting.
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Coach Brain: Accelerate 3 ;
Incoherent Ramblings