Beyond the Century Mark: How Victor Zhidkov Transformed His Life and Shed Over 60 Pounds

In collaboration with the Triathlon Enthusiasts Club "TriLife," we continue our "Beyond the Century Mark" series. Today, we share the incredible transformation story of Victor Zhidkov, the founder of TriLife. Through disciplined diet and consistent training, Victor successfully lost 29 kilograms (approximately 64 pounds).

Over the next several months, we will regularly publish articles from the "Beyond the Century Mark" series. Learn how to achieve the seemingly impossible, and feel free to ask questions to our inspiring heroes in the comments—they promise to respond! ;)

Victor Zhidkov

Founder of the TriLife club, four-time Ironman, and an all-around great person. :)

1. What was your highest weight and when did this occur?

At my peak, I weighed 113 kilograms (about 249 pounds) at a height of 186 cm (6'1"), back in 2000 when I was 28 years old.

2. When did you realize it was time for a change?

The change happened gradually over five years, so it didn’t feel like a sudden crisis. One day, I looked at myself objectively and realized I was living a simple, repetitive life: work, weekend drinking, fan gatherings, trips to different cities, and back to work. It struck me how predictable my next six months were, almost down to the smallest detail. :)

The body resists change. It adjusts its processes to maintain a certain weight. To reset, you need to stress your system and sustain the new weight for at least three months until your body adapts to the new baseline.

3. How did you start your weight loss journey? What helped you reach your goal?

Losing weight was surprisingly easy. I stopped excessive drinking, which naturally improved my diet, and I started going to the gym. After a year, I weighed 85 kilograms (about 187 pounds). My weight fluctuated between 85 and 92 kilograms depending on how consistently I trained. Family and friends were a huge source of motivation, keeping me committed to an active lifestyle.

To lose weight, you need three things: willpower, willpower, and more willpower. If you feel lacking, you can borrow or even take it from others if necessary.

4. How did people around you react to your transformation?

My old circle bet on the day I’d return to my old habits, even making wagers! Meanwhile, my colleagues were very supportive.

5. What changed in your life after losing weight?

It’s hard to say what didn’t change. :) I started a family, experienced clear career growth, went back to studying, completed my first race distances, and completely transformed my daily routine. Truly, almost everything changed. Most importantly, I rediscovered a zest for life.

First, you need to change your mindset. Weight loss must be permanent and irreversible. You have to accept that there will be no more pointless lounging on the couch or binge eating. You’ve been there before and realized there’s nothing rewarding about it.

6. What is your current weight and how do you maintain your shape?

Currently, I weigh 84 kilograms (about 185 pounds), but my goal is to reach a fighting weight of 80 kilograms (176 pounds). I don’t need external help because I genuinely enjoy this lifestyle. Looking and feeling 43 years old while being younger than I was at 28 is the best motivation.

Sports can be tricky. The temptation to reward yourself with a slice of cake after a tough workout is dangerous. Your body adapts to training and starts conserving energy, so that cake often comes at the worst time.

7. What advice would you give to those just starting their journey?

Don’t aim just to lose weight. Aim to change your lifestyle, and the rest will follow naturally.

Break the stereotype. Weight loss isn’t just about shedding pounds—it’s about letting go of your old life.

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