So I've just got to let it out. . . .
From the girl who has had a dysfunctional relationship with her body since she was 12. . .
Who always wanted to be an athlete but always quit before she really tried just in case she might really try and then really fail. . .
Who ate her way into 5 extra pounds in college to deal with stress. . . .
And then had to walk to build her weak muscles into fitness during the summer. .
And still does not have this thing called healthy living all figured out. . .

I ran a 5K Saturday.
In 23 minutes and 13 seconds.
I came in ninth out of 60ish people, the 8 people ahead of me were two VERY athletic boys and 6 high school track/cross-country runners, and I even beat our school's head athletic trainer by 3 seconds.
I walked today for exercise, but I'm itching to get my shoes on and run again, because I spent all of Saturday after the race unable to concentrate, only able to think Oh my freakin' goodness, I'm a runner. An athlete.
I'm 20 years old and for the first time since I was 11, I'm the person I've always wanted to be: an athletic book-loving, tea-drinking teacher/runner/student.
I'm still determined to get my time under 20 minutes by the time I'm 25, but for now I'm going to keep basking in this beautiful thing called finding myself.

Congratulations !

Thats Awesome!

OMG -- what an uplifting post. And you're so young to have accumulated all this wisdom. A big heartfelt congratulations to you on your accomplishment...but most of all, you should be congratulated on having found peace of mind and acceptance. It's a tough thing to come by and grasp and it looks like you're well on your way, if not already there. Wishing you continued success on all your journeys.

great post! It look me until I was probably 28 to realize I was the person I always wanted to be. Enjoy it!!!

And freakin awesome time!!! Wow - congrats on that! How long have you been running?

Congratulations on your race success (and new found happiness) and you got a great time too!

Definitely deserves a brag. I'm so impressed with your time and your attitude. Congratulations

23 minutes! That's amazing! Love your attitude, too.

I started running at the end of August.

Congratulations!!!

What a great and inspiring post. You can really read the excitement and euphoria in your tone of this post! Thanks for sharing with us. I can sort of relate. Although ive never been overweight, I could never be a runner, I thought. I couldnt even run a block. Running was torture for me. Recently, I too have discovered "OMG I am a runner". And it is such a great feeling to feel healthy and athletic. 23 minutes for a 5k is amazing!! My best is 3.1 miles in 32 minutes. Sheesh girl, you put me to shame So proud of you!!!!

Awesome!! That is soooo cool