The weight question

Great post, thanks for being so candid. It's no one's business to judge you based on photos they see on a blog. I have a friend who is an elite Ironman triathlete and she is TINY, but I've been around her enough to know that (A) Some people are just blessed with the thin genes, and (B) She can eat her body weight particularly during a race weekend.

I have gained over 10 pounds in the last year, some of it pretty rapidly. As soon as I started doing Ironmans I was immediately 5 pounds heavier (and NO, it's not muscle, it's very common…). I'm in the opposite situation as you, I have to lose that weight to get to a healthy race weight before my season begins. And I, too, love food way way too much. Good thing I'm running more again!

Chin up, and don't let this bother you for another minute :)

God is our healer, he is our confidence! And you have found this. Amen sista!
LC

p.s.
I agree with Kristin and I always gain weight during marathon training. I need it, I love it! CHeers!

p.s.
I agree with Kristin and I always gain weight during marathon training. I need it, I love it! CHeers!

Well, I wish I could say I've gotten thinner over the past few years, but it has been the opposite. I think my age (44) is working against me, and I have used food for many years as comfort. So I'm starting off this year determined to lose the weight I've gained to get back down to a size that is good for my height and bone structure. I know it will make me feel so much better, and instead of slowing down in my running, make me faster and able to enjoy it again. And I'm tired of lugging it around.
Thanks for the post!

Thank you so much for sharing this post. As a former eating disorder sufferer myself, it's so nice to hear from someone else on the "better" side of things. You are GORGEOUS, and you seem to have a very healthy relationship with yourself and food. Again, Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers – it is a wonderful post.

Great post, Janae. As I've gotten older, I've realized that I wasted too much time in my 20's focusing on weight and "I'll be happier when…" statements. But no more, 'cause guess what? LIFE IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW… not when I lose those 5 lbs or whatever the obsessive thoughts are. Not wasting all that brain power on thoughts like that is liberating.

And I can't wait to see you at the Olympics and I'll be like, "Hey, I know that girl! We're blog buddies!"

Janae,
I have been reading your blog for a while, but this is my first time commenting. I also have had a lot issues disordered eating habits and having a general fear of food. With a lot of prayer, I have left it behind in the past year and I have never felt more free. Thank you for sharing your story with us…that takes so much courage. From a total stranger, you inspire me!! :-)

I have to keep this comment short but I applaud you for sharing such personal information with us! I think a lot of us can relate and it's comforting to read posts like this.

I lost waaaaaaay too much weight this past year. Now, I'm trying to gain some of it back. Like 20 lbs. But I want to stay fit too. My ultimate goal is to reach my healthy weight (halfway there!!!), but be ok if I gain a couple extra pounds. After all, I plan to stay pretty active. I want to eat healthy for the most part, but also be able to enjoy a decadent dessert or southern fried everything.
Great post, by the way. =D

Don't let this person get to you for a second. Honestly, from your race times and your amazing physique, which may be slender but is also toned to the max, it is clear that you are the fittest blogger around. Your body is stunning, and it still would be even with 10 more lbs or more on it, but the point is that it functions at an optimum level. Can this person run a 3-hour marathon? I highly doubt it. You couldn't run like that unless you were healthy, and anyone who questions that or calls you hypocritical is simply jealous. I know I am!!!

You won't have scared anyone ~ if anything, I think most people will admire you even more for being so honest.

*hugs*
P.S You made my day with your comment on my marathon post :D

As someone who has struggled with disordered eating (in the past) and now a Registered Dietitian, I applaud you for this post. When I have worked with runners in the past (as clients), I have found that those who struggle with eating disorders find their performances as a runner struggle. In order to put out continuously improving times and distances, your body must be adequately fueled. If you were not adequately fueling your body, you would not be able to perform at the level that you are.

Keep up the good work! Continue to show the balance between healthy, fruit/veggie filled meals and splurges. Living an 80/20 (healthy/splurge) lifestyle is a great way to create balance and maintain your enjoyment of food.

People sure are mouthy.

I have never gotten any weirdo vibes from you, and everything you've blogged is balanced and… Well… Normal. Don't even put a second thought into that email.

Great post Janae. It is interesting that people are sending their concerns to you. I'm sure that if something were going on, your family would absolutely be saying something to you as I'm sure they're well aware of your past. I appreciated your honesty in this blog. I have struggled with what sounds like similar things in my past and I know my family had some concerns when I started running for similar reasons, but, I too have gained weight from this and I am happy about it. I love the way running makes me feel and it sounds like it does the same for you.

I agree with everyone who said THANK YOU for posting this! I think it's important to understand that we all struggle and cope with personal issues. While these issues are your own, and are of course painful, they are things that other people have experienced as well. As someone who struggles with some of the same issues, it is often very isolating and lonely. So thank you for having the courage and strength to share! You are beautiful.

You wrote a great post. Thank you for sharing such a private part of your life. My initial reaction to hearing that someone sent you such an email was people should mind their own business. How rude! You are a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for opening your life to us!

Great blog! I appreciated your honesty. I've had a dealing with eating disorders of my own many years ago. My identity is rooted in Christ, not my body. It took me awhile to see that and occasionally, I have to be reminded of that truth still when my mind starts to wander. I enjoy your posts and look forward to reading more and it encourages me to keep running during the cold winter!

I'm sorry to hear that you felt the need to address these issues, but I'm glad that you did. I haven't been following along for long, but you strike me as someone who is able to balance a full (and healthy) life with a commitment to elite running. I'm inspired by your running and your ability to do serious training without taking yourself too seriously!

I have been reading your blog for a while and love it but have not posted but I thought I needed to write something after reading this post today. I'm so sorry to hear that some of your readers have been so criticial of you. It makes me sad to think that some women are so critical of others. As an athlete/runner, you are going to be lean and that is okay. It just makes me sad that some women aren't more supportive of each other. I love reading your blog everday. It is so fun and it really motivates me to keep up with my running/healthy lifestyle. Keep it up and good luck with your goals in 2011!

You are beautiful and a talented athlete. You eat REAL food. I like that about you :-)

hi janae. it is clear to me that you are a lovely, healthy woman. healthy emotionally, mentally, physically etc. keep on as you are. an inspiration to many!

I'm new to your blog, but you seem to portray a healthy relationship with food. Sorry you had some negative emails, but your response was great.

you always make it more than clear that you love to eat! i think you are a positive role model for what it means to have a healthy relationship with food/exercise. and you always make me laugh. keep on keepin' on! happy 2011!

I have an opinion–as I do about everything.

You have opened a beautiful dialogue about overcoming disordered eating.

And, the truth is, people aren't always nice and chances are–you will continue to get similar emails.

The good news. Those people don't define you. They also give you an opportunity to share your experience, strength, and hope–which may help another woman.

Now, that is the sane, sober side of me talking. The insane, emotional side says, "tell me who they are, i will run them over with my car:):)".

Whoever said sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me was a liar.

Stay strong dear heart.

sorry…one more thing…

SHALANE FLANAGAN. HELLoooooo people!

You are beautiful, don't let negative people bring you down. And you just rocked 28 miles the other day on a whim. If your body can get you through that, then you are treating it right. Keep it up girl, I love reading your blog!!

I haven't been a follower long, BUT I feel it is evident that you have a healthy relationship with food. It's comforting to see other athletes/runners have a good relationship with foods other than vegetables. =)
Thanks for addressing the eating issue — there are lots of women out there who struggle with all sorts of eating issues.

You are so inspirational in your running, living and eating. Keep your head up girl — you look beautiful! And as mentioned before, smaller framed distance runners tend to be that much smaller from training.

Keep your head up — and hug your mom, she sounds amazing =)

I haven't been reading your blog for too long but never once have I thought "hypocritical." Rather, I thought, "honest"(oh yeah and also hysterical, entertaining, incredible athlete, etc.) I love it. I know an elite runner (ironman) @ work and always laugh at what he eats – anything and everything in sight – but he's very thin b/c he runs, swims, bikes, etc. all the time! He enjoys life but is also an amazing athlete – just like you. Keep up what you're doing and thanks for the honesty!! You are an inspiration.

You look great!! I don't know what that person said to you to upset you, but don't listen to them. You are a great person and athlete!

It's too bad you even had to say anything about this. People can be harsh and uncaring when they say things out of judgement. I've dealt with it from the family I married into, but I've also learned that what they think doesn't matter in the end. It is their own issues and insecurities that spur on their judgement.

Just found your blog recently and I'm looking forward to reading more this year – and catching up on some past posts.

Good for you, posting this. You are brave. You don't have to explain yourself to anybody but you are an inspiration to many people and it is very brave of you to post all of this. I don't know you personally but you look and sound very healthy. Running seriously is obviously a goal for you and you know you need to eat right and be strong enough to accomplish that.

P.S. I love your blog and a lot of the time I get excited when you post because I know it's going to be funny, witty and always good. You're an inspiration to myself and to many.

I think many of us can relate to this post. I also had very disordered eating in the past. I saught help (a lot of it) and at one point I thought I would never get better.

But here I am today. A success story! I no longer fear food. I love my body the way it is. I eat without guilt and regret and I am at a healthy weight of 115 lbs at 5'4". I run more than ever before because I am healthy and I can. I look back and feel sad that I spent so many years hating myself and hurting myself. At the same time I am grateful for the person I am now and I think that struggle has made me stronger.

You are thin and it can be hard to hear those things. If I lose a few pounds I hear it from my whole family and my co-workers so I know how hard it can be. It can sometimes be hard to convince people that you ARE healthy. That is the most frustrating part.

But keep it up girl. You exude happiness and healthiness on this blog every single day. I admire you for your strength to speak up about this and put yourself out there.

In good health,
Kate

You are so brave for sharing this. Thank you.

I think you are beautiful inside AND out. You are focused on a dream (which will become a reality), but not at all self-centered. You are constantly stating that you want to live for Jesus Christ and God and focus on others.

Mom know best! Please keep posting your humorous, honest stories!!

Hi Baby Girl, You are my hero and I am soooo proud of you! I am also so happy with all of your very wonderful blog buddies. I love you!
Love, Mom

I've been there too, Janae. I had my own eating disorder battles in high school. I had a hard time with family life growing up and felt so out of control. I had a hard time fitting in at school. I just wanted to be loved and accepted and at peace. I thought controlling my food and getting thinner would make me happier, more popular, would make it all right. I remember passing out at school and blacking out while playing a basketball game. I did damage to my digestive system. It did not make everything right. The only thing that made it right was coming to terms with the past and moving on to be the person I was meant to be. I have a lot more respect for myself and what my mind and body can do. When we realize what amazing creatures we are, I think we stop wanting to do things TO our bodies and start wanting to do things FOR our bodies. From the bit I have gotten to know you on here, I think you have your balance now. Thanks for being open enough to share with us.

You are beautiful & an inspiration – in running and just to truly ENJOY life. Don't let some small person's thoughtless comment get you down!

ps That is an absolutely INCREDIBLE photo
pss We MUST do girls date when you come back to Cali this summer. MUST MUST.

I just want to give you the biggest (hug). Weight is such a personal issue and it makes me sad that people have made negative comments to you. You are an amazingly beautiful woman. I love your love of food and you have shown that. So you are teeny tiny – you look just like all the other elite runners!

Keep doing what you're doing girl!

You are my running hero. You look like a healthy elite runner (yes, elites are usually very thin), and your love for life shines through in your pictures and posts. Don't let others get you down with their opinions of what they see/interpret.
I have struggled with the same types of issues in the past as well, and now I am striving to live a healthy and balanced life.
It seems you have found that balance, keep it up!

I think you rock, you are awesome and I love your blog :)

Jen
http://www.jenslosinit.com/

I love your blog posts! It really bothers me when I hear about bloggers receiving emails criticizing them. It seems to happen frequently. It is great that you are sharing your experiences, but it is YOUR life. I think women love to criticize others. It is a sad trait we seem to possess. I think you rock and you should keep on doing what you are doing. You know what is best for you!

I actually wrote all about how I developed body dysmorphic issues when I was a teen. It took a lot of work to overcome the affects of that experience, but it's possible.

I just wish I loved both exercise AND food more! Seems to me you have the best of both worlds going, girl! If I exercised more, I could eat more than I usually do, and I think that would be fun. And tasty! I could become something of a foodie (but probably never a true foodie, because I simply can't STAND anything out of the ocean. I know, heresy. I've tried to like it, really I have. I'm hopeless in that department.)

Do you have a recipe for learning to love exercise? A secret you could share? How did you come upon your attitude? It's so important for strong bones, flexible bodies and long-term health. That's why I'm frustrated. ♥

Ok. First let me say that I am a huge fan of your blog. I mean, I get giddy when I get an email update!! The reason why? You are am inspiration! I love to eat and I love this new found habit I have called running. I just did my first half and have set many new goals! I found your blog on a fellow running buddy of mine's blog! The first thing I looked at? Your snack ideas and recipes! I love food and I love to eat healthy! And even though you may not read MY comment, I just want to say that this fellow runner could tell right off the bat that you ate, ate healthy, treated yourself and ran!!!! Don't let that email bring another tear to your eye. Many people have told me I am too skinny. But I'm the healthiest I've ever been and heck, I'm loving those comments!!

I think you are beautiful!! Good for you for finding happiness and a great relationship with food and exercise! I love your blog and some people just have nothing better to do than make someone feel bad! I think your an inspiration to many people and Im so glad you share your cute life with us! :)

I have a few more years between me and an ed past (circa 92/3). I still get "the look" or feedback from folks who think I am too thin (and I think, "sista' if you knew me when…"). I can truly say I am healed from my food pattern checkered history, though, for which I am grateful everyday.

Interestingly, though, as I am just starting to run more seriously, and add miles, I find that I need to be careful to not let goal setting with running turn to obsession. So, basically, I stay away from racing, and I make sure my running doesn't detract from my family time.

Hope your neg commenters go back to their holes and keep their yaps shut.

I am glad you opened up. I know it's not always easy.
Don't let anyone let you think something about yourself that you KNOW FOR A FACT is not true. This is so crucial in living a healthy life (especially as an elite athlete like yourself).
I am a competitive figure skater (basically meaning body image is always returned to and stressed) and so often "thin" is stressed in skating…but this is such a wrong thing to get into people's heads. THIN as an athlete basically means WEAK if you are not fueling properly (as I know you ARE doing).
Don't let people get you down. They have nothing on you, girl.
Follow my blog if you'd like!
http://greensk8r-fireandice.blogspot.com
:D

I've never commented but felt compeled too on this post. I think anyone who is a runner knows you can't hit your times if you don't fuel properly and its clear from your continued success in training and times that you are doing what you need to do for YOU! Not everyone will have success running the miles or speeds YOU are running or eating what YOU eat but it works for YOU and ultimately YOU are happy and healthy!

I love your blog, your honestly and I can tell your heart that you put into everything. I look forward to reading about your sub 3 success.

Janae, I'm so sorry to hear that an email made you upset :( it must have been very rude considering how you are such a strong and motivated individual! Don't let them hold you, or your dreams back! Use it as fuel to break 3 Hours and kick butt in your next marathon. Keep up the great work and I hope you don't receive anymore mean emails like that in 2011!!

It's too bad that people think that they have the right to tell you and your body what you should be like. It's a good thing you're in a good place right now or it might really do some damage. People really have no idea how hurtful they can be. I'm sure that jealousy plays a part in it and you don't need to worry about it. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Glad you made it back safely. Too bad you didn't come back to better weather!

Ha! People are ignorant. Billy is right… you ARE an elite-level athlete. Anyone who can run a marathon in 3:04 certainly warrants that distinction. (And this is coming from a former elite athlete). As I have been reading your blog for just a month or so, it never entered into my mind that you are too skinny or act in an eating-disordered way… and I do have some secondhand experience with this (best friends). Your body suits your chosen sport. And no way could an unhealthy person be that fast! I send you LOVE, Janae. And my support. <3

Oh dear…I can relate…kind of..not all the same story but still weight related…I lost about 75 lbs in less then a year, not all by choice and now I am under weight for my hight..5'11". My parents just came for a visit and boy did I hear the comments…you are too thin, we can see your spine. you need to eat more, your face will look old, why so much running (trust me compare to you I dont even run!!! ha ha!!) it never ends. I also try to put weight on and it is hard. I am on a strict diet for health reason..(no more Gallbladder and my stomach is not liking this too much). I try to ignore all comments as much as I can but 2 days ago they got me and I cried in front of everyone at the table! You are not alone dear!…and I think you look fantastic and happy and that is all that matters right?

Janae, I've been a follower almost from the beginning, but have never commented, but like so many others, I felt the need to speak up now.

After reading your post, and then seeing the 90+ people who commented on it, reminded me of a quote I read on EMZ's blog awhile back. She quoted Sandra Bullock saying "Family isn't just who you're born to, related to or what color you are. It's who's got your back."

You've got one heck of a large blogger family! I think the people that have come to know you (whether through your blog or in life) have got your back 100%.

Keep being your amazing self!

You ARE an elite athlete, and like everyone else, I'm so glad you had the courage to post how you're feeling instead of what you thought you *should* post for readers. I struggle with that dilemma sometimes, but it's always great when you can just be honest instead of writing what people want to hear.

As someone pretty deep into the professional/elite running and triathlon scene, I hope I can be a voice of reason! You look NORMAL! It is impossible to eat as many calories that would be needed for you to "be heavy" with the amount of running you do! Your body is at optimal body fat percentage for running fast–it natually regulates it! And since I dont know you and have never met you, the obvious clue to this is that you LOOK healthy. I have known many, many anorexic runners in my day. Dry, thin hair, broken out skin, dull (not glowing) face, and you are the opposite!

So girl, keep on running, enjoy your ice cream, and dont let people bring you down!

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY, SMART, KIND, FUNNY, and AMAZING! Janae, to me, it looks like you are a kick-ass athlete, NOT an anorexic. Obviously if you can run 2 jazillion marathons, you are fueling yourself properly. AND, I think if there was a serious eating disorder, Billy would be worried and things on your blog would be different. Instead, I see a happy and healthy woman with her loving husband enjoying cone after cone of ice cream, hot dogs, mexican taco salad beasts, and copious amounts of nitty gritty grubby shrimp that coats you from your fingers to your elbows. :)

Love you, love you, love you AND your honest and HILARIOUS blog. :)

Naester…. I'm glad you posted this. It's usually the times in your life when you are on a high that someone has to try and bring you down. I think there are very few girls/women who have not had to deal with eating issues. But you are right, you live and learn and you are better for it. The most important thing is taking care of ourselves so we can live and enjoy this life. Those who had the audacity to think and say other wise aren't happy with themselves. You're amazing and I'm glad you have been in my life… although I wish you were more! Loves! p.s. 3 J's Rule.

Great post. I just wanted to say I love your blog and I think you are great. Never let anyone else bring you down. I think you look amazing. After having my kiddos I've struggled off and on with my weight. I think being a woman just automatically gives you extra struggles. When I was heavier I always got fat comments from people, including family. When I was at my skinniest I got negativity constantly too. As long as you are happy and healthy, that is all that matters.

I think you are an elite! :)

It put the biggest smile on my face to read your post this morning (can't comment on my Droid, boo!). I was so touched that you were able to talk about such personal things on your blog. I can barely do that!

To be honest, I've been battling disordered eating since I was twelve. Unfortunately, people still say I'm "too thin" and "need to eat more", when it's really not possible! I run and work out a lot, but I eat SO much, just like you.

And to tell the truth, if people are concerned about other peoples' eating/exercise, the way to be concerned is NOT to call them thin, anorexic, etc. I've been attacked on my blog before, and it hurts so badly.

It breaks my heart that some people equate me with the type of person I once was instead of the crazy, fun, and sometimes overly indulgent me. And girl, reading your blog sometimes makes me feel like I'm reading my own writing! Haha :) You are beautiful and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Us girls play hard and fuel hard, ya hear?!

xoxox,
Katelyn

Well, I think the people who gave you a hard time are Anal Fistulas!!! (goggle it, it ain't pretty).

Seriously, you are a hardcore athlete. It's obvious in your training regime, and your speedy times.

Jealousy is an ugly thing, and lots of times, I find people try to disguise it under the "I'm concerned for you" method.

What YOU think is what matters most. You know yourself. Tell yourself how fabulous you are an extra few times tonight. You earned it!

Nellie
http://midlifecruiser.blogspot.com

Wow to you for writing such an honest and personal post!

I admit, I had similar thoughts after seeing some photos. But you know what – you are beautiful as YOU no matter what you look like!

I've had issues in the past – and so I totally, totally get what you are saying about the OLD you – it's so damn frustrating…I also have a bad relationship now with food having gone the 'other' way and eating emotionally and binging…so it's a tricky line for me.

But, remember – it's your family and friends who KNOW you! Listen to them. Listen to your heart.

"Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind".

Do what I do when I get shitty comments from stalkers…SPAM them and hit delete :) Aahhhh.

I will admit that I have been worried about you sometimes when I see pictures of you, but have always been relieved due to your obsession with food. Thank you for posting this entry. I've had my own issues in the past (with self-mutilation) and it's hard to talk about them but sometimes it's important for people to know that you're healthy now. I'm so glad that you're healthy now. You're such a wonderful soul and an inspiration to all of us – not just for exercise, etc. but being a lovely friendly person who puts so much value in her family and life. You also inspired a weekly "make our own pizzas" night with me and Jake! lol Just keep being you. :)

As someone said above 'your body suits your sport', i think thats TOTALLY true. To me, yes, you are skinny, but most ELITE distance runners are. Billy's right.
You are SO stinkin' pretty, but its the INNER you that brings us all back time and time again.
=) Much love to you from Nebraska, Janae!!

I think you are skinny but i would never email you assuming you had a problem. you are beautiful woman & its nice people care but i dont like it when others jump to conclusions. i can tell you eat alot… just by the way you are with your food posts! :)

So I've tried to comment like three different times but my internet at home SUCKS! So if this is the third comment of mine ( don't think I am weird)

I love your blog. I love how real you are. I love your honesty….therefore just know you are awesome…'nough said!

You are thin; you are beautiful! Don't let the naysayers get you down! Great post!

I think you look fabulous and healthy! I never once thought anything otherwise.

You are crazy skinny and I am jealous of course but I know it's a combo of all your running plus genetics. I am glad you are happy with your self now because you should be!

thanks for sharing your heart…it's beautiful!

You're right, so many people are mean and hurtful on the internet. Thanks for sharing and showing who you are, even though you didn't have to. You have a beautiful spirit, that shines through on all your posts!

and this just nails the reason why i feel so 'connected' when i read your blog. initially, it rose to the top of my faves, but the more i read, the better it gets. you're so real, funny, and inspirational, and now even more so.

although i dont work out anywhere close to your amount (i wish i could; darn job thing!), i was a hot mess back a few years ago. i had so many fear foods, was insane about exercising, feared weight gain, mood swings out the ying-yang, and never ever felt sane, happy, content, or good enough. and really, it was to no one's fault…i really dont have any family issues or man issues of past; i just didnt know how to channel the stress of a new school, new people, tons of studying/work, grades.

it took awhile, but somehow i managed to realize my faults and change my thinking. however silly this sounds, its nice to know there are others out there who were able to accomplish it also, and i'm proud of you all!

Ugh. As my husband was quoted saying once, "People are the worst." I actually just wrote a post complaining about the same thing a little bit ago. I'm linking it here, but feel free to ignore it (http://mylifeoffthecouch.blogspot.com/2010/12/pick-on-someone-your-own-size.html). You probably barely have time to read through all the comments!

Of course it would be completely unacceptable for someone to tell someone else they were too fat, yet somehow people think it's okay to tell you you're too skinny. Ridiculous.

I think it's usually out of jealousy. My mom always tells me to remember that when people mistreat you it usually has to do with them – not you. This person is probably wishing they looked equally fabulous (maybe even subconciously) and this was their reaction.

Anyway…lots of random thoughts. Page @ http://twentysixandthensome.com/ posted that you were one of her favorite blogs. I've been reading yours ever since!

Janae! I just read this post and I don't really know what to say, but I know how you feel. I struggle with my weight and my looks and self-esteem, and I hope to be like you one day – happy and free and totally confident. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I told you that the first time I looked at your blog and saw your wedding photos, heck, I could read your blog and your blog only and be happy!!! I just wanted to tell you that you are an inspiration to me – in more ways than one and not only as a runner – and even though we haven't met in "real" life, you continue to inspire me, everyday. Even when I haven't read your blog in a few days or a week, I might think of something you said that gets me through a rough time or a negative thought about myself. I appreciate your honesty about your feelings and about your past in this post, and I'm sorry I didn't see it earlier! You never know (as I'm sure you DO know!) whose life you are going to touch and I wanted to tell you, you have definitely made a positive difference in mine!! From the bottom of my heart, so happy to have found you online!!!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing. It's refreshing to find someone so real and transparent. I struggled with similar issues, although with me, it was first with a period of anorexia, followed by a period of overeating. It's wonderful what you're doing, to show people that they're not alone in their struggles. You've inspired me to lay out my own story on my own blog in a new "About Me", which I just spent a couple of hours typing up – http://fit360.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html . I'm also inspired by your super speediness. I'm doing my first marathon in 6 days! I expect to BQ, if all goes as planned. Maybe I can meet you in 2012 if I do. I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and have been going through all of your archives ever since and finally finished today. Great stuff – keep it up!

This makes me sad that someone felt the need to e-mail you and judge you when you're so candid on your blog. I've read all of 10 posts so far and I can tell you are such a balanced person in nutrition AND life. I'm sure after talking with your mom and reading the 100+ comments you feel better as you should :-)