Mens Sana in Corpore Sano
by Caroline Hellman

The past five years or so I've devoted many a thought and many a column to getting back in shape. This was a struggle always on the horizon. I was perpetually determined to lose the weight I'd gained since quitting competitive swimming in college, and to get back into shape in general.

Well, now I am happy to say that I am finally in that place. For the first time since I quit the horrid swim team in college, I can finally say that I feel like an athlete again. I'm running, walking, swimming, and lifting weights. I'm eating more sensibly than I have in a long time. I've lost weight. And I cannot articulate how good this feels.

I think life is often about the right moment. People can harbor all sorts of fears and desires, but sometimes it takes the right catalyst to jumpstart those secret feelings into being--the dream into reality.

This past weekend I ran a 5 mile race. It was the 4th 5 mile race I'd run in my life, and I did my best time. This was despite my headphones breaking before I left my apartment--and I usually only run with music. So I am psyched. Here's to being an athlete once again.