When I was a kid, I was especially small.
- As a boy, this was difficult to deal with, especially when I was teased by bigger kids who were stronger than I was.
It didn’t matter how much food I ate. I couldn’t put on any weight. I burned off the calories immediately. My size led to insecurities. All throughout school, I was always the smallest kid in the class. Because of this, I got interested in lifting weights. I was hoping to build some muscle. For every birthday and Christmas, I asked my parents for workout gear. Along with a weight bench, dumbbells and free weights, I added resistance bands, a jump rope and medicine ball. I started running and realized that I was fast. I joined the track team and set records. I joined cross-country and won titles. I gradually started to gain confidence and not feel so self-conscious over my size. I was fit and strong. I finally grew when I was in my early twenties. I am no longer a little, short guy. However, I have continued my dedication to fitness. I still go for a run nearly every day. I regularly lift weights, ride my bike and keep active. I often compete in marathons throughout the country. While many of my peers have gained weight, slowed down and dealt with all sorts of health issues, I’ve remained healthy and strong. I haven’t slowed down in the slightest. I know this is because of my eating and workout habits.