Whether I was born one and just didn't know it until this year or I have sculpted one from the hard work I've put into this journey I know one thing for sure: I am an athlete. I was meant to run, bike, swim, lift weights and whatever other activities out there undiscovered.

I am meant to have sweat fall from my face not because it's hot outside and I am uncomfortable in a body that used to weigh upwards of 270 pounds but because I am pushing my body to the limit physically and my body is eager to move on to the next challenge. My heart is meant to pump fast not because I can barely walk up a flight of steps but because my workouts are so intense they leave me curled up in what Godfather now calls the "Dead Fish" position.

My muscles are meant to be sore not because the only time I ever lift anything heavy is when I'm moving furniture so that my couch faces the t.v. in a more feng shui position but because when I look down at my feet I see 130 pounds on a weight bar I know I just lifted multiple times and I know soon it will be heavier.

My food is meant to taste good not because it's full of labels like "McDonalds", "Jack in the Box" and "Burger King" but because my food is clean and well planned and helping me get stronger, fitter, faster and leaner.

This smile on my face is meant to be there not because I just spent 5 hours playing World of Warcraft while eating a bag of chips and downing a six pack of diet coke but because this week alone I biked at least 40 miles, I worked out with someone I look up to at the gym and survived, Godfather pushed harder this week than I've ever experienced, I ran with two of my favorite girls on a horrible, horrible, terrific hill and I can see my muscles more now that ever before.

I AM strong.

I AM alive.

I AM an athlete.

You too should shout out your accomplishments. Tell me why you are an athlete! What do you love most about pushing your body to the limit? Shout it out cause it is awesome! Shout it out because you should be proud of who you are and what you have done! Shout it out because dammit I said so!