Body Perfect
By Jennifer Sader

Jen Sader's inspirational spirit and newfound love for her 100% perfect body reminds us that we're all perfect... —KathleenDaelemans

As I get close to my weight goal, I'm starting to think more about maintenance. This time around, I want to stay within my goal range instead of watching the numbers bounce around like crazy.

Part of this seems to be about making peace with my body. I haven't been very kind to it over the years. I've used it as a scapegoat for everything that didn't go 100% the way I wanted in my life. I've exercised it too hard, or not enough. I've eaten too little or way too much. I haven't been a good friend to my body, and it has been very kind to me.

My body is strong and resilient and very healthy. Some of the parts I've been less-than-happy about it, like my large thighs, are also the same parts that have allowed me to do some of the things I love most in life: hike, ride my bike and swim.

One of my more annoying neuroses is the idea that if I say anything positive about myself I'm bragging or being a Prima Donna. This probably goes back to the "Mean Girls" days at school when I was a kid. You remember those days when you did something so right you were actually happy with yourself and maybe even a little proud until the bully girls swooped in and knocked you back two grades.

I'm not in junior high anymore, so I think it's time I got over that. I'm just starting to see that even with all my perfect imperfections I'm pretty happy with how I'm turning out. I'm a little superstitious about saying this, but I'm starting to feel really good about the way I look. Finally. At 36 years old, maybe I'm starting to grow up a little.

Jennifer Sader is a freelance writer, part-time doctoral student and recreational athlete. She has completed several sprint and international distance triathlons and three half-marathons. Her next goal is to do the Columbus Marathon. She is supported in all her endeavors by her wonderful husband of ten years, Jesse Squire, who inspired her to do her first competitive event, a 5K run, at the ripe old age of 20. Email Jennifer Sader: jensader@yahoo.com Photo: András