Becoming a world champion is not easy, attending university is not easy, running ironman races is not easy. But you know what is the hardest challenge? Overcoming adversity, and fighting mental demons within yourself. That is one of the most challenging obstacles anyone can face. 

My goal is to share my story, speak up and be an advocate for eating disorder recovery. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I had to. I am grateful for the journey of my recovery because it is leading me to becoming the strongest, happiest, and best version of myself everyday. 

To give you a quick glimpse into my story…I went from being an outpatient client at an eating disorder clinic to becoming a world champion with my skating team and now training for Ironman races. 

I went from having osteopenia with bones so brittle I could break any second. My hair falling off, shivering and cold all the time, ghostly pale skin tone, tears and complete numbness through major depression, and a heart that wasn’t strong enough to support me. It was too dangerous for me to even slightly do physical activity, and now, after years of working on my recovery, I am healthy and strong enough to push myself through physical extremes. I don’t do it to look a certain way. I do it because I am forever grateful for the beautiful, strong, and unique body I can call my own. 

Everyday, every bite I take, I have an eating disorder thought. Before, these thoughts were all-consuming and destroying my health, happiness and taking my life. Now I can eat, I can enjoy it, but everyday I need to stand tall, fight the thoughts, and remind myself recovery is worth it. It is not easy constantly duelling with the mental demons in my head, but through years of learning how to eat and how to have self-compassion and appreciation for myself, I am now living a fulfilled and happy life. 

My heart breaks knowing that thousands of people are still fighting the demons in their heads. It breaks my heart to know how many lives are taken due to an eating disorder. I was blessed to have the support, endless help and resources to hold my hand and lead me through recovery. So many people do not have this privilege. 

I want to dedicate my next Ironman 70.3 in Florida on December 10th to all those fighting their eating disorders. I have a NEDA tattoo on my right arm to remind myself every bite, and every stride, that I AM ENOUGH. 

I want all of you to know YOU ARE ENOUGH. Recovery is not easy, but I promise you it is worth it. I know you can do it, and we are all in this fight together. 

With all the love xxx

Marta