body image

[@TheAthleteSpecial]

It takes a lot to speak about real life struggles. You are positively impacting far more people than you may even think! Love you Emma!

[@Yes-mn4zy]

Hey Spence 👋

[@povnayeli]

On days when I didn’t run it was always so much harder for me to get myself to eat. If I didn’t reach a certain amount of steps or burned a certain amount of calories I would not let myself eat the amount I wanted. It was toxic and I still struggle with that today but I’m getting better.

[@nadiakhoury4474]

I was a D1 runner in college and graduated a few months ago. The transition has been challenging and it's been incredibly difficult to adjust to the changes in my lifestyle and my body. Some days I struggle with allowing myself to eat enough if I don't get a workout in, and some days I'm so utterly consumed by my own body dysmorphia that it really affects my day to day life. This problem is so profound in this population and I wish there was an easy solution, but it's people like you, Emma, who show the rest of us that we're not alone. Keep on keeping on

[@linaortmann5124]

Nadia Khoury Hey girl!💕 I hope you’re doing well right now! What I found to help me stop hyper-focusing on my body is to *stop* ‘body-checking’ (ie. searching for abs & toned-ness) and spend much time with friends and family. You won’t be thinking about your body or what/how much you ate, and you’ll realize that people love you for who you are and not what you look like. I’m sure you’ve heard those things before, but a little reminder doesn’t hurt.♥️

[@victoriapecci3509]

this hit me so hard. It does take up an enormous amount of time and is so exhausting. Body scanning, comparing bodies, always feeling large. I feel you and know it will get better

[@Sazzay96]

This spoke to me on a new level!! I was an athlete in high school and was absolutely shredded. My relationship with exercise and food was awful. I was convinced certain foods ruined my performance and that a day off training would pull me back. I would never eat out, never go out with friends and had my head so far in the game its a surprise it ever got out. I was at the peak of fitness, but that life was INCREDIBLY unsustainable. 5 years on, I'm 23, work full time and study. I exercise everyday for fun and like you I've converted to distance running. I still get people comment and compare me to my life in the past and I hate to admit it, but it still hurts. I naturally have a fuller build and find it super easy to put on both muscle and fat. I'll never have the build I had before, and SLOWLY I'm learning to be okay with that. Thanks for the video. So many others are in the same position as you (or will be at some point)

[@The_Engineering_Boost]

I used to be in shape; now, I am a shape.

[@stevenfriedman143]

bro im such a hexagon its so sad

[@estherbiro9841]

Sydney Fleming equilateral, right, or isosceles?

[@chawpmaak]

Im so sorry but this comment was so unexpected i had to laugh😂😂.. i am sorry

[@HealthyHelperKaila]

Same though. 😭

[@Mary_Matcha]

Emma, I just want to say that I really appreciate you making these type of videos. Body dysmorphia and body image is something that isn’t talked about nearly enough as it should be. It’s hard to find solutions to body dysmorphia/body image issues because in order to find solutions a conversation must take place first and unfortunately these types of conversations don’t take place as often as they should. Many people struggle with it and it’s important for them to know that they are not alone. Thank you for your honesty with this video, it takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable in front of an audience on the internet that can be so unpredictable at times. I admire you a lot, not just as a runner but as a person overall. ❤️

[@gabriellebadowski4712]

I feel this on a deep level. Body image/dysmorphia/disordered eating is something I struggle with every day. Like you, I spend so much time thinking about what I’m eating and how much. The rules of what I can and can’t eat/finding time to work out or run is a constant state of mind for me. Trying to make peace with myself is a never ending battle, but as I’ve gotten older it’s starting to bother me less and less. You’re truly an inspiration, Emma. Your content has helped me feel less alone. Hang in there buddy, it does get better.

[@HealthyHelperKaila]

As a former competitive runner who is now living in a MUCH different body size and shape, I SO appreciate you opening a dialogue about this. My mind is also WAY too cluttered with thoughts of my body and walk I look like/how others perceive me. Keep sharing your story!! It definitely helps to say all of this out loud.

[@MissClaire05]

Emma, I totally feel you! I’ve been struggling with body dismorphia for a long time. Some days it’s so hard, like you said, to look in the mirror or to even take a shower, some days it’s easier. I think it’s a big issue not only for athletes but also for all young girls and even boys because we feel the pressure that we always have to look in a certain way, have a certain body, in order to be successful. I hope it will get better for the both of us! Thanks for this video😘

[@gretavil]

Same here, it is hard, thanks for sharing😘

[@mauriciogarica4607]

Emma, I have been married 5 years now. My wife and I have both changed dramatically since our high school years, from children to lifestyle changes, all the way to clothing/style choices. It’s import to understand that how you look matters, and it’s fair to never be satisfied. But you are 23 years old, by science and common anatomy, you are not even in your prime years. Which given that information, you’re doing damn well for yourself, because I’m sure many people in this subscriber base agree with the statement that , “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL”. Just keep being yourself, and if who you are changes how you look, then good golly you be that new you. Also you’re incredible

[@sydnawbergland]

I am so glad you made this video. Track and cross country was my entire life for 6+ years and when I stopped competing my body changed a lot and rapidly. I’ve had body image problems my whole life but these last couple of years have been a huge challenge. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself and changed a lot for the better but it is an everyday struggle and it feels really nice to know that I’m not alone in what I’m feeling. Thank you:)

[@lulolancy]

In one of your recent, commentary videos, you showed us the "10-year-old you" waving and smiling at people as you ran a track race. We love that, worry free, version of you just as much as we love the Emma that you have evolved into. In that race, 13-years ago, you were having fun. We won't stop waving and smiling back at you because we love you unconditionally.

[@Yes-mn4zy]

lulolancey well said, well said

[@seriouslytaryn11]

The transition from being an athlete at the P5 DI level to not having any of that structure, or the hard workouts has by far been the hardest of my life. We had transition programs as seniors to learn about finances, and not going pro, but I left not feeling prepared for that drop off. It's something that schools need help create a conversation around. You aren't alone 💖

[@amberschulz525]

You really are just so so so beautiful ♥️♥️ Both body and as a person.... keep fighting! You have helped so many people😘 Thanks for sharing.

[@amyhutton9909]

You just ran the Chicago Marathon!!! And you ran an amazing time!!!! Running has actually helped me a lot with body image. I learned to focus on what my body is able to do instead of what it looks like.

[@elizabethanderson1025]

Hey Emma! I have struggled with my body image since having to medically retire from college basketball due to 9 knee surgeries. I gained a lot of weight because I always identified as an athlete and it felt like it was taken from me. I still deal with food cravings at weird times because I used to be able to eat anything when I was training at that level. I have never run competitively, but I love your channel and you have inspired me to start running. I am running my first half marathon in two weeks 14 months post-op from a cartilage transplant! You are an incredible person and you have helped me on my journey! Keep being you!!!!

[@a.ezemba]

I absolutely love that you spoke out on this. It's an important issue, and so many people feel alone in regards to it. Thanks for helping to break the stigma around it, and encourage others to share and get better. 😁👏🏾

[@hannahjeandevore4655]

Emma, your vulnerability means so much. I have been struggling with this issue a ton lately, and it is so hard because I feel so alone in my struggle. And while I’m not past this yet, and you aren’t either, it helps me so much to hear what you have to say. I hope that you can be encouraged in the same way. So thank you so much and stay strong. ❤️

[@claire1119]

I am so happy you shared this! I'm sorry this is something you are going through, but as someone who is going through it as well, I appreciate you sharing how you've been feeling. I'm a distance running and stopped competing a little over a year ago and it is honestly the hardest thing adjusting to body changes and literally learning to have a normal fitness level and learning how to eat like a regularly active person. It's so difficult and it's really not talked about enough. When I look back at old photos of myself from races I think oh my god I was scary tiny, but at the time I thought I wasn't small enough or lean enough. Love

[@mangojam8514]

thanks so much for making this video cause it's sooo relatable. definitely felt this and continue to feel it every day. sometimes I wait till it's nighttime to run cause I can't stand the way I look throughout the day. but yea, I have to start learning to love myself at every point in my life, but it really is hard. its important to talk about these topics, especially in a community like the running community where the "average look" is more lean than stocky

[@tatjana8159]

Thank you so much for making videos like these holy moly. I took a break year in college from running and when I wanted to get back into it, I had gained weight at that point and felt like because of my size and more jiggliness, I didn't belong in the whole "running community." I just wanted to run and feel those chill vibes again but because I felt like I was sooo much bigger (which what da hick I was the same person) I felt disgusted whenever I ran. But honestly just following the right accounts on insta and youtube where people of all shapes and looks are goin out there and doing marathons/ultras/etc.!! changed my whole perspective and made me realize running is honestly so inviting but I had to let it be inviting myself and not be disgusted w how my body changed bc it's gonna change. Every. Damn. Day. OK. thanks for comin to my ted talk broskis.

[@delanyb1907]

This is the part of being a collegiate student-athlete that nobody wants to talk about. I feel you, Emma! I'm dealing with the same thing, but I'm a year behind you. It's something we deal with every day. "Retiring" is hard. You're not alone.

[@wesleyrussell98]

I've lost 130 pound over the past year and I still wake up every morning and hate my body. It gets frustrating. Body dysphoria is frustrating because there really is nothing you can do to change the way YOU see YOU. Thanks so much for this Emma.

[@emilyshort8231]

emma - thank you for being vulnerable! i totally get what you mean with the hunger cues thing. i ran competitively in high school and then chose not to continue running in college. i used to come home after practice in high school and eat so much because i was so active and hungry all the time. i never worried about if i was eating too much. then in college, obviously i wasn't AS active as in high school and so my body didn't need as much fuel. but i ate when i wasn't hungry anyway. i would go for several days without ever feeling hungry, but i would just keep eating and my body was all out of whack. i didn't know what it felt like to be hungry vs not hungry and i didn't listen to my body either way. idk if that makes sense but i think we're on the same page. i also know the comparison feeling - i used to compare pictures of myself from high school to college trying to determine if my body had gained weight, and it made me so anxious when i saw differences in my body. a lot of ppl struggle with this and your journey is valid. it's your journey for a reason and you will come out so much stronger. btw - i am hoping to move to portland after college graduation next year :)

[@Snacksandbackpacks]

Girl you are absolutely beautiful! This is something I also have dealt with. Being an athlete in high school and was in the best shape of my life to gaining weight. It’s extremely difficult on my self esteem and on my own mind. Idk how to overcome it, but I just keep trying to think that others love me and think I’m beautiful just the way I am, even if I don’t always feel like it. My mind is consumed almost all day of just thinking about how to lose weight, what to eat to lose weight, what workouts to do to lose weight, etc. over and over and over until I go to sleep. It’s exhausting most days. But I hope we as women find a way to love ourselves the way others do! :) thank you for being so open, it’s comforting! ❤️

[@abbieburke5297]

Emma, thank you so much for making this!! I was a part of my college dance team which placed a high value on how you look. Listening to other girls, who were smaller than me, talk about how "fat" they were really hurt my self confidence and sent me into a spiral. I was in the best "shape" of my life junior year, but felt so weak from eating so little. I was severely restricting my calories and didn't enjoy eating food in social settings. It eventually got so bad that I was binging and purging my senior year. Now that I've graduated and I'm not performing and working out at such a high intensity, I've definitely put on weight and struggled with accepting myself. It's hard for me because I know what it takes to be the "skinnier" version of myself but I also know how it's not sustainable to eat/workout that way. I haven't found a magic solution to accepting myself but I think we need to remember to be kind to ourselves and be grateful for all the amazing things your body CAN do!!

[@alyssacascos8665]

Girl, you are not alone. Thank you for opening up about this because it has not only helped me but other people going through similar things. I am struggling extremely with my eating disorder and I feel like I don't have a life because 90-95% of the time is fixated on food, my diet, exercise and my body and how it looks. It is miserable and I can't get out of this war in my head. I haven't had my period for more than 2 years. Life is a huge struggle but I am trying to push on and move forward. Anyway, sorry for my long rant. The point is, I am grateful for your video because I feel a lot less alone. ❤👟

[@stephenschousen742]

This was soooo relatable. It feels great to hear that other runners deal with the same thing.

[@savannahw9214]

I can relate to this so much. I just graduated college and finished playing collegiate basketball. I am 6’3” and am on the heavier side. I learned to accept my body in college because it was the first time in my life that it be benefited me on the basketball court, and I was able to do the things that help me be successful in sports. But I was always insecure about. Now that I’m done with basketball, I’ve had a hard time figuring out what’s healthy for me now. I feel like that “freak” again. but the last few months, I’ve been trying to change my relationship with myself, with food, and getting my body to a life long healthy place. That was a long rant, but I want to thank you for being so open with this topic, I don’t think it’s gotten enough of the right light in recent years, I saw other athletes male and female struggle with it everyday i college. Thank you for being raw and open, you inspire me Emma ❤️

[@alexcuddy973]

Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve also been struggling with body image issues for what feels like the vast majority of my life. I especially know what it feels like to not even want to run. I always feel like people see me running outside and are judging me for being “too fat” to be a runner and those thoughts force me to either run on the treadmill or not run at all. When I enter a race, the vast majority of my anxiety leading up to it is due to my thinking that the other runners won’t accept me because of the way I look and that I don’t belong out there because I don’t have a stereotypical lean runners physique. I’ve dealt with food issues in the past, and although I’ve never been as lean as a runner “should be,” I also found that being that regimented was extremely unhealthy and unsustainable. Unfortunately I’m still working on my body image issues and can’t offer any tips, but I can tell you that you are definitely not alone.

[@breannee9973]

I completely agree with you about the hunger cues thing. I was an athlete in high school. With such an intense training schedule, I was able to eat whatever I wanted and whenever. When I went to college, I didn't continue the sport and I started to gain weight. The weight gain really freaked me out, and I had a problem with disordered eating during my freshman year. Finally, some health issues knocked some sense into me and I am on the journey to become a more normal eater.

[@thomasphilyaw8593]

My daughter runs at a D1 school and she struggles with CC since she's built for the 800/mile. Her roommate is literally stick thin, but runs like the wind in CC. My daughters really not the type to do something not healthy to be faster, but I do worry all the time about it. Stay strong Emma

[@stevestarr9769]

So open and honest. It's appreciated.

[@emilymayes1]

Wish I could like this video 100x because it is so accurate for so many people. Love the honesty and you are definitely not alone in that feeling!

[@cobraddock]

I lost 70 pounds a few years ago in the most unsustainable way. I got so much validation from friends and family for losing it but it caused me to abuse my body to keep at that weight. I finally let go of that control, and when I first started I had the hardest time looking at my body in the mirror and avoid taking a show with my contacts in. I had to force myself to look every morning to start getting used to myself in a larger body. I stopped working out to help heal and so far all is going well. You can do this! ❤️ holding on the want to keep a body that is unsustainable is not worth your happiness. You deserve to be happy.

[@NK-ib7qh]

Thanks from all men struggling with body image/ etc. Almost every single sentence is sooo relatable.

[@jennaflemons2185]

Thank you for this. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I totally understand what you're going through and it's nice to hear someone else's story

[@erinlaughlin5751]

Thank you so much for opening and sharing this with us all. I am also just over a year out from university running and am really struggling with the way my body has changed since then. I struggle to look in mirrors, I hate going to the mall now and trying on clothes, I even hate running now knowing how different I look in the clothes that I used to run in all the time. Thank you for you sharing, your words are so important, so thank you ❤️

[@Marie_Lynne]

thank you for speaking out about this, Emma!❤️ i agree, i honestly "never would have thought" that you struggled with this and i'm not sure why... i guess because you do seem so confident but what's weird is that i already advocate so much for mental health awareness and always tell people that even those that don't seem like they are struggling, can be! also i just wanna say that i was an athlete in high school too and always thought i was the fattest person on my team and was never happy with my body. now i would give anything to be back at the size i was in high school! yes i know i'm "beautiful no matter what" etc. but it sucks. you're not alone.

[@kmd21804]

I don't know what the solution is either, but it is so hard as a former athlete. I swam growing up and through college. I remember hating my body in middle - high school because I was muscular and looked different. Looking back at the photos it is crazy how good I actually looked! The body dysmorphia is so real. After college, I still thought I needed 4 dinners and would accidentally over eat. Now that I'm just running casually and not training 4 hours per day, I had to relearn hunger cues as well!! It took such a long time but this year (4 years removed) it seems like everything is clicking better. I can eat whole foods most of the time and still have small treats everyday without "guilting myself." I'm more in tune with how I feel while eating. Nonetheless, I don't have a traditional runner's body, but just have to keep telling myself it doesn't matter, I may still be able to run faster or longer than those who fit the stereotype. I know you will find peace with this, just remember to tell your body how fast and strong it is no matter what it looks like! It helped you run your first marathon, which is so badass. I don't want you to feel this way but thank you for sharing because so many people will know they are not alone ❤️

[@hailee_fitblog]

I had these thoughts so much and I still do from time to time but the key thing I did was implementing “the fake it till you make it” quote and saying it as soon as I noticed a negative thought about my body or I pinched the fat on my stomach..try saying so much to yourself that you actually believe it, you eventually will

[@FranklinsFish]

I can feel you chocking on the words but this video was very much appreciated! I think even you would be surprised about how many athletes struggle with this, but don't talk about it! :)

[@mariaburnett1888]

Emma, thank you so much for sharing. I ran cross country and track throughout high school, and didn't really have to watch what I ate. Freshman year of college I got out of shape (really hard to continue running when you don't have a community supporting you), and gained some weight. I'm a sophomore now, and have started running again, but I don't think my body will ever go back to its former high school self. It's hard to see how my weight is redistributed, but I personally try to focus on what my body can do as a runner than how it looks.

[@runningwithmarc]

ROCK ON, truth is awesome, you are so awesome. Thats why your channel is so great, it's real, and I try to do the same.

[@gabriellanicole7936]

this video means so much to so many. Just knowing that someone else is going through almost the exact same thing that I am just makes it that much easier to get through it all, love my body, gain weight and GET MY PERIOD, and start living a more sustainable lifestyle following collegiate running

[@reemassaff3949]

What an influential role model you are to young female runners/athletes, or even any girl.

[@Yes-mn4zy]

Reem Assaff or boy going through this

[@srcrdh]

Love ya girl! I can relate to so much. Thank you for being so raw and open. Hopefully you find comfort in the fact that you are not alone ♥️ and congrats on the marathon! ❤️

[@alekhyavoleti7845]

You have such an awesome energy, something I struggled with too so this hits close to home.

[@oliviamoon5813]

the way you talk about this kind of stuff with so much raw honesty is honestly so brave. thank you for this emma! keep getting after it fella BUT always remember to care for yourself first🧡

[@suburban_vampire]

Emma, just stay strong body image as a runner is the worst. But finally in college I accept that being healthy and feeling good is more important than being "in shape". Continue living your best life and be the best you possible.

[@anjolivanderkuur9403]

I know exactly what you're talking about Emma! As soon as I shifted priorities to my overall health and stopped lying to myself, I regained my hormonal health, became a woman, and have been able to devote my extra energy to other important things in life. I still run, a lot - because I enjoy it. But Im no longer a slave to food and running! XO love you! Thank you for sharing. Too many girls struggle with this and not enough is said about it!

[@Elielioh]

Keep up the amazing work Emma! Eating more and freeing yourself from any type of restriction or exercise addiction is the most amazing feeling in the world and 100 percent worth it! I'm on the same journey and have already experienced so much less stress and anxiety because it truly does take over your mind majority of the day and is controlling! You will get there just trust the process and know we are all rooting for you. I think you're inspirational and the most beautiful human being inside and out so don't ever doubt that! Life is truly amazing when you get to live it how you want to.

[@emmaalsafi451]

So proud of u that u just talked abt ur self and fighting ur problem😍❤❤ and honestly ur perfect just the way u ARE

[@Yes-mn4zy]

I used to be so chubby and then I got super skinny when I started running. Now I’ve reached a healthy body and I’m running better than ever with it. I know how it is. I hope it all works out for you Emma!

[@FranklinsFish]

It's 100% your desicion but reaching out to someone like a therapist or even just another college athlete that has experienced this(@Victoria Garrick) would be sooo helpful!

[@BassPlayerUnderGrace]

Emma, you are an inspiration. Thanks for being honest about your struggles. We all struggle with things about ourselves, even when we consciously know it's irrational. But it's still an internal struggle that we fight to overcome. Emma, you are strong and trust me...you are absolutely gorgeous!

[@cait6439]

All throughout high school I was skinny. Slim legs, slim thighs, small chest. I was skinny because of XC. After graduation, my body changed a lot. I’m much more thicker, curvier and I have a chest. I hateeee it so much but I’ve come to accept it. It’s so hard but it’s okay 🤧

[@aleciahgonzales9849]

this is so helpful. i’m in therapy now for body dysmorphia. when you said you didn’t even want to shower.... i felt that. when i shower i don’t look in the mirror or i wait for the mirror to fog before i get undressed. then i dress before i leave so i don’t get the urge to look in my bedroom mirror. i’m working on it everyday but it is so hard.

[@qu17]

You are freaking incredible. It is so important for people to know that they are not alone. You have helped me in so many ways. THANK YOU!!!! Keep fighting, you are so so so strong.

[@sharonkeough8588]

Hi Emma. You are so right. This is something a lot of women who run struggle with, especially through the college transition to adult life. Sometimes it helps to keep a routine regarding your eating, just like we did when we were children. I know your life is not 9 to 5, but routines sometime help us when we are struggling. You are in a phase of life that isn't easy. You are doing great, and you are not supposed to be perfect. All the best

[@bamartin4153]

Thank you for being so honest and transparent. You are very brave to share your personal struggles, and it does help, because as you said it’s so common!! If it helps you to post- please keep doing it. Wishing you lots of self love and compassion, You are making a difference.

[@IncredibleStan]

I understand how you feel. It is a struggle for sure. On days where I just can't pull myself to run I make sure that I do something active. Like today I did a little cross training by lifting weights. Try it.

[@margrettwatt2221]

Thank you for speaking out about this. I’m sorry you’ve had to struggle with this and I hope that you will gain the support and skills to not have to struggle with it for the rest of your life. You are amazing and loved.

[@marioderossi3149]

Emma stop you are gorgeous!! Don’t let small things bring you down. Stay strong!!

[@jvalentine82]

I have totally been there. I have had weekends where I didn't shower because I couldn't stand the thought of being naked. Bending over in the shower to shave my legs and feel my stomach fold over. The only time I didn't hate my body is when I was very underweight. It's hard to love your body at a healthy weight when you've been super lean. I appreciate you sharing. It doesn't take away my problem but it makes me feel less crazy and alone!

[@mearamcgee9030]

Whoever disliked must have accidentally hit the wrong button 🤦🏻‍♀️smh this video actually spoke to me and. Emma your amazing just the way u are . This video was quality content fella

[@djkatiec]

I totally commend your vulnerability in this video. As you get older your body is just gonna mature into what it's naturally supposed to be and there's no shame in that. I just remind myself that weight isn't a constant. It's so fluid that it literally changes on a day to day basis. Some things are out of your control and that's okay

[@Yes-mn4zy]

FOR ANYONE GOING THROUGH THIS: your body image does not matter until it affects the way you feel physically or if it makes you feel unhealthy

[@taliatomhave5884]

the thing for me is i KNOW i’m a healthy weight and very fit and everything BUT for some reason all i can tell myself is that i’m too big and everything and i KNOW it’s ridiculous and irrational and i just learned i have tendinitis so i have to take 3 weeks off and I’m terrified that i’ll gain weight and even though i will still be fine, but somehow i still follow these stupid irrational ideas and people just tell me “ ur not fat” “omg ur fine” “just be positive” but idk how to get rid of it and it’s soo tiring and hard and idk what to do and i can’t seem to get to what i want even though i’m already healthy but i just hate myself and my body so much and for some reason something in my head is telling my that i can’t gain weight and i’m not thin enough even though i know I’m ok

[@morganmcmahon3021]

Thank you for being vulnerable and real in this video, which I’m sure wasn’t easy to do. When your mind starts to go to those places just remember to appreciate and reflect on all the good things that your body allows you to accomplish. Hang in there my friend💕

[@kathrynhennessy1310]

Yes! I know what you are saying about having to learn hunger queues! I always felt like I had to eat, but I was not working out to the same degree.

[@allisonrios5913]

Thank you so much for posting this ❤️

[@marcellaoreilly2730]

I think you're beautiful keep going. I'm recovering from an eating disorder and I still feel guilty personally if I eat " a lot" and don't exercise. I gave up running for that reason just to re-educate myself about the balance between energy expenditure and food intake. It will never leave me I know but it's just about giving yourself a chance and not stressing about what your body will look like and more about how you feel. You can do it x

[@Dissey]

No one is judging you, we're all human beings and have our problems so we can relate. I would recommend you to listen to Tina Muirs podcast ''running for real'' please! She have been going through similar things like you ''the period issue and body image issue and have over 100 episodes with so much real talk and it's great. You are an inspiration and brave to share something like this on internet, stay strong Emma.

[@katewilson7003]

Yessss girl. Been through this same thing 💛💛

[@GlennazLifee]

Emma we love you! it will get better 😊

[@allisondittman2121]

You’re beautiful and your vulnerability is beautiful! ❤️

[@aminainova]

Have you considered therapy? Cognitive therapy? You dont need to work through this alone!

[@lisarodriguez7280]

I admire you so much and your ability to be so raw. Growing up and doing track and field and cross country, I often struggled with body image and definitely still do as a marathoner. Thank you for sharing this message. ❤️ you!

[@kaelynidk]

i am a newly collegiate runner and honestly your videos inspire me to have a better relationship with food all the time. you are such an amazing runner and seeing you at such a high level of fitness inspires me when i feel like cutting meals on rest day to put my health as a number 1 priority.

[@musclelessfitness2045]

No matter how you look, people will always be judgmental and you will never satisfy 100% of people. Try to ignore whatever people say, else, you won't be able to be relaxed. I said relaxed and not happy because you have to force yourself to be happy.

[@MDElgren]

Thanks so much for always being so real! It's incredibly brave to talk so openly about your struggles. And I know the feeling, my freshman year of college I was so restrictive with myself that I was afraid to take rest days and eat over a certain amount of calories in a day...and I ended up with a stress fracture. You're so right about that lifestyle being unsustainable and it really is more important to be healthy and happy than it is to look fit!

[@lolahenderson9469]

Thank you for making this. Videos like these really help me.

[@sajero2]

Thanks for your bravery in sharing this.

[@LawrenceMeisel]

Congrats on having the courage and integrity to post this video. Many people will find it helpful and reassuring. Weight is just one of many numbers that reflect your health and fitness. Others include: Resting Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, HDL LDL, Total Cholesterol, BMI, %BF, Max O2 uptake, Blood Sugar Low Back Flexibility (Sit and Reach test) Vertical Jump, Muscle strength and Endurance (Situps, Chinups, and Pushups for guys, Situps, Knee pushups and Flexed arm hang for females) to name just a few. But, none of these numbers can reflect your worth. I have a card that I give to people. It says "Healthy is the new skinny: Eat well, Sleep well, Exercise, Meditate/pray, Have a hobby, Make friends. I also tell folks "Healthy always looks good. Take up health as a hobby. I've never seen an unattractive healthy person?" Consider consulting a sport psychologist they are especially sensitive and knowledgable about these issues for athletes. They can also help you enjoy reaching for your performance potential. Genuine caring and best wishes.

[@jennaclayworth3975]

Thank you so much for talking about this. It is such an important topic and I know how hard it is to open up about something so personal❤️ Keep doing you because we love u❤️

[@Jumbiiiee]

Thank you for sharing this! BDD is no joke. If/when you're willing to open up to a professional about it, I heard that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a lot.

[@3DSowner22]

I have body image issues as a guy. I'm tall but have quite narrow shoulders and a small build. I've been rock climbing for 3 years now and I'm in the best shape of my life but I can't help but be disappointed at my genes when I look in the mirror. It's part of why I'm not confident and I suspect part of why women aren't particularly attracted to me. But I'm just gonna keep working on myself because it's fun and good for me and I know I have a lot to offer and someone will see that

[@kalifornium_]

Girl you are beautiful and so inspiring! I get self conscious about my body too, I’m a runner and triathlete and I always wonder how other girls who don’t even workout can have such smaller waists and better bodies in my opinion but I’ve been trying to realize that everyone is built different but we are all beautiful and we definitely shouldn’t let societies standards of beauty make us feel bad about ourselves!

[@hannahcameron3208]

Emma, you are a huge influence on younger girls and women- good for you for using your influence to be real and express your struggles. Bon courage from France !

[@jogaid3766]

Been watching you since you started loved you back then but I can honestly say I respect and love ya 🙂 even more now I’m sorry you don’t see what we see 🤩 you are honestly a lot more beautiful now and you were awesome back then sorry you were going through so much then. 🥺. having friends is great but talking to someone that knows about this might even be more helpful it doesn’t make you weak

[@livluvsadele123]

Thank you for this, I needed to hear it. You're iconic!!

[@gracebelson1188]

I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling with this Emma. You're so strong, thank you for sharing this!

[@alexislorenzana1354]

You are so brave and it takes a lot to talk about this thank you Emma

[@jamooree]

Emma you are a very radiant and beautiful woman with a wonderful personality. The blonde hair, the tall body and the beautiful dimples. That is how I see you. Thanks for sharing your story. No one else can determine your beauty or body image. Embrace yourself for the wonderful person you are. Much love to you.✌

[@jeanfitzgerald8297]

Put positive people in your life.Positive quotes around your living space.Celebrate your achievements.I unconditionally love you.I except you as is.I follow you because you truly inspire me to be a better person.I pray one day you can see that your inner beauty radiates to all of your U tube Fellas.❤️

[@CartelGaming]

You need a hug. Someone, for the love of God give Emma a hug

[@FutureOlympianVJ]

You are so brave xxx you are also worthy of loving your body and loving yourself. Nurture yourself and healing comes.

[@livleonard9]

thank you so much for sharing. you are a beautiful and unique individual. we only have this one life and one body, i know it's so hard but we all need to embrace our changes. you ran a MARATHON with this body... that's so incredible. don't let your thoughts consume you. as cheesy as this sounds, tell yourself you love yourself and who you've become. you are such an inspiring and outgoing individual that so many people look up to. what others have to say comes from their own internal insecurities. you're a freakin awesome fella, stay positive. we're all here for you 💛