As a trainer, it’s a job perk that I get to spend quality time with so many like-minded mamas! I’ve had the opportunity to learn about their fitness journeys and the pleasure to get to know many on a personal level—making some dear friends over the years. So I thought I’d share a little bit more about myself. Here are 25 + 2 NEW random facts most people don’t know about me:
- I wore a size 16 pants in 6th grade.
- Fitness was not a regular part of my life until after college, and it was purely recreational.
- When I was 26 years old I had hip surgery—due to recreational running and poor form; I have a titanium pin in my hip.
- When I was 29 I worked with a personal personal trainer for a year. He transformed my life and my body. I dropped two pant sizes, and gained confidence in my body. He inspired me to pursue a fitness career and begin running again.
- I ran my first road race ever—at the age of 30 in 2002—it is was the Chicago marathon.
- In 2003 I became a certified personal trainer and quit my day job; I was a graphic designer.
- In 2005 I completed Ironman Wisconsin in 13 hours and 13 minutes. It was 96 degrees that day.
- I am dyslexic. I struggle with reading comprehension (and navigation 😱), but I have an abundance of creativity and excellent eye-hand coordination – which allows me to excel at sports and make kick-ass birthday piñatas!
- My favorite foods are dark chocolate chipotle covered almonds, (east coast) pizza and dark beers – in that order.
- I’m an obsessive organizer; The Container Store is my favorite store, followed by Michael’s craft store.
- I am happiest when I’m outdoors and the sun is shining, preferably 65 degrees or above.
- I want to visit all seven continents in my lifetime. I have two to go: Antarctica & Australia.
- The number one item on my bucket list is to explore Italy’s cities and countryside via road bike and sample all of their delectable cuisine along the way.
- I met my husband randomly after my client read my Ironman race report and then shared it with her colleague, who then offered to set his friend up with me.
- Our first date was a 50-mile bike ride. 13 years later we still ride together whenever we make the opportunity.
- I started Active Moms’ Club the year we got married in 2008 because I’m passionate about helping women, particularly moms, be the best version of themselves.
- I went through two rounds of IVF over the course of 20 months to conceive my beautiful boys.
- The moms in Active Moms’ Club proved to be an incredible support system in my fertility journey.
- My boys were born in 2011 and I have been in physical therapy for one reason or another every year since their birth.
- My favorite workout is lifting and swinging kettlebells; my second favorite workout is cycling outdoors.
- I have lived in Chicago for 18-years and have had four bikes stolen.
- If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Hawaii (see #11).
- I am 48 years old and can say that I am the strongest I have ever been in my life; for the last 4 years I’ve been able to do at least 3 strict pull-ups as part of my workouts, and love lifting heavy weights.
- Age doesn’t define who I am or what I can do.
- I have no regrets in life. I believe everything happens for a reason.
- Covid 19 has allowed me see what’s really important in life, as such my family and I decided to move out of the city.
- AMC is will continue to thrive and support mamas through live-streaming training and online programs. ❤️
Share with us a random fact about yourself. You can post underneath this graphic on AMC’s Facebook wall.