About Me

I wasn’t always into fitness.  In fact, in high school I hated gym class.  I was the girl who had every excuse not to change my clothes and I always selected the easiest classes.  I didn’t play sports and I wasn’t active- AT ALL.  I was overweight, I smoked cigarettes and was mostly sedentary.  I didn’t eat healthy, I didn’t even know what healthy eating was.  The women in my life would binge and fast in order to control their weight and I thought that was how it was done.  Except, I just couldn’t do it.  Fasting made me sick and I just didn’t have the willpower.  I ended up with an unhealthy view of my body, with feelings of guilt, shame and hatred.

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When I was in my mid twenties I quit smoking for good.  I had tried many times before to quit and would succeed for short periods of time, but would ultimately go back to that unhealthy habit. Quitting was really hard and I was so proud of myself for taking that step towards better health. 

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In my late twenties, I took my health journey to the next level and decided I was going to start exercising.  I had always hated exercise, it’s hard! And group classes or the gym made me feel like the insecure, awkward teen that I had been in high school-so, I decided running would be my best choice.

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I set a goal that I would run the annual road race in my home town at the end of the summer which was the kickoff to our town’s Old Home Day. From spring through the summer I struggled, alone, through one miserable run after another.  But, slowly, I noticed that the runs got a little less miserable. In fact, that first 2 mile loop was becoming, dare I say, easy? I also noticed that I felt good.  I mean, really good, after my runs.  Even if they were challenging or downright miserable, I felt this overall feeling of happiness and accomplishment.  I also noticed that my body was changing; I felt stronger and I had more muscular legs and core.  I had actually even started to look forward to “run” days.  Who was I?

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The race was five miles total, the first mile was all downhill, the second mile was all uphill-I mean, a full mile, gradual to start with a steep incline just over halfway. The third and fourth miles were rolling hills.  At the end of the fourth mile you pass by the finish line in the town common, but still have a one mile loop to go.  Spectators and supporters would line the common and clap and cheer, giving you that last push of energy to get you through that last mile which was mostly flat, but finishing with a steep, short hill that would take you across the finish line.

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I really struggled through that last mile, but I refused to give up and I refused to walk.  I kept telling myself I could do this, I could do hard things, I’d come this far.  When I rounded the last corner of “the old maid’s mile” and started that last steep incline, I really doubted I could do it and I really wanted to give up.  Just when I was about to start walking, my son ran down the hill and started running by my side.  He was smiling and chatting and full of energy.  As the finish line approached, my son looked behind us and shouted, “Mom!! You’re not last!! There’s one person behind you!!”

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That experience is what really started the fitness journey that led me to becoming a personal trainer, group instructor and nutrition coach.  After that first race I ran countless 5k’s, 10k’s, obstacle races, six half marathons and three mini-triathlons.  I made countless running friends of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels.  My husband and son even joined in.

After years of mostly running, with the occasional group fitness class, I started to experience some lower back and overuse injuries.  After some research, I realized I needed to start incorporating strength training and cross training to my routine.  I started strength training and researching ways to alleviate my injuries.  I became just as passionate about other forms of fitness as I had become about running.  I loved trying new things and I even became the go-to person for my friends when they needed some inspiration or encouragement.

In my mid forties I decided to take the plunge and completely change my career toward fitness.  I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and enjoyment of fitness with my clients.   I know first hand how challenging it is to start and continue a fitness journey and just how rewarding and transformational it is. I love learning new aspects of fitness and nutrition and I’m always looking for new ways to improve my knowledge and help my clients.

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Fitness transformed not only my body, but also my health, self esteem and mindset.  As someone who discovered a love for fitness and nutrition as an adult, I know first hand how immeasurable the benefits are for health and overall well-being and just how challenging habit change can be.  I’m passionate about helping clients reach their goals! Whether it’s building muscle, increasing performance, enhancing nutrition, boosting self esteem or improving overall health, I’m here to support you every step of the way with enthusiasm and fun! I know how important it is to enjoy your workouts while you reach your goals, and having a fitness partner makes a big difference! I truly love working with clients, celebrating the big and small wins and working together to improve their health and fitness.  In my free time I love to garden, hike with my dogs and go for motorcycle rides to new destinations.