39; Nurse Practitioner at Ageless Men’s Health
HOMETOWN: Collierville, TN
I LOVE OCR: I love that it challenges you physically, mentally, and spiritually. An obstacle course race disciplines you to train and work hard at overcoming obstacles you once thought you couldn’t. It trains your mind to view life obstacles the same way.
BUCKET LIST: Spartan Ultra. It’s 30+ trail miles and 60+ obstacles! Hopefully, my husband and I can do it in Dallas in October.
UP NEXT: The MRTC road race series, Savage Race, Spartan, and St. Jude Full Marathon.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Achieving a Triple Trifecta with Spartan in 2021. It was extra special because my husband completed it alongside me.
SPEED BUMPS: I was in a serious car accident about ten years ago. I had multiple pelvic fractures, herniated discs, and several other injuries, which left me wheelchair-bound. I had to relearn how to walk on an underwater treadmill and walk with a walker or cane for six months. Doctors said I’d walk with a limp and never run more than three miles. I used that news as fuel to push through my breaking point, but chronic pain does create an obstacle. But it’s about moving forward and overcoming obstacles.
MY GROUP: I’m a member of Trail Trippers and do group trail runs on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. I’m also a member of Arlington Bootcamp (owned by my husband) and work out at The Yard in Arlington.
RECENT RACES: Savage Race in Atlanta (8 miles/32 obstacles), Spartan Beast in Dallas (15 miles/31 obstacles), and my first full-road marathon at St. Jude in December.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Spartan Beast in North Carolina in 2019. It was below freezing and raining. It wasn’t supposed to be that cold, so I wasn’t prepared. I mentally and physically wanted to quit for the entire time out there, but I kept pushing forward. Only 15% of the people who signed up for this race crossed the finish line. That made earning the medal even more special and memorable.
BEST EATS: Grilled chicken sandwich from Fat Larry’s in Bartlett.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I’d like to have dinner with the younger me and tell myself not to stress about the little things, enjoy life, and you’re beautiful just how you are.
GO-TO GEAR: My heart rate monitor, Salomon Speedcross Trail Running shoes, Apple Watch, Feetures socks, and lululemon leggings.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: As a healthcare provider, I feel it’s important to set a good example for my patients to live healthy lifestyles. My kids and husband also inspire me because I want to live a long life and spend as much time as possible with them.
QUOTE: “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” – Dean Karnazes
Photo by Tindall Stephens
