37; Communications at Sullivan Branding, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, and Group Fitness Instructor at YMCA of MidSouth
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: My mother, Maria, was always moving and eating healthy. I’d watch her in Cheri Ganong’s step aerobics classes, and she and her friends would have so much fun! My brother and I were signed up for every sport, and it was the best thing my parents did to create healthy, long-standing habits for their children. My mom still exercises regularly, and because of it, she’s healthy and looks great.
I LOVE MY SPORTS: I love the community aspects – encouraging your friends and helping them reach a common goal, even to finish a group run or ride! Also, here for the beer afterward.
MY GROUP: Los Locos Multisport Team
GO-TO GEAR: Shimano Di2 – I’m not going back to mechanical.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Getting comfortable in group rides and making friends with wonderful, active people.
RECENT RACES: Big River Crossing 5k (2nd OA) and Annie Oakley 2nd AG.
BEST EATS: Los Comales on Madison: fajitas and margaritas.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Neil Gaiman. I love his books, whimsy, and his fascination with mythology and the existential.
BINGE-WATCHING: Peaky Blinders
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: My first triathlon post-Covid: Annie Oakley. I was nervous and hadn’t swum in ages. But it felt great being back in the saddle!
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
FITNESS PET PEEVE: Recovery is as important as a brick workout. Listen to your body!
SPEED BUMPS: Covid gave me plenty of time to train. It also caused me to overtrain and burn out when races began to amp up again. Being mindful of balancing working hard for the accomplishment and having fun is a fine line. I also have arthritis, so I train with that in consideration.
QUOTE: Your health is your wealth!
UP NEXT: I’m one of those annoying last-minute registrations, but I have a Half IM in Augusta as my A race this month.
BUCKET LIST: I want to go to Tour de France and ride some of the segments! Bikes, Beaujolais, and a baguette.
Photo by Tindall Stephens
