25; Group Fitness Instructor & Personal Trainer at Life Time
I <3 MY SPORTS: I love the community I’ve found! When I first started running and doing triathlons, racing felt so intimidating. I was met with so much warmth and encouragement at HyperFocus and at local races that it helped alleviate my nerves. It turned something that once felt intimidating into a community that feels like home.
BUCKET LIST: I want to complete my first IRONMAN at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga in 2027.
UP NEXT: St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend
FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Signing up for my firsts. My first 5K through the Lane Purser RRS, first half marathon, marathon, and triathlon. I’ve learned that sometimes the hardest part is signing up and taking that chance on yourself; these firsts have turned into a passion for seeing what I’m capable of by just starting.
HOMETOWN: Manila, Philippines and Bartlett, TN
SPEED BUMPS: I’ve constantly battled self-worth, depression, stress fractures, and anemia throughout my fitness journey. For a long time, I tied my value to a time goal, weight PRs, or how well I performed in any given sport. I eventually realized that having a healthy body and the ability to move is a blessing, not something to prove to others or to myself.
MY GROUP: HyperFocus Run Club, Run with Christ Run Club, and HAX Athletic Club.
FAV JAMS: “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame and “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake
RECENT RACES: Austin Marathon, Memphis In May Olympic, Chattanooga Waterfront Sprint, MightyMite Sprint, K-Town on the River Sprint, Riverbluff Sprint (Podium 3rd Age Group)
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running through the campus of St. Jude every year. Seeing the kids and families I’m running for puts everything into perspective. Crossing that finish line feels different.
BEST EATS: The cheese fries from Young Avenue Deli.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Luke Hopkins
GO-TO GEAR: Precision Gels, WHOOP, COROS, and Bandit Running.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: Four years ago, I couldn’t run a mile, and I didn’t know how to swim or ride a bike. The younger version of me never thought I could do this: to show others that starting as a beginner is possible for them, too. I also race for my late friend, Alec, who helped inspire me to get into triathlons.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Go One More: Find the Clarity to Make Intentional, Life-Changing Choices” by Nick Bare
PET PEEVE: I don’t like when people wear their headphones to the run club. I want to be your friend and chat with you on our run!
BINGE-WATCHING: “The Gentleman”
QUOTE: “Do what you can’t.” – Casey Neistat
Photo by Josh Clark
