35; Brand Director for Hilton; Volunteer Board Member for Girls on the Run Memphis and Mid-South Mobile Food Pantry
I LOVE SPORTS: Running is beautiful because it’s a great way to see the world and is so accessible. Sometimes we tend to overcomplicate it, but all you need is a pair of shoes and a little motivation. The energy of a great playlist and a great group of people means I never have a bad workout when I’m cycling.
BUCKET LIST: The Boston Marathon has been on my list for a long time. I’m hoping in the next few years, I’ll be able to revisit this goal and make it a priority.
UP NEXT: My puppy Olive and I are signed up for the Fast & the Furriest 5K. This will be her first race and a good way to get her puppy energy out as we “train” for the race.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: I completed my certification as a Spinning instructor in 2017. Indoor cycling was always an important part of my training as a runner, and I love the community of any cycling class, so getting certified to teach and pay it forward to others was extremely rewarding.
SPEED BUMPS: I had a stress fracture in my ankle several years ago. I managed to PR a half marathon with my injury, but I don’t recommend doing that because it came at a high cost. The injury forced me to embrace other workouts besides running. I even spent time training with a swim coach at the YMCA. While swimming didn’t stick for me, getting out of my comfort zone was good.
MY GROUP: I travel a lot for work, so I’ve found CycleBar to be a great fit for me. It’s easy to drop in for a class whenever I’m in town and supplement those workouts with runs and strength training when I’m on the road.
FAVORITE JAMS: “Tomorrow 2” by GloRilla and Cardi B
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: In 2014, a group of Memphians and I completed the New York Marathon. Standing on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and crossing the finish line in Central Park are core memories for me. Anytime I need extra motivation during a run, I revisit that feeling.
BINGE-WATCHING: I just finished the new season of The White Lotus and can’t wait for the premiere of the next season of Succession later this spring.
BEST EATS: The sunshine burrito at City Silo is always a healthy, filling fav, but I’ll never turn down a black bean burger from Huey’s.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Billie Jean King is an icon. She continues to champion women in sports, and her legacy is incomparable.
GO-TO GEAR: Tops with built-in sports bras are essential for me. It’s less laundry and takes up less space in a suitcase!
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: We have many incredibly supportive fitness communities in Memphis. Whether it’s the Saturday morning crew at CycleBar, Memphis Runners Track Club, or a small group run, the accountability and fellowship of active Memphians are second to none.
PET PEEVE: When people are late to classes.
FAV INDULGENCE: Memphis Pizza Café, and if you’re not ordering a side of ranch, you’re not doing it right!
QUOTE: “It’s not bragging if you can do it.” – my elementary gymnastics instructor
Photo by Tindall Stephens