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“I want my 40’s to be the best years yet, and FGF is most definitely part of that equation. These workouts lift my spirit every day and have given me something I do, just for me, to improve the quality of my life.”

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Cd’A

Occupation:

Middle School English Teacher

Tell us about your fitness journey. How did you come to Farmgirlfit?

I spent my 20’s finishing college, starting my teaching career, and taking care of my young family. There was no time for “me.” Some people say their prime was in their 20’s: this was not the case for me. When I was 29, however, I started running and then began entering races – first a 5k and then Spring Dash, Bloomsday, team triathlons, half-marathons, and then the year I turned 40, the infamous marathon was on my list. Check! One and done. The training was grueling, the event was beyond painful, but this will always be an accomplishment I am extremely proud of.

Over the past six years, my husband has tried talking me into joining CrossFit with him. I’ve visited several times, but selfishly, I wanted something just for me! I had driven by Farmgirlfit several times since it opened, but just decided to give it a try last October. On my first day, I walked in and saw three familiar faces of three very special ladies (Lisa, Laurie, and Kristi), and I thought, this might just be the place for me. I am SO thankful to be part of Farmgirlfit.

I was going to join just for a few months “to get through another dreary N. Idaho winter,” but now it has become one of my favorite hobbies. It’s one of the most important hours of my day. I arrive with a few anxious butterflies each day, but I always leave with sweat, pride, and a jolt of positive female energy.

What has been your greatest fitness/performance accomplishment so far?

Outside of FGF – my marathon. But at FGF, I am always so proud when I tell myself I CAN do this, and I humbly (and preferably) find a cozy, non-visible corner of the gym to attempt a lift, 34” box jump, silly 5-minute plank or 9-minute wall sit - something that reminds me of my mental strength as well as my physical strength.

What are your next health and fitness goals?

I hope to continue enjoying an active lifestyle of hiking, running, biking, and saying “YES” to all the amazing outdoor activities N. Idaho has to offer while kicking butt at Farmgirlfit as many days as possible each week! 😊

I want to be able to enjoy life to the fullest and be comfortable in my skin.

I want my 40’s to be the best years yet, and FGF is most definitely part of that equation. These workouts lift my spirit every day and have given me something I do, just for me, to improve the quality of my life.

Favorite exercise at FGF is? Least favorite?

Favorite – box jumps, running, Tabata, partner workouts, quick agility and endurance workouts (and burpees)

Least favorite – rowing, snatches, overhead squats

Favorite workout song?

Melina’s playlist 😊

When the Grind is kicking my butt, I’m thinking…

I’m so glad I came!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The endless variety in our workouts is what keeps me engaged and motivated. I also love our personal records charts to see how far we’ve come in our speed as well as the milestones with our lifting. Oh, and the members and coaches! I can’t imagine a more encouraging, positive environment.

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story, or favorite memory?

We were doing bridges (you know - where you lay on your back and awkwardly thrust your hips up in the air) and Mary Ellen suggested we listen to Marvin Gay. When Coach Mary played “Let’s Get It On,” we were all hysterically thrusting and laughing and watching her wipe away tears of laughter. I’m so glad I was there that day at that time with those ladies. 😊 

When you're not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like?

I arrive at Canfield Middle School around 7:00 a.m. and I have the privilege of knowing, laughing with, and educating my students in the foundational skills of reading and writing. Aside from my career, I love to spend my days with my family, recreate with friends, search Pinterest, watch movies, work on home improvements, and bask in the sunshine in the summer!

My happy place is:

CDA in the summer. Oh, and Hawaii, of course.

Something you may not know about me:

I actually kind of like burpees. 😯

As a kid I dreamt I would grow up to be:

A flight attendant. They were always so nice to me. 

Words that inspire me?

“Don’t judge a man unless you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”

Guilty pleasure:

Vanilla bean ice cream and Rold Gold pretzel sticks

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

I’m still in my first year at Farmgirlfit, so when I, for instance, hit my chin with a barbell during push presses (this actually happened last week) I say, “It’s ok. I’m new here.” I said that the other day, and one of the coaches replied, “You are not – you are a seasoned athlete.” Me? I’ve never been called that before in my life. 🤗 The coaches here see something special in all of us and know just how to push us to be something we didn’t know we were. I love seeing new faces at FGF, and I just hope they stay the course so they can see what they’re made of.