• Share this story:

Member At:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Environmental Engineer

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

I played sports since I was old enough to kick a soccer ball and tried every sport I could fit into my schedule. I loved the camaraderie of team sports and the challenge of pushing yourself further than you thought possible. After college I worked out at a regular gym but really missed that sense of community and having someone to push me. I worked at an engineering firm right by Farmgirlfit when it opened and would drive by every day, wondering what it was all about. I finally stopped in to watch a workout and from then on I was hooked!

I knew it was something I would stick with. I love the workouts, the coaches, the community, and all the little extras they offer like the co-ed grinds, challenges, and summer runs. It has been so fun to learn all the lifts and to daydream about (and work towards) the day when I will be able to do a strict pull-up or string together more than 5 double-unders.

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

I’ve always been motivated to be fit; working out is a great stress reliever for me and helps me do all the random fun activities I decide I want to try. And now my stepson adds a whole new level of inspiration. He is in a wheelchair and has to work so much harder than a typical kid to do everything; it’s important to me that he sees that working hard and moving your body is important and can improve your life in so many ways, even if it’s tough!

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Being able to do a strict push-up, and improving my triathlon time every year.

What are your next health and fitness goals?  

I want to get a strict pull up by the end of October, and learn how to handstand walk!

Favorite exercise at FGF is:  

Pretty much everything!

Least favorite exercise at FGF is:

Turkish get-ups and renegade rows. I don’t know what it is about those two but my arms get all wobbly and I inevitably almost hit myself in the face with the weight.

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

From the show The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, “You can handle anything for 10 seconds. Then, you just start a new 10 seconds.”

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The variety and challenge of the workouts, and the community. I love that there are women with so many different life experiences, all in different places in their fitness journey.

How has the rest of your life been impacted by Farmgirlfit?

I definitely eat healthier when I’m working out consistently. And Farmgirlfit helps me do crazy things like a 50 mile bike ride after not riding my bike all summer, or a triathlon with no running or swimming training. I probably shouldn’t make that a habit, but its fun to be able to do things like that on a whim and know I’ll make it through because of my training in the gym.

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

Right now, BUSY! I just got married this summer and my husband and I are in the process of buying our first house. We also have my husband’s son every other week, so when we have him we are busy with ParaSport Spokane, making sure he gets his homework and physical therapy done, and finding fun things to do as a family. And lately when we don’t have him we are packing, cleaning, and trying to fit some date nights in there too!

My happy place is:

Outdoors. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, rock climbing, or just taking a walk, I always feel better after spending some time outside in a beautiful place.

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

Someone who changed the world. Though I think it’s safe to say I won’t be the next president or Mother Teresa at this point, I try to remember that doing small things with love can make a huge difference in someone’s life and in my community.

Words that inspire me?

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” - Mahatma Gandhi. I was on the crew team at Gonzaga and was one of the smaller girls on the team. I used to tape this quote to the erg during tough workouts to remind myself that even though I wasn’t the biggest or strongest, if I worked hard and never gave up I could be one of the fastest.

Guilty pleasure:  

Ice cream. With lots and lots of toppings.

I’m proud…

Of my step-son. His life is complicated due to his condition and he struggles with things you and I take for granted. But he’s one of the happiest, kindest, hardest working kids I’ve ever met. He reminds me every day to be grateful for the simple things in life, to hold those you love close, and to be kind to others because everyone has their own struggles.

My healthy indulgence:  

Does buying workout clothes count? They motivate me to get into the gym more! ;)

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?  

Just keep showing up! It doesn’t matter if you aren’t as fast or don’t lift as heavy as other girls, what matters is that you show up and push yourself at your level.