Caroline has been a life-long runner and recently led a Running Clinic for us, sharing her love for the sport, as well as tips on form, technique, recovery, and more.
Canon for Congregational Development, Episcopal Diocese of Spokane (i.e. on the Bishop’s staff, doing organization development and leadership development with congregations in the Episcopal Church)
Short Version: I arrived in Spokane on April 20, 2021, and one of the first things I did was look for a gym. I joined Farmgirlfit on April 23, 2021… Yes, it took me three days in Spokane to find the gym, and I was hooked immediately.
Longer Version: I have been a runner since middle school and a distance runner (marathon and half-marathon) since the early 90’s. I also played soccer throughout childhood, in high school, and as an adult on both co-ed and women’s teams. I started struggling with injuries after my children were born in 2000 and 2002, so I decided to find a way to get stronger to support my running. Although I had done some weight workouts at the Y in my 20’s, that was the extent of my indoor exercise experience. I found a local women-owned gym near my home in California and started doing their “Monkey Ninja Bootcamp” classes. I definitely experienced the benefit of strength and flexibility work in support of my running, so I quickly became a regular at that gym. I knew I wanted something similar here in Spokane, and I am very grateful that Farmgirlfit popped up in my on-line search for gyms with early morning workout classes. When I arrived for my first class, Sav was coaching, the 5:30am regulars were there, everyone was friendly and supportive, and I knew I had found my Spokane gym.
I arrived at Farmgirlfit in the middle of the pandemic, new to Spokane with no connections in the area. Since I had only a few kettlebells and dumbbells to use at home during the pandemic, I had not done any lifting with heavy weights for over a year. During my two years at Farmgirlfit, I have regained the strength I had before the pandemic and maintained my fitness for running. More importantly, I have been part of a community of support – athletes and coaches who challenge me, are fun and funny, and provide me with an amazing community.
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago (in the mid 1990’s), I was the fastest female Clydesdale (145 lbs+ runner) in the US. At least the fastest one who raced in half-marathons and marathons with a Clydesdale category. I hold the female Clydesdale record for the Big Sur Marathon. Even with those performances, I think my greatest accomplishment is to continue to run and workout, maintaining endurance and strength, as I age.
I had not run an in-person race since before the pandemic and spent the last year recovering from some painful knee injuries…until Bloomsday (yesterday!) My first time doing it, and I’m happy to report, it went GREAT! Despite my knee acting up the week before, it was great day of, and is recovering well. Such a fun experience! I ended up under an hour, unofficially 6th (out of 921) in my age group. So now, I may go back to the half-marathon distance. My main goal, though, is to stay strong and continue running for another few decades.
Ugh – this is hard! I wonder how Shante and Leigh-Ann are feeling?
I am honestly not sure what my favorite exercise is – I love TABATA workouts. My least favorite is definitely snatches… mostly because I don’t feel confident doing them.
Being strong and fit because of Farmgirlfit has had many positive effects - physical and emotional. I am a better runner, I have strength and endurance for hiking/backpacking, biking, and even gardening. Mostly I feel connected to other amazing women in Spokane.
The rest of my life is focused on work, running, my children (who are young adults and don’t need or want much of my time), my garden, staying connected with friends who live elsewhere, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and learning as much as I can about the Spokane area. I wish I had more social connections in the area, so I am trying to create those as well.
With my kids, in my garden, on a hike or long run in the mountains, and any place with expansive views of mountains and water.
A sports-medicine physician
Wine and food. I really appreciate good food and excellent wine.
Of my kids
The Oakland A’s (a lost cause at this point)
Michelle Obama - she is smart, funny, fit, and committed to fresh, healthy food from the garden.
No advice, just encouragement. I love the workouts and the people. Doing what works for me (you) to feel stronger and healthier in a supportive environment is a real gift.
http://www.farmgirlfit.com/shop/
