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“This is a fantastic reminder that I am stronger and more capable than I think I am. And when I find myself facing a challenge at work or in my parenting journey—where I often feel depleted—I know how to give myself that little extra push to take a breath and tackle the thing in front of me.”

Photo courtesy of GingerBleu

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Usability Analyst & Designer

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

I studied Tae Kwon Do in my 20s and shifted to yoga and Pilates in my 30s. When my beloved Pilates teacher moved away from Spokane a year ago, I decided to try something new. Multiple friends were raving about FGF, so I showed up and… (see next question)

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or fewer, how would it read?

I thought that I might be too old to start this. I’d heard negative things about “CrossFit.” I’d had a back injury a few years ago. I’ve never lifted weights. Basically, I walked in carrying a suitcase full of reasons why this probably wasn’t for me.

But I set that suitcase down when I saw women older than me, women doing modified workouts to suit their abilities/needs, and women sweating their asses off with smiles on their faces. I wanted that. I could see myself in these women. Nine months later, I’m still here and still smiling.

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

I did a Level 3 workout and didn’t die. As we were setting up, my partner surprised me by saying, “Of course you can do Level 3. You’ll be awesome.” Sometimes you need a friend to see what you are capable of when you can’t see it yourself. Thanks, Sue!

What are your next health and fitness goals?

I always say that my #1 goal at Farmgirlfit is not to injure myself, which is true, but I’m pretty sure I hide behind this joke to avoid setting any real goals. Okay, now that I’ve admitted it, somebody hold my hand and push me out of my comfort zone.

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

Videos of 80- and 90-year-old women practicing yoga, competing in triathlons, lifting weights, etc. If I’m gonna live that long, I want to be them.

Favorite exercise at FGF is?

Seated box jumps. Thanks to coach Liz for inspiring me to embrace this challenge and giving me the tools to succeed.

Least favorite?

The ones where I feel like an uncoordinated giraffe…so probably overhead squats.

Favorite workout song?

No Scrubs - TLC

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

“How come every other woman in here is lifting more and moving faster than me??? Wait. Stop it! That’s not helpful. Breathe. Focus. You are Xena Warrior Princess. You got this! … mostly.” (I’m still working on knowing 100% that I do, indeed, got this.)

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

How much I look forward to going and how amazing I feel when I leave. Working out and connecting with friends, old and new, is critical to the mind/body/soul balance that I have struggled with in the past. 8:30 AM crew: you are my sanity.

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

Sometimes, I have to dig deep to finish the final minutes of a workout. I ramp up my motivational self-talk and focus on manifesting physical energy when it feels like I have nothing left to give. This is a fantastic reminder that I am stronger and more capable than I think I am. And when I find myself facing a challenge at work or in my parenting journey—where I often feel depleted—I know how to give myself that little extra push to take a breath and tackle the thing in front of me.  

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

I work as a usability analyst and designer—I’m the person figuring out how to make websites, software, and apps easier for people to use. As a volunteer, I’m passionate about using my talents and time to make Spokane a great place to live. I’m just winding up 7 years as the founder and co-leader of Bloom Spokane. And I’m lucky to be on this life’s journey with my very supportive husband, Ed, and two rambunctious 7- and 9-year-old sons.

Words that inspire me?

My happy place is:

Karaoke

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

An artist or scientist. I am both.

You might not know this about me:

I sing and play the ukulele, mostly covers of 80s and 90s pop music.

Guilty pleasure:

Red wine and BBQ potato chips

My healthy indulgence:

My own cooking. I’ve become a pretty good vegetarian home chef over the last few years.

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

If you need a good laugh, work out next to me.