AGE:  30

PROFESSION:  IT Account Executive

HOMETOWN:  Sandusky, OH

COLLEGE:  Ohio State University

FAVORITE FOOD:  Sushi

FAVORITE PLACE VISITED:  Bali

PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT:  Spain and Cambodia (in that order)

FAVORITE MOVIE:  Westside Story

FAVORITE SINGER:  CCR

HOBBIES:  Hiking, beach, college sports.

BACKGROUND:  I grew up on a farm in Ohio…meaning I was “doing chores” morning and night. On top of all of the manual labor, I was a competitive runner in High School and College.  Migrating to the city and corporate America, I gained almost 30 pounds before I knew it. I didn’t realize how active I used to be until I was working in an office all day. I was miserable and being miserable is a bad downward spiral. Luckily, a friend turned me onto marathon running. I started with running only one mile and slowly worked my way up. I have competed in full and half marathons all over the country and had a regular running cohort that I trained with while I was living in Atlanta. When I moved to Los Angeles, I lost my running companions and ran into the same issue again. Sonki encouraged me to join boot camp to regain my training “family” and it clicked. I realized that if I am accountable to more than just myself, that I will maintain consistency, which has been the key to keeping off pounds. Since starting Sonki Fitness, I’ve finally gained the upper body strength that has always been elusive to me. My main goal since starting training with Sonki Fitness was to prove that I can get better with age and beat my best mile time I had in high school (6:17). I did this on my fourth session with Sonki by ten seconds (6:07) and it was almost as exciting as crossing the finish line of my first marathon!

What is your current exercise routine?  I like to exercise outdoors as much as possible to keep from getting in a rut.  I do Sonki Fitness three times a week during the week mixed in with yoga and kickboxing. On weekends, I do one long run and one hike.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  I think I’m a much happier person with endorphins that I get from a good workout. I also like to have a goal to instill motivation, like entering a running race or planning a hiking trip. This year I am going on a week hiking trip to Yosemite and running the Chicago Marathon in the fall.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  I’ve had multiple injuries throughout last year and this has been difficult to work around. I have learned the hard way to let your body rest and you will be better off in the long run. Also, stretching and massages are key to staving off future injuries.

What is your key to success?  My key to success is being consistent, and I find that this is more easily achieved when I am working out with others, like I do at boot camp.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  I like that every class is different, so it is a healthy habit that is easy to keep up with.  Sonki Fitness has instilled my competitive edge that I seemed to have lost the last few years. I enjoy trying to beat my own records every session!

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  It’s like eating an elephant…one bite at a time. Personally I don’t recommend eating elephants, but my point is that fitness is a lifestyle, not a race. If you are patient and build gradually, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!

Any other comments?  Check out my new fiction book on Amazon.com! Search “Accidental Serial Dater.” It’s a good accessory to take on your next Sonki Fitness Vacation!