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“When I cheer someone on I feel excited for their victories. When I see someone succeed I celebrate their strength. When I do something I couldn’t do before I feel accomplished. It is edifying to be surrounded by strong women and to never feel less than nor more than any of them.”

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Registered Nurse - Oncology

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

I came to Farmgirlfit after doing my second 4K for Cancer. I had literally just finished running across America from San Francisco to New York City. Running had always been my mode of exercise, but my body was a little worn out on running after spending 49 days pounding the pavement. I knew I needed to get stronger. I flipped the bird to running and decided to try FGF. They had partnered a few times with the Spokane Swifts Running Team, so I knew what I was in for.

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

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

An unassisted pull-up! I could barely do my first kipping pull-up before starting Pennies for Pull-Ups this month. I jumped up and down and shrieked like a little kid when I got it!

What are your next health and fitness goals?

My goal is to just keep doing things I didn’t think were possible. I’m thinking handstand push-ups and walking on my hands. My long term fitness goal is to complete a “triple crown” by hiking the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. #QUEEN 👸

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

Anybody who gets out and defies the expectations that other people have for them.

Favorite workout song?

I like anything with a break away rap part ft Nicki Minaj. I used to memorize the lyrics when I was avoiding studying in nursing school.

Favorite exercise at FGF is? Least favorite?

My favorite is wall balls, probably an unpopular choice. But a close second is whenever we do a plank off! {It’s been a good week! 😉} I hate plate pinches. Hate.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The people! I love that everyone is so positive, that we cover all sorts of age groups and demographics, and that everyone is there to kick butt.

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

I’m pretty quiet and relatively reserved. It was a Friday workout and Sav was playing some high quality 2000’s music, think Yeah! - Usher. We were doing wall walks and when I got to the top I started twerking. It was mostly a joke, but the only person who saw it was Amelia, who was next to me. She screamed bloody murder and was cracking up. She ended up making me show everyone! I haven’t done it since. I guess I surprised a few people that day!

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

In general I have more confidence and energy. Instead of focusing on how many calories I have going in an out, I just show up and work hard. I’m in such a healthier place with my body image, attitude, and energy levels.

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

I work Monday through Friday as a nurse. I coach an exercise class and support group for cancer survivors twice a week at the YMCA, which I love. I’m always, always trying to get to the outdoors. Nearly every weekend you’ll find me backpacking, fly fishing, biking, or skiing. I’m happiest covered in dirt somewhere in the woods.

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

A teacher, a counselor, a missionary. Definitely never a nurse.

Team I’m always rooting for:

DETROIT TIGERS! Michigan born and raised. 😊

My favorite holiday and why:

Halloween. I was born on Oct 30th, which is “devil’s night.” I’ve always had Halloween birthdays, and as a kid loved the extra heap of candy that came along with saying, “Trick or treat, it’s my birthday!” My best costume ever was Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016.

My favorite post workout meal:

Anything leftover so that I don’t have to cook when I’m totally pooped!

My healthy indulgence:

I’m obsessed with Halo Top. It’s not exactly healthy but the nutrition profile is way better than traditional ice cream. I’ve personally taste tested every flavor they’ve ever sold… oops!

You might not know this about me:

In 2015 I raised $25,000 for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I shaved my head and donated 22 inches to Pantene Beautiful Lengths and then rode my bike from the the east coast to the west coast in memory of my mom!

I’m proud…

Of all the ways I have found to give back to the cancer community since my mom died of breast cancer in 2011. I find fulfillment as an oncology nurse and by working for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. I’ve raised $50,000 between various cancer non-profits and volunteered in dozens of cancer treatment centers across the country. I traveled 9,000 miles by bike and foot to raise awareness. I will never stop doing things that make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. My personal experiences with losing a parent are the fuel for my compassion.

Words that inspire me?

Potential. We’ve all got it.

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Be patient, be consistent, and push yourself. And make sure to connect with people in your classes because the community is the most unique part about FGF.

Anything else to share?

Shameless plug…If you’re reading this and haven’t donated to anyone doing Pennies for Pull-Ups, I’m trying to raise $1,000! I am going to finish all 500 kipping! Sponsor me?!