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UPDATE: Martha lost her battle with breast cancer on January 31, 2017 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband Brett , their 3 young children, her parents and all 8 of her siblings. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made toward the children's education via the Armitage Benefit Donation Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.

Martha is a breast cancer survivor who joined us as soon as she was cleared for working out: “I was a little scared and overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be me again. Farmgirlfit is helping me be strong again.”

Member At:

Farmgirlfit Cd’A

Occupation:

Accountant

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

I use to be a very physically active person: running, biking and participating in triathlons. Unfortunately, once I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was limited in what I could do. In March 2015, I purchased a 1-month pass to Farmgirlfit at a school auction, knowing I wouldn’t be able to use it yet. Then, in November I had my last surgery, and was given the green light in January 2016 to begin working out again. I walked into FGF on January 2^nd for my first class. I was a little scared and overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be me again. Farmgirlfit is helping me be strong again, and I have no doubt I will be even stronger than before.

Words that inspire me?

Live in the moment.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Weight lifting has been such a great confidence booster. I am lifting weights that I never would have thought possible, and it has even helped improve my running time.

What are your next health and fitness goals? 

I will be doing my first marathon this fall.

Favorite workout song?

Eye of the Tiger – I start every run with this song.

Favorite exercise at FGF? Least favorite?

Favorite exercises are rowing and wall balls. Least favorite are Turkish getups and the clean and jerk.

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

No pain no gain.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The supportive and positive atmosphere.

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

I have much more energy now than I did when I started and find I am pushing myself more and more. 

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

Busy! I spend the majority of my time with my family. I am a mother to 3 active little ones (ages 5, 7 and 9), a wife to an amazing husband, plus 2 puppies. I enjoy my work as an accountant and am constantly striving for a good balance.

You might not know this about me:

I was born in Mexico. I learned to speak English when I was 10 years old.

My hero is:

My mother. I am 1 of 9 children. I don’t know how she raised 9 children and maintained her sanity. She is the best example of patience, grace and sacrifice.

My happy place is:

Reading a great book with a glass of wine and some dark chocolate.

I’m proud…

Of not vomiting once during chemotherapy or radiation treatments. 

Team I’m always rooting for:

Red Sox! Go Big Papi!

My trademark dance move:

Moonwalk

Guilty pleasure:

Salted Carmel ice cream

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Don’t give up! Don’t be afraid to ask questions.