Completed a full marathon and 1/2 Ironman in 2015.
Completed Virtual Race Across Tennessee in 2020.
CrossFit Level 1
Healthy Steps Nutrition Level 1 Certified
CrossFit Level 1
Let’s start in 2008. I had just had my second daughter and I was happily married. I had everything I needed to be happy. But, the truth was that I wasn’t happy. I was tired all the time, my clothes were tight and I hated the thought of shopping for a bigger size. I had bought into the lie that I had everything I needed- I was a mom of two beautiful girls, my husband loved me and I liked to eat. I lost most of my “baby” weight after my first daughter, so I was sure it would come off this time, too. But it didn’t. I carried on for almost two years trying to convince myself that I was fine. I decided at the beginning of 2010 that it was time to make a change. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired all the time. I wanted to be in pictures with my family. I wanted to feel comfortable in my clothes and be confident with how I looked. I had no idea how to get there, but I knew I had to get the weight off so that I could be happier and healthier and enjoy my family. My husband and I set a goal. Our 10th anniversary was a little over a year away, and we decided that if we could both lose 50 pounds, we’d go on a cruise the following year, to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I had no idea how to do this, no guide, no coach, and no plan. Just a goal and a why. I knew I needed to move my body more. I started by walking the treadmill for 30 minutes every day. I also had no idea how to “diet,” but I knew I should eat less “bad” and better. I made better choices with my food- less fried, more grilled. Less sugar and more veggies. Low and behold, it was working! I was really losing weight! Something inside was changing too, I was finding that my commitment to the goal of losing weight was establishing discipline, and the discipline was giving me results, and the results were giving me the motivation to keep going.
As the weight came off, my confidence increased and I discovered that I really enjoyed exercising. My fitness journey has been all over the place- starting with walking on the treadmill at the beginning of my weight loss journey. I joined a traditional gym and began taking various fitness classes, falling in love with the community and support of group fitness classes. These relationships led to running and joining the local running community for various 5ks, 1/2s, and ultimately a one-and-done marathon. I also dabbled in the triathlon community, finishing up that stint with a local fundraising ½ ironman distance race. That same year, I found CrossFit and have never looked back. I absolutely love the community here at Bandit CrossFit. I’m so blessed to be a part of this gym!
My greatest passion is to help other people find the healthiest version of themselves. I know how it felt to be trapped in a body I wasn’t proud of or confident in. I love coming beside others and helping them navigate their own healthy lifestyle- in the kitchen and in the gym.
