2006 Boston Marathon, Lake Placid Ironman
2005 Opened Fitness Success Personal Training Studio (January)
2004 Great Floridian Ironman, Timberman Half Ironman, Boston
Marathon
2003 Recovery from herniated disc
2002 Timberman Half Ironman Triathlon
2001 Boston Marathon
2000 Kingston Half Ironman Triathlon
I’m often asked how I got into this business, especially since I don’t have a degree in Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology. And if you met me, although I look athletic, you might not think my body type is right for running marathons or endurance distance triathlons. Well, this just goes to show that you don’t have to be any particular size or shape to be fit and strong.
Growing up, I wasn’t particularly athletic. I didn’t play any sports and I was a pudgy, uncoordinated kid. It was only when I spent my junior/senior year abroad that I discovered my first sport: rowing. What still comes to mind when I draw on those memories is seeing these strong, athletic woman wearing very fitted, hip-hugging uniforms being proud and confidant. I found that confidence amazing and beautiful.
I wanted that to be me. For the first time in my life I saw a sport where size didn’t matter – in fact, where it could be beneficial; I could be an athlete. I came home, joined the Albany Rowing Club and have been hooked ever since. In rowing, I found more than just confidence and strength, I learned determination, perseverance and the power of my spirit.
I rowed competitively throughout college and then recreationally after, still competing and coaching rowing until 1999. At this same time, I was experimenting with traditional aspects of gym life, too: strength training and running. It was here that I met and worked with my first personal trainer, Erik Hajer, who would change my life forever. It was my work with Erik that led me to where I am now.
Erik was well into his journey with triathlons, so he was my inspiration. I took some time off rowing and trained for my first Half Ironman. In the course the training for that event, I saw the power of his support, encouragement, his I-can-do-this attitude. Again, I wanted that to be me.
So I took some local certifications in fitness and personal training. I also began working at a women’s health club, Healthworks, in Boston. It was here that I first experienced the energy in collaborative efforts of fitness professional and physical therapists. Healthworks had a few trainers who were licensed Physical Therapists. What a great marriage of two services. To this day, I strive to work closely with my clients’ PT’s in an effort to continue the rehab process in a safe, supervised environment. I’ve had my own struggles with injury, so I know personally how important it is to improve functional movement for staying injury-free.
In 2002 I was certified as a Personal Trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine. I have continued my own training, even when my husband and I moved to Portland.
So here I am in Maine trying to create a collaborative, whole-self focused, inspirational atmosphere for people of all abilities. It is my goal to give others what Erik helped me discover in myself: my courage to try, my ability to rebound from setbacks, my positive energy which keeps things fun, and my striving for balance.
I believe that success is a perspective. It’s not about what everyone else is doing. So achieving fitness needs to be about personal goals and accomplishments, personal bests, and being proud of all that you are and do. Come join me and find out.