What have you accomplished in your life that you're most proud of?
I am most proud of my family. My husband and sons are the most important thing in my life and I am proud of how we love each other and take care of each other, no matter what life throws at us.
If you could take 3 months off and do whatever you wanted, what would that time look like?
I would travel through Europe and spend a decent amount of time really exploring different cities. I would also spend some time in Tuscany and learn more about wine making and tasting.
How did you feel before you found TrAk?
I have always been in decent shape but the summer before I joined TrAk I had gained almost 10 pounds. I felt lousy and couldn’t get myself dedicated to sticking to a plan that worked.
How do you feel now?
I feel great! I did the 6-week challenge (its been almost 3 years ago) and lost all the weight and gained some muscle. I feel strong and healthy!
How has TrAk changed your everyday life?
I look forward to my time in the gym! I never thought I would be a “gym person” but I love pushing myself to get stronger, l enjoy all the people there and the camaraderie between everyone, including the coaches, makes it a special place.
Goals...personal, professional, family?
Personally, I want to keep getting stronger, one of these days I will be able to do a pull up dammit! I want to continue to work on my anxiety issues, it’s a day to day process.
Professionally, I would like to start my own business, doing fundraising consulting. I like the idea of being able to make a difference for all different kinds of organizations.
Family goals are to keep being a supportive and loving wife and mom. I hope all three of my guys know how much I love them and that I always have their backs. Now that I have a son getting married, a down the road goal is to have a grandbaby to love!
If you were in a band what existing band/group do you see yourself in?
Blink-182. The guys would be like “who the heck is the old lady in the band, and does she know she can’t sing?” If you work out with me you know I sing along to any of their songs loud and proud, and totally off key.
Best place to travel that you've ever been?
Italy. We spent time in Venice, Florence, Rome Capri and Amalfi. I cried the day we left Amalfi, I could have stayed forever.
What do your kids remind you that its ok to do?
Admit to failure or struggles.
What personal failure has helped lead to your ultimate success?
Any failure, large or small, has taught me to keep moving forward. Just keep swimming.
What’s the craziest thing you've seen in the gym?
Jon Michael’s crazy high box jumps and people doing the Murphy Challenge pull ups with a weighted vest. Have I mentioned I am a little salty that I have yet to master the pull up?
What three people [living or dead] would you go camping with next weekend?
My mom, she passed away almost 22 years ago and never met my youngest son. I would have both my boys there so the four of us could spend time together.
Which sport/activity would you love to do, but are afraid to?
Wake boarding. I don’t swim so much as I sink, and the idea of everyone on the boat starting at me back there kind of freaks me out.
Funniest things you've seen your kid do?
After we moved into our current home, I took a roll of film to get developed. When I picked up the photos there was a picture of Zach on top of a giant pile of boxes the boys had built up like a pyramid so they could climb to the top. The stack was about 10 feet high, in the foyer. He was holding a sign that said “This is what we do when you’re not home.” Boys….
Favorite movie?
I am not a huge movie lover, but I will watch Top Gun, Goodfellas, and Madagascar any time they’re on. I always watch Goodfellas when I make my pizzelles for Christmas.
Best piece of advice you've ever received?
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
At what age were you in the best shape of your life?
14-16 years old, I was a serious ballet student, in the studio 5-6 days every week.
Words to live by or favorite quote?
You will regret the things you don’t do far more than you will regret the things you did, even if they don’t work out.
What adventure do you plan to have in the future?
I want to ski in Europe.
Favorite book and why?
Little Women, I read it every summer when I was young.
Something interesting we don't know about you?
I apprenticed with the Cleveland Ballet one summer in high school. It was incredible.
What do you like most about being a part of the TrAk Family?
The feeling of support in the gym. I never would have pictured myself pushing a sled, back squatting, or some of the other things we do that I hadn’t done before. I never feel embarrassed or self-conscious.
Biggest accomplishment at the gym?
Deadlifting more than my body weight for the first time was awesome, I felt like a total bad ass! But my biggest accomplishment is that I have been consistently going for almost three years.
