Toward the end of 2018 and at the age of 30 with our son on the way, I had a doctor’s visit that changed my life. I was told that if I didn’t change things, I would be placed on blood pressure medication. My diet and exercise were horrible, and I let the routine created early in my career continue by allowing the stress of work distract and become an excuse from actually living the way I needed and wanted.

From that point, I decided to make a change and to take care of myself so I could feel better, be healthy, and live an example for my son. Within 6 months, my doctor could not believe the results. I lost 30+ pounds and reversed all negative health concerns. I became addicted to the consistency and becoming better than yesterday. In doing so, the snowball was in motion and events and races went from 5k to Ironman to Ultra Marathon.

However, once Covid began I ran too much and didn’t know the small incremental damage I was sustaining. By June of 2020, I could not run more than a few miles without knee pain and my body mass was thin. I was wasting away and didn’t feel strong, capable, and confident anymore. After 2 months of trying to figure things out, I joined a CrossFit gym (Shoutout to CrossFit Dwala) and my life was changed for a second time.

Another snowball was pushed, and I quickly found the benefits of community as well as performance. I became stronger and faster while knee pain faded. I learned how to take care of myself through proper movements, progression, and self-care. In quickly seeing benefits, I wanted to learn so I could continue to better myself and help others learn the benefits of strength training. Within a little over a year, I became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, a CrossFit Level 1 Coach, and most notably a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Throughout this experience, I have heard runners, bikers, and triathletes complain about ankle, knee, hip, back, etc. pain due to overuse with no mention of a strength or mobility program included. I want to ensure that all athletes can have longevity in the activities they enjoy while also being able to explore new adventures. I want to challenge endurance athletes to ALTer their way of thinking concerning their training requirements and routines. I want to put them in uncomfortable situations to grow their capabilities and give confidence for these outdoor athletes to workout in a park, in their home, or in a gym of any kind.

I am not a professional athlete nor will I pretend to know everything. However, I enjoy learning the boundaries of potential and challenging myself mentally and physically. I continually push myself out of my comfort zone through my own community’s support and encouragement. I understand the battles with training time, family, and work. I am a Civil Engineering major with 10+ years’ experience in Project Management. However, this is a passion that I want to share with others in addition to my other responsibilities of family and work.