What brought you into enduraLAB in the first place? My presence at the LAB started like any casual fling, just popping in to use a foam roller after a run with Isis. It was then that I began interacting with some of the fabulous folks that frequented the joint and took notice of the strong community vibe.
How did you exercise before enduraLAB? Before I joined the LAB, my exercise regimen consisted mostly of yoga and running. I never purposely lifted weights more that 10 pounds and I hated push-ups. I still hate push-ups, but I have learned to embrace the bitterness (most of the time).
What healthy changes have you made since starting enduraLAB? I've witnessed a direct cause-effect relationship with the how I fuel my body and the gains I can accomplish with the right combination of foods. I am not a big meat-eater, but I learned how protein can affect my performance. Meal prepping has become a regular part of my weekly routine. I love the sound of a sharp knife slicing through crisp veggies.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB? I am an instructional coach at an elementary school in FWISD where I have the pleasure of mentoring teachers to become the best versions of themselves for their students.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? I learned how to run better faster, dropping 10 minutes off my Cowtown Half in 2018 and 20 minutes off the Rocky Mountain Half that same year. I have seen the physical benefits of weight training and feel more confident stepping up to a barbell.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event? I love the monthly Buds-n-Suds Community Workouts and the weekly social runs.
What is your favorite enduraLAB program/cycle? EL FIT is my jam, but I love the S+C for days that I want to feel like a Super Hero.
How do you utilize LAB programming when you can’t get into the gym? When life attempts to interfere, Isis and I have managed to incorporate D.A.N.E. (Do Anywhere No Excuses) workouts on our own time. There have been early morning garage sessions where I have left looking like I just crawled out of swamp of sweat. Do I feel like I am still getting a quality workout? Absolutely! I also love the online runner workouts posted on Training Peaks because it takes the thinking out of the equation, gets me race-ready and I can do the workouts anywhere.
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB? Starting something new is never easy. The LAB is an encouraging community of people. My favorite thing about the group classes is the camaraderie and encouragement members give to one another during a challenging workout. There is something special about working HARD for a common goal and watching everyone succeed in their own way.
Where did you go to college? I earned a B.S. in Journalism from Texas Wesleyan and M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from UT at Arlington.
