1) Tell us a little bit about yourself  – including something we may not know about you, where you grew up and something you miss from home.

 There’s nothing interesting that I’m going to divulge here! I grew up in Cairns in the north east of Australia.  Think great barrier reef with rainforest covered mountains.  There were many similarities to life in Cayman, such as the climate and atmosphere. Obviously, being away from family and friends has been difficult, especially over the past couple of years.  It would be nice to be able to get things like meat pies, chiko rolls, banana paddle pops and XXXX though.

 

2) What was the hardest part when you started out with us and how did you overcome that? 

That was so long ago now!  I’ve just passed 8 years now and while I have come a long way, there is still so much more I would like to get better at.

 

  3) You recently participated in the Million Meter Rowing Challenge and rowed 50,000m at one time – well, actually 49,999 😉 Tell us a little bit about that experience. What made you want to row for that long? Our hats off to you too for doing that – nothing short of an amazing feat! 

 I actually rowed 50,000m and it was the rower that quit at 49,999m which is why it had to go in the bin!  It took about 3 and a half hours and obviously wasn’t a good idea at all or a well thought out idea and no one wants to row for that long.  Ondrej set a marker that I wanted to beat. It was great having Scotty and Miles for company and a couple of great concerts on the tv to help pass the time. In general, I think the million metre challenge was a really good idea and I have enjoyed the camaraderie (misery loves company) from the whole group.  Nick did a great job pulling the teams together and adding enough of a competitive aspect to the challenge.

 

4) What is something you want to accomplish in 2022 – fitness related to not?

 I’m not necessarily looking to accomplish anything specific in 2022, but I would like to focus on getting better at gymnastics.  I’m not really even at the start line for things like planche or front lever, but I have come to appreciate the process more than the outcome at this point and any training I do will help in other physical activities.  I also think that it is amazing to see what some people are physically capable of.

 

5) You recently participated in Coach Lari’s handstand program and got into a handstand no problem! I remember when getting upside down was intimidating for you. Congratulations and good on you for wanting to get better at something that seemed so daunting awhile ago! Tell us a little bit about that experience 🙂

 It’s a long way down when I fall and it hurts!  I had definitely been afraid of falling for a long time, so it felt like an achievement when I learned how to control a freestand fall a little better. This was a great program with a great group of people and I was disappointed when it ended.  Lari is great (and I’m still a bit afraid of her).

 

6) When you see  _____ in a workout, it makes you do a fist pump.

Nothing really gets me too excited in a workout.  I have always enjoyed the variety and am happy to try whatever comes along.

 

7) When you see _____ in a workout, it makes you want to turn around and go home. 

 Definitely Jenn!!  Ha ha.  For as much as I have improved over the years, I know that my score is going to be insignificant compared to hers…  I had been able to remain competitive with her if it was just rowing, but now that she rows every day, I think I have lost that advantage too.

 

8) What have you learned about yourself since joining our 7 Mile family?

There’s really so much over the years.  I guess the main things though are that I really enjoy and appreciate spending time with all the people that I wouldn’t otherwise interact with.  It has shaped my perspective more than I ever would have imagined and I am very grateful for it. It also sunk in recently that eating well and mobility exercises make the world of difference to how I feel physically and no amount of other training overcomes that.

 

9) What would you say is the best/favorite part of your day? 

I’m sure this is the same for most people, but I really enjoy the 3.00am to 5.00am period.  It’s quiet and the day can start slowly and productively.  I also enjoy spending time with Scotty.

 

10) Anything crazy on your bucket list? (bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking?) 

Nothing specific.  I’m pretty easily led though, so am open to trying a lot of different things.  For example, when Scotty says, “What are you doing on Sunday?”

 

11) Favorite song?

I don’t have any one favorite song and I like many types of music.  I’ll choose what I’m listening to depending on what I’m doing and my mood at the time.

 

12) If you could write your own WOD, what would it look like? Will it have rowing in it I wonder? 😉

 No, no rowing.  I like the simplicity but challenge of 100 “strict” burpees or burpees with a push up.  Please program this one for me.

 

13) Would you recommend 7 Mile Strength & Fitness to others and if so, why?

 No, not really.  Everyone says that they would….

Just kidding.  All the coaches are engaged and diligent and bring their own perspective and expertise so that everyone, regardless of their state of fitness or stage of life will benefit.  I also think that the members are a lovely group of people which makes 7 Mile a great place to spend your time.