To me, Compete Every Day means show up, BE PRESENT and hustle every single day. It means to be relentless and passionate in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire on a daily basis.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a 44 year old mother of 2 girls, ages 23 & 18. I have been doing Crossfit for about 5 years and was a competitive gymnast for many years when I was younger. I moved to Texas from Miami 2 years ago so that I could finish nursing school.
2. What’s a typical day look like for you?
My typical day starts very early in the morning getting my daughter to school and then myself to either school or a clinical rotation. I am in school usually 4 days out of the week and my clinical rotation at least one day a week. In between classes and labs I study as much as possible. I usually get to the gym by about 5:30pm, train for 2-3 hours then home to make dinner and study for another 3-4 hours.
3. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?
I am currently in nursing school and am pursuing my nursing degree and RN license. My goal and dream is to become a NICU or trauma nurse. I decided to go back to school at 42 and it is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. Nursing school is just plain tough, there is no way to sugar coat it. It is the most mentally, physically and emotionally draining journey BUT I am anxiously awaiting the reward at the end of this journey. I know it will all be worth it and I will be very proud to endured this battle.
4. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?
To me, Compete Every Day means show up, BE PRESENT and hustle every single day. It means to be relentless and passionate in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire on a daily basis. It means to believe, have faith and know you are blessed in opportunities that come your way. It means MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
5. What is one obstacle you’re proud you’ve overcome?
The biggest goal I have accomplished and obstacle that I have overcome is losing 70 pounds and getting back in the gym and off my butt! I was 245# and a size 24 at my heaviest. I had gained 82# with my first pregnancy and my metabolism was a mess. I was doing all the wrong things with my diet and had become so lazy and complacent. I had zero self esteem and felt like garbage. I got back in the gym, found Crossfit and took control over my life again.
My weight has been something that I have struggled with and I have learned that there is no perfect size. I quit obsessing over what the scale says and concentrated more on fueling my body properly and tuning in to what I needed to endure my daily needs as a competitive athlete.
6. What/who do you compete for?
I compete to prove to myself that I can do this! A couple of months ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that specifically attacks joint and connective tissue. After years of terrible, constant pain and being told it was just osteoarthritis from all of my years as a gymnast; I finally got a true diagnosis and some answers that made sense. It has been a roller coaster ride and a very scary journey in figuring out the best treatment options for me but my doctor attributes Crossfit and staying so active as the main reason why the disease hasn’t progressed faster in my body. It is a daily battle…the meds make me feel fatigued and nauseous much of the time but I am determined to continue training as much as my body will allow…one day at a time…. I am super blessed to have a very supportive boyfriend that also does Crossfit. He helps to keep me accountable on those rough days.
Connect with Amy: Instagram
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