I was recently selected to be a Fitfluential Ambassador, which is an incredible honor and privilege. I am extremely grateful to be part of such an amazing group of people who are all spreading a positive healthy message. I wanted to write a little bit about how being a part of this community is something I have always dreamed about and why I am a PERFECT fit! 
I have never shied away from running around a soccer field or skiing down a steep, icy mountain. I thrive on the thrill of athletics and the camaraderie of teams. My life has always revolved around sports, being a part of a team and working towards an athletic goal. After graduating from college and retiring from competitive sports, I dove head first into other forms of fitness. Nowadays, I run, bike, ski, surf (attempt to), stand-up paddleboard (love it), play soccer, pick up hockey and even dabble in Tough Mudder type workouts. I find other ways to stay active by competing in endurance races and playing on local sports teams, all while having a 9-5 desk job. In all my current fitness endeavors I use the lessons and skills I learned from being a Division I athlete to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I set goals and plan a training schedule; I celebrate my achievements, lament my failures, and work to figure out how to be better.
I have experienced the pressure of competition, the stress of staying in shape and the unavoidable failures competing brings. I have to admit, living a healthy lifestyle in the real world, while working a desk job is just as hard! It takes planning, perseverance, patience, and dedication, but it is possible. I rely on my family and friends as motivation to stay active. Instead of going out to lunch, we go for a hike. A group get together involves playing pick-up hockey and then we go to the bar. Don’t get me wrong, I indulge in dinner and drinks; those are the joys of life I don’t expect anyone to give up. I just balance the drinks with hockey! Staying fit is hard work, but it is fun and fulfilling as well.
I love to write about my quest to balance my life with a 9-5 job and an active lifestyle. I am an amateur cook, making simple, quick meals that any person crunched for time can make. I laugh at my mistakes in the kitchen and advise my readers on how to avoid them! I incorporate sports and physical activities into my workout routines in order to keep them interesting, engaging and fun. If I had the opportunity to write for a fitness or health magazine I would contribute athletic/sports focused content for people who are living in the real world, working real jobs, and trying to stay in shape, one day at a time. Just like being a professional athlete, living a healthy, balanced life has its ups and downs. I challenge myself to be comfortable and confident in the person I am each and every day. I am open and honest about the challenges to living a healthy happy lifestyle and I would be honored to bring that optimism to a broader audience.
Thanks for reading!! xo
