AN INTERVIEW WITH RUNNER, ABBY SMITH, FOR THE MY JOURNEY STORY SERIES

AN INTERVIEW WITH RUNNER, ABBY SMITH, FOR THE MY JOURNEY STORY SERIES

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LAC: When did you decide to start making your health a priority (what or whom inspired this decision) and what were your goals?

Abby: I decided to make my health a priority when I moved back home after being away for the first two years of college. I had gained the typical “freshman fifteen” and quickly realized that I couldn’t continue being lazy and eating junk. I joined LAC shortly after moving home and began running. I haven’t stopped since! My sister is a huge inspiration to me because she too has made her health a priority in her life and that keeps me motivated to do the same!

LAC: How did you get started and what did you do to improve your health?

Abby: I started out running but at a very slow pace and very short distances. I then added in lifting weights. One day I decided to test my limits and took my first spinning class. Since then, I have kept running (including running the turkey trot 2 years in a row), lifting weights, and taking spinning classes. I recently started taking a Barre class at least once a week.

LAC: How did you stay motivated and what was the biggest challenge?

Abby: Staying motivated is my biggest challenge. There are days that I do not want to exercise at all but buying a Fitbit has helped keep me on track. I wear it daily and love that I can easily see if I have reached my step goal and if I need to up my workouts that week.

LAC: What positive changes did you see in your life and what did you learn throughout this process?

Abby: I started this process to lose weight but what I did not realize was that I would improve my mental state tremendously. I am currently in graduate school and planning a wedding so I am under a lot of stress and I have found that the best stress reliever for me is to go for a run or hit the gym. Even though some days it is hard to get myself to the gym, I know once I am there that it will all be worth it!

LAC: Final Thoughts? Is there anything else you would like share about your story?

Abby: One of the greatest things I have learned throughout my journey is to not be afraid to try something new. I was terrified to begin running, especially to do my first 5K race, because I thought people would judge my slow pace. I learned that it does not matter what other people think about me, I am making my life better and that is the ONLY thing that matters!

Did you enjoy Abby’s journey? Share your own and inspire others. #lac #mylac #myjourney #louisvilleathleticclub

Entries Found Here: http://louisvilleathleticclub.com/my-journey-entry-questionnaire/