Where are you from originally? I'm from Lexington, KY. I moved to Raleigh in 2008 for grad school at NCSU, and made a pandemic move to Carrboro in 2020.
When did you join FIT4MOM? My first class was the Tar Heel 10 Miler training group in 2022.
What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? I used to love going to brewery run clubs before I had kids, but those days are over for now, and in general I have been terrible about setting aside time for myself. It's been good for me to have a time on the calendar to get out, see other adults, and get some exercise! The Sunday runners are a great group of ladies.
What do you currently do? I'm a toxicologist at the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village? Absolutely. It's been tough raising kids while living so far away from my family, but having some friends that are in a similar place in life has been important for my sanity.
What is your favorite beverage? Coffee in the morning, beer in the evening! Copious water in between.
What is your favorite dessert? Anything involving marshmallows.
You are given 4 hours of FREE baby-sitting. What would you do? Hopefully a night out with my partner! We don't get out much without kids (see previous comment about not having any family to help us) but we're trying to change that.
What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination? A multi-day backpacking trip in some remote location, followed by relaxing in a new city.
How has becoming a mother changed you? I think it amplifies both the positives and negatives in me (the positives coming out when we're outside doing something fun... the negatives coming out when I'm tired and they're getting on my last nerve).
I am happiest when... Those magical times when the house is organized and the kids are happy and making each other laugh.