what’s your why?

Hi ya’ll; this is probably going to be my longest post yet so grab a drink, sit back & relax!! 🙂

Most of you know I’ve been an athlete my entire life. I played collegiate field hockey for 4 years and it was the most intense, exciting and influential time of my life. I spent every single day with my best friends, I was blessed with the opportunity to play a sport I loved more than anything, and I was in the best shape ever… I mean if you’re running/sprinting/lifting every day for four years you would be too.

While those are all great things, the last part definitely took a toll on my mental relationship with the gym. I enjoyed working out but going to the gym became a chore, it was something I needed to do every day to maintain my athletic build, my strength and enable me to be an important member on my team. Once my field hockey career was over in November, I took a break from everything fitness related; lifting, running, etc and I enjoyed life; going out with my friends, and eating a lot of *unhealthy* food with no sort of balance. It didn’t help that I was also going through a break up where I was faced with a lot negative and unhealthy stress. Once the holidays rolled around, I indulged with not a care in the world. I was loving life… until the dress I wanted to wear for New Year’s Eve that I had gotten during the FH season didn’t fit.. that was my reality check. I was so disappointed in myself and knew I needed to make a change.

Fast forward to now- (heyyyy @rinna_fit) 😉 I won’t pretend to be a fitness guru because I certainly am not; (if you need one of those, you gotta go check out @Etfitnesscoach) i’m constantly learning about nutrition, working out, what my body can and cannot handle. It’s so interesting – our bodies can do some crazy things! I’m thankful that the gym is not a ‘chore’ for me anymore- instead, it’s my escape. I look forward to my workouts, I look forward to making meals that are healthy, and yummy. I look forward to seeing the progress I make in the gym over months at a time. But most of all, I look forward to inspiring others to try and create a better version of themselves, like I did for myself.

When I looked in the mirror two years ago, upset and disappointed; I wish I could look back and tell that girl to smile because although it took dedication, and a lot of hard work- I wish she knew she would end up happier & looking better and stronger than she ever has before.  

This was a tough one for me to write (lots of self reflection)- but it just seemed so important to share. No matter where you are at with your fitness journey, keep working hard and never give up. I hope this serves as a reminder, that you are capable of overcoming any challenge God puts in front of you. Thank you for reading <3 Love you all

xoxo, Marinna