About!

Howdy!

My name is Karen, and I'm here because I'm changing my life.

This is me! (after a run!)
I have never been active or physically fit. But after developing hypoglycemia and PCOS, and reaching an all time high weight of 195 lbs, I decided to change all that. First I started gradually changing my diet. Then I started running - something I've historically despised and never been good at. Eventually I added strength training and yoga to my regimen. It wasn't long before I started signing up for races, and even getting into obstacle racing. Now I have completed several 5k's, 2 10k's, 2 half marathons, and a couple trail races too! I love the challenge of obstacle racing (OCR) and have completed Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, and in 2014 I earned my Spartan Race Trifecta. 2015 will be all about pushing my limits. I am going to go all out in the gym as my focus has shifted heavily towards weight lifting. Maybe I'll even do Crossfit if money allows. A goal of mine is to banish my last stubborn areas of fat and look more muscular. I plan on running a wide variety of races - running all distances up to half marathon, another Trifecta, Tough Mudder, and trying some new races too!


Tough Mudder - Georgia 2014



Today I'm 28, hanging my hat in Maryland after some years as an Army spouse, 165-170 lbs, a runner, weight lifter, obstacle racer, and fitness enthusiast. Never thought I'd be here, but I am loving every minute of it !

Spartan Sprint - North Carolina, 2014




Also - here's a little somethin'

ABC's About Me!


A. Attached or Single? 
 Attached for over 10 years to my awesome husband! We've been together since high school and experienced tons of sights and adventures together so far. He is ex Army, which has taken us (and sometimes just him) all over the place!

B. Best Friend
My husband - aside from running we're practically inseparable. He can't run due to foot problems, but as long as he isn't working he is always there to support me at my races

C. Cake or Pie
Cake

D. Day of the week?
 Saturday (long runs, long training sessions, and RACING!)

E. Essential Item?
Lotion. I hate having dry skin!

F. Favorite Color?
Blue, as if you can't tell from my running outfits

G. Gummy Bears or Worms?
 Worms

H. Hometown?
I'm originally from Williamsburg, Virginia. My current home is Columbia, Maryland and I have also lived in Texas and Georgia.


I. Favorite Indulgence?
Cookies

J. January or July?
July

K. Kids?
No kids and I don't want any. We have 3 cats! This is my first and oldest cat, Eve




L. Life isn't complete without?
Adventure

M. Marriage Date
July 30, 2010

N. Number of brothers/sisters
 2 brothers who are both in their 40's

O. Oranges or Apples?
Golden Delicious apples

P. Phobias?
 I don't really have any. Sure I'm scared of stuff, but there's no one thing that makes me uncontrollably quiver in fear 

Q. Favorite Quote?
 "Pain is weakness leaving the body" (old pic, there are soooo many more medals now)


R. Reasons to smile?
 Being outdoors on a beautiful day. My husband and pets. Feeling great after a workout. Jokes and laughter. Experiencing new things. Accomplishment. 


S. Season of Choice?
I love them all

T. TV Show?
Spartacus

U. Unknown Fact about me:
I love turtles!

V. Favorite Vegetable?
Bell peppers, onions, and spinach

W. Worst habit? 
I'm really bad about picking scabs. I should really stop doing that

X. X-Ray or Ultrasound?
Umm...ok...I guess whoever made this couldn't think of anything for the letter X? X ray I suppose. Ultrasounds are weird and uncomfortable.

Y. Your favorite Food?
Mexican food, especially nachos

Z.  Zodiac Sign?
 Libra