I was always loved being active in sports and activities as a kid/teen. As a high school varsity athlete, I was running nearly 10 miles a day (and eating like a teenager). When I graduated and went off to college, I stopped all that running but KEPT those same eating habits. This lead to a ~30lb weight gain in my first year of college. The first summer I came home from school, I decided to make a change. And so began my [LONG] journey to a healthier, more fit, educated me. Bodybuilding.com was a HUGE resource for me starting out!

To me, bodybuilding is so many things. Mentally, it's my therapy and voice of reason. Physically, it's my greatest challenge, my biggest motivator, and a means of confidence. Working out doesn't just build your body, it builds your mind. It has shaped me (both mentally and physically) to be who I am. Fitness has become such a huge part of my life. It's made me push myself to limits I didn't think I could achieve. It's made me believe in myself more than I ever thought I could. It's taught me to trust the process, to be patient, and to work hard in so many aspects of my life.