
Jody’s fitness journey began in her 30s as she searched for ways to manage chronic health issues that traditional medicine couldn’t resolve. What started as a personal pursuit of wellness quickly became a lifeline when unexpected life changes and a global pandemic disrupted her comfort zone. Though running wasn’t her favorite activity, it became a much-needed outlet during uncertain times. A conversation with a fitness enthusiast eventually led her to CrossFit—a step that felt intimidating at first but soon became a powerful supplement to her running routine. Over time, Jody has transformed into a more confident, determined version of herself. In this post, she opens up about how she’s navigated the anxiety and emotional weight of a demanding life through fitness and community.
Finding Some Relief
Although I wasn’t athletic in my youth, I came to have an interest in fitness and wellness in my 30’s after dealing with chronic health issues that doctors couldn’t seem to fix. Besides completely overhauling my diet, I got into a nice groove of hiking, biking the GAP trail, and later became certified to teach yoga after practicing consistently for several years. But just as I was settling into my comfort zone, I got married, and then had 2 children in less than 2 years. My body was wrecked, I left my cushy job, and I had almost no support. My husband was working several jobs including an overnight job, and the COVID lockdown kept even my closest family members from providing me any kind of relief.
Change is Inevitable
I was entering my 40’s and all of my old go-to exercise routines were not working anymore. I had 2 screaming babies who wouldn’t allow a peaceful trip to the grocery store, let alone a long bike ride. Practicing yoga at home involved staring at piles of laundry and cat hair dust bunnies while the kids whacked me in the head with their toys. I was left feeling hopeless and isolated, and my only escape came from binge eating junk food after everyone else was in bed.
Desperate for a change, I began waking up at 5:30am on the days when my husband wasn’t working overnight, just to get out of the house for a bit. I always hated running with a passion, but walking just didn’t seem to fulfill the need I was looking for. So I very hesitantly started running (with a lot of walking in between), all without any ambitions or goals. Just purely to get out and enjoy nature and appreciate my rare and precious quiet time.
Becoming a Runner
Eventually, life became a bit more manageable. The kids were growing and started school. My husband left that dreaded overnight job for something better. I started to pick up part-time work that gave me a little more financial freedom. I learned how to drive a stick, which allowed me to drive the family car.
My early morning escape to get outside to run and walk was easy to maintain- it didn’t feel like a hard chore like some prescribed exercise plan to whip myself back into shape. I eventually ran dozens of 5K races, a handful of half marathons, and 2 full marathons! However, I was experiencing the common aches and pains in my ankles, hips and feet that many runners face. I was talking about running and fitness to my husband’s cousin, since she was a state champion powerlifter! She suggested CrossFit as a good way to supplement my running routine.
Uncomfort Lead to Growth
I found Industrial Athletics and have been attending regularly for over a year. I can’t say the weightlifting part comes easy. I feel clumsy and sometimes embarrassed, but my progress has gone beyond the benefits of running up hills with greater ease.  I completed my third marathon, and at age 45 I can say the training and recovery felt better than I felt in gym class in high school! Even when I go into class feeling a little intimidated by the lifts or the workouts, I’ve never left without a feeling of satisfaction. I love physical activity and I don’t necessarily lack motivation, but the biggest benefit to coming to Industrial Athletics is having a coach. Jen always seems to know the proper time when I should give myself grace, but she won’t hesitate to call me out when I’m letting my fears and self-doubt get in the way. Sometimes I think she is crazy when she casually nudges me to add a plate or 2 to the barbell… and then I realize I can do things I never imagined possible!