Today’s Friday Fitspo Feature is Dawn Dolobowsky
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Dawn holds a variety of Certifications: USAT Certified Level 1 Triathlon Coach, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy Candidate, class of 2013
Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle?
A: Not necessarily. I was always active through school and college with dance and various sports, but after graduating and getting a desk job I settled into a routine of quick & easy meals and lots of sitting around. After a couple of years of that, I woke up on morning and decided that I was going to run a 5k, despite never being much of a runner, ever. That 5k turned into a half marathon, then a marathon, and then I just never looked back. I ultimately ended up quitting my job to pursue my passion for running and fitness by returning to school to become a physical therapist. I also became certified as a personal trainer and coach, so I could help others discover their own hidden talents and passions for sport.
Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
The feeling of being “in shape” and being able to tackle whatever sort of physical challenge I want to, whether it’s hiking or cycling or a new fitness class.
Q: What is your favorite workout?
On my own: running. Nothing clears my head like a good run outside. In a gym: kickboxing, with gloves and a bag and other implements from http://megaboxsack.com/. There’s something satisfying about being able to punch a heavy bag hard enough to get it to move.
Q: What are some of your goals?
A: This year, my big goal is to regain my fitness and endurance after having knee surgery last year. I’m also working on building up a base so I can train for (and run!) the Chattanooga Mountains Stage race next year. It’s a 3-day race covering a total of 60 miles of trails in the mountains of Tennessee.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
A: I’ve completed several marathons and a half-iron distance triathlon. I’m also incredibly proud of the fact that I had the courage to make the choice to leave a job I’d never really liked to pursue a career that I could get excited about. Leaving my full-time job to go back to school was a bit scary, but it was also the right choice for me.
Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
A: I’m a cat person, and I have two cats that are 11 years old that I’ve had since they were kittens. They’re totally my children.
Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
A: You never know what you can do until you try, and you can do anything if you want it badly enough to put the work in.