Fitspo Friday Feature: Hope Epton a/k/a @SportyMomme

This week’s Fitspo Feature is Hope Epton

Where you can find Hope
@SportyMomme on Twitter
Facebook SportyMomme
SportyMom.me blog
Personal Facebook: HopeEpton
LinkedIn
Pinterest

About Hope
Bachelors in Exercise & Sport Science (minor in Health Promotion) – Graduating May 5th!
ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist
US Army Veteran

Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle?
In my teens I fought disordered eating, I equated food with being fat and while only 120lbs, could not see myself as beautiful. The military was when I first became physically active on a regular basis, but I was still a smoker (I know, I know) until I became pregnant with my son. I would resume smoking when I went back to college in 1998, and finally quit for good in 2004. All through those years, I remained physically fit, but nutrition has always been a struggle. I did go through the ‘fat burner’ stage, and eventually I tuned in to the truth about overall health. It’s been a struggle, as it is for so many, to remain balanced and patient in progress. Having my second child in 2010, now in my mid-late 30’s, the recovery has been slower, the baby weight harder to lose, but I am a work in progress.

Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
In the past 5 years, I have seen my mother undergo a triple bypass, and my dad pass away from Cardiovascular disease. Taking care of the body we are given should be a priority whether we are 8, 18, or 80. What keeps me motivated is my desire to be a good example for my own kids. With childhood obesity rising at an alarming rate, setting the example for our youth is where it starts. Healthy kids make for healthy adults. Besides, I want to be at my children’s graduations, their weddings, and see my grandchildren be born!

Q: What is your favorite workout?
Well, I am a runner so naturally I would say, I just run a few miles. Lately, I have been doing a Strength & Endurance class that is challenging and empowering. Since you are in control of how much weight you do, you can push yourself as hard as you want, and back down if you need to. I wake up feeling the work I have done, and it feels awesome.

Q: What are some of your goals?
My current goal is to complete a full marathon, which I have registered for one in Feb 2013. That will give me plenty of time to train and prevent injury. I also have set out to complete a Half Ironman before Nov 2015 (which is when I turn 40), someday a Full Ironman may be on the radar too!

Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
Wow, I have a few things, having served my country, returned to college as a non-traditional student to complete my Bachelors, while working full time, and balancing the home and family. I will be graduating in May, Magnum Cum Laude, with a 3.9, just shy of perfect – but when I think of all the life changes that occurred while going to school; marriage, having a child, changing jobs, I think I’ve done well.

Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
I love frogs & penguins.

Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
Comparing yourself to others will always leave you unfulfilled. Your life and your body is your own journey – you may not be able to be the best at everything, you may not always make the best choices when it comes to nutrition, you may even miss a workout, and that is okay. We are all works in progress, and as long as you continue to grow, set goals, and put forth the effort, you will be successful. You are only in control of your own actions.