It’s a thrill to introduce Antoinette (Toni) Church this week as the Fitspo Friday Feature.
Feel free to connect with Toni on Twitter @tonee78
Check her page out on Facebook
and make sure to stop by her blog at Runninglovingliving.com
If you’re on Pinterest, make sure to follow her boards at tonee78
Q: Have you always lived a healthy fit lifestyle?
I started on my healthy journey at 19 after I had my first daughter. Prior to having her I never exercised mostly due to being a severe asthmatic. I began weight training and running which actually helped to alleviate my asthma symptoms inspiring to keep working out. I have been working out ever since trying everything from Pilates to Yoga to Bootcamp to Crossfit to…well you get my drift. I became a certified personal trainer at 20 because discovered my passion for fitness and I wanted to share that passion with others, which I did for about 8 years. I am no longer a certified personal trainer now but I am a registered nurse which also allows me to share my passion for health and fitness.
I got pregnant in 2008 and due to a rough pregnancy I basically stopped working out until after I had my daughter in October, but once I go the okay to start exercising again, I did. I started my blog last year as a way to chronicle my journey to a sub-2 hour 1/2 marathon and during this journey I rediscovered my passion for both writing and running. My blog allows me to motivate and inspire others to get and stay fit. 15 years after working out for the first time I am still as passionate about fitness and this year I plan to take my goals to the next level by attempting to run a 1/2 marathon in 1:45 and the NYC marathon (my first) in 4:00.
Q: What keeps you going, motivated?
My family keeps me motivated because I want to live the healthiest life possible so I can be with them for a very long time, plus I want to set a good example for my daughter. Reading other blogs and connecting with other fitness minded people keep me motivated, it is inspiring to see what other people are achieving and the support that also comes along with being a part of a blogging community.
Q: What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is running. I fell in love from the moment I took my first run. My relationship with running has been rocky, we have had our ups and downs and some injuries to boot but I can’t imagine my life without running. Running helps me to reduce my stress, feel good and work through my problems. During my long runs is probably the only time my mind quiets and only focuses on one thing…running.
Q: What are some of your goals?
I have 2 big goals for this year. The first is to run a 1/2 marathon in 1:45 and the second is to run the NYC marathon in 4:00.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
My biggest accomplishments are my 2 daughters and being married to my husband for almost 12 years (together 16). Running the Long Island 1/2 Marathon in 1:54:36 on 5/1/11 was a big accomplishment for me.
I am proud of the fact that at 24 years old I went back to school and became a Registered Nurse. I am also proud that I started my blog last year and it is still going strong!!!
Q: What is one random fact we should know about you?
I have live on Long Island my whole life, a short 30-45 minute train away from the city, NYC that is, and until this past October I have never gone to the city on my own. My first adventure to the city for the 1st NYC blogger playdate, where I met up with a bunch of other bloggers I had never met for hot yoga and brunch! I guess you could say I am all grown up now!!!
Q: What words of advice would you like to leave the readers?
Start today, start slow and find something you love. Putting off getting fit until a better day doesn’t work, just do it!! Start slow and ease into any activity to avoid injury. Find activities you love, if you try running and hate it then find something else….if you love what you are doing then you are more likely to stick with it!
Run often, Love completely, Live Fully
Thanks for featuring me!