Welcome to Meet a Mover Monday! Everyone has a story, and each week we will introduce you to one of our OpMovers so you can learn a little bit about theirs. We are all at different stages of our journeys, but we all started in the same place.
This week, say hi to Jess.
Who are you?
I’m Jess. Formerly tattoomummy, now just Jess at MishMash Jess. Mum to Dexter 5, Dolores 3. I work full time, I *try* to grow my own veggies but apparently the snails reap the most benefit of that and my chickens don’t do anything to stop them.
When did you start running and why?
I started running about 4 months ago when I signed up for the LTR course with my sister. She is living in Canada (Hi Maddi!) and was my training buddy. I missed my training buddy so I suggested we did it together.
Although I did the course, running still isn’t my favourite thing to do. And that is okay. I kinda volunteered for the Meet a Mover because although I can run, and I do now, I do it every gym session before weights, weights are my favourite. And I think people need to know that Operation Move isn’t just about running (Although Zoey and Kate are always saying it isn’t).
What is your favourite distance?
I don’t really have a favourite distance. I guess on a bike my favourite distance is the ride into town and back. Running, it is the distance it takes me to clear my head.
My favourite “day”varies. As I get strength back after 5 months off, back is pretty great, but I’m still a lot weaker than I was. Leg day is always the one I love and hate equally. And deadlifts are the best.
Top 3 must have gear
Phone for music. Usually I listen to Turisas because Battle metal makes me feel like I’m leading an army so I have to work really hard or I’ll let them down.
Fave post run fuel?
Banana or WPI protein shake
What do you listen to when you run?
It varies. sometimes something with a good beat, like any Tiger Army, sometimes 90’s pop mix on Pandora, sometimes battle metal as mentioned above.
Tech lover or naked runner?
Tech – I like knowing what I’m doing
Words of wisdom to new runners?
You’ve had lots of wisdom for new runners, so I might give some wisdom for women who want to lift weights (how’s that for alliteration) Don’t be scared. It can be super intimidating walking into what I affectionately call “The Testosterone Zone” at the gym. The guys are all grunty and sweaty and sometimes scary looking. But generally, they’re nice and helpful.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Book a PT and get them to show you the right technique. Weights is SO rewarding because every week you can put a little bit more weight on the bar. Every week, you’re doing something that you couldn’t last week. And you get to know just how powerful, strong and amazing your body can really be.
If your gym has GRIT classes, they’re a pretty good place to start, same with crossfit classes, but make sure the instructor is qualified. Also, weights continue to burn calories long after you’ve finished.
I am most proud of…
Last year I did a challenge and lost 11% body fat om 10 weeks. I put it back on but I know I can get back there because I’ve done it before, so my current goal is to get back there. I guess I’m proud that I’m on my own inspiration board.
That and my little sister. I’m so proud of her it isn’t funny. She is super amazing, she lost about 30kg in 6 months. One day she just decided “Nope, this fat person isn’t me” and did something about it. I am proud of her.
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