This Saturday Spotlight series showcases the participants of the Kim to Zim Outreach Group.
Q: How did you get started in powerlifting?
A: I was needing a direction with my training personally and professionally. I liked how a friend trained his powerlifting clients, so I asked if he'd train me. Two months in I entered my first meet and celebrated my 45th birthday. And I haven't looked back.
Q: What is your favorite lift and why?
A: I love deadlifts! I love the feeling of the weight in my hands. The contrast of pushing down to stand up. But squats are a life lesson. Responsibilities of life are the weights on my back. I can fight it or work with it. Strength is gained two ways- many reps for the strength of endurance. Or pushing back from that one rep. The strength comes from meeting the challenge. Just like life. And the safeties are friends. You're doing the work, but they are near for support.
Q: How has strength training impacted your life?
A: Powerlifting has had a huge impact on my life. I used to believe that the easiest, smoothest way meant I was doing things right. If it was difficult it meant I was going the wrong direction. Now I understand how the challenge produces the greatest strength. Some doors open, some doors close. And some doors are meant to be pushed against repetitively until they fall to the side, for behind them lies the greatest reward.
Q: What motivated you to want to be a part of the Kim to Zim Outreach Trip?
A: Originally i passed the trip by believing it wasn't for me and I couldn't afford it. But a later conversation with Nicola and some deep thought made me change my mind. Lift4Life holds and lives the values that I, too, hold. I held a silent auction to support Audrey and her friends/teammates. The lifting group I hosted ("Women of Steel") was able to raise enough money to give away some scholarships and buy some equipment. I'd like to meet these lifters.