Sports, Science, and Self-Discovery
I grew up watching my mom race Ironmans, and before her health prevented her from continuing, I got to see her place top 10 in her age group at the Ironman World Championship in Kona- an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Last November, after finishing my first marathon, I took a leap of faith and signed up for a Half Ironman alongside my cousin, Will. With my mom as our coach, I began sharing the journey on social media - and quickly realized there was a huge need for a non-judgmental, beginner-friendly space in triathlon. Without her guidance, I would’ve had no idea where to begin, and I’ve made it my goal to pass that forward.
Endurance sports found me at a time when I needed it most, and it's become a space for healing and constant self-discovery. Despite continually choosing daunting physical endeavors, I’ve lived with a severe anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. When I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020 with a degree in Cognitive Science, it felt natural to pursue a career in clinical research focused on psychiatry. A few years later, when I went back to school for my master’s in biochemistry and reintroduced sport into my life, I noticed an immediate shift in my mental health and became very interested in how exercise impacts brain chemistry and mental resilience. I just ran my second World Major Marathon and already have my eyes on my next 70.3. I’m constantly learning, growing, and choosing the uncomfortable and I hope this space inspires you to do the same!