Name: Dori Ann Freeland-Watters
Age:35
Involved in: Running, Swimming, Strength Training, Boxing, Ballet and Yoga
Stress less with a sporty life
I have always had an active lifestyle. At age three I started taking dance classes and when I was a little older began running and playing basketball. I continued to dance throughout college and played basketball throughout high school and college. After college, I continued my education by attending dental school then completed a residency in orthodontics. My sporty lifestyle was what got me through some stress filled years when there was little time to do anything else but study. It is also what keeps me grounded and has carried me through three pregnancies!
Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Dori Ann Freeland-Watters (DFW): Probably the biggest reason I stay active is because it is my stress relief and a way to find "me" time. I am a wife, mother of 3 children (the youngest is 10 weeks old), orthodontist and owner of my own orthodontic practice. I have a lot on my plate so I need to be "in shape" to keep up.
GGS: What sports or fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?
DFW: I have two events that really stand out in my mind. I had always wanted to complete a triathlon but had no experience in the sport and no idea how to train for that type of an event. I didn't even know if f I could do it! The summer I finished my orthodontic residency, I bought a book on triathlon training and signed up for my first sprint triathlon. I knew absolutely no one at the event and I didn't have any personal spectators waiting for me at the finish. It was a race completely for me, and it felt amazing when I crossed the finishing line because I proved to myself I could do it!
The second accomplishment would have to be completing a half-marathon just six weeks after having my oldest son. I worked out and ran through all three of my pregnancies and was able to maintain a really good level of fitness. My husband and son were waiting for me at the finish line. I cried when I saw them because they were so proud of me and I felt so blessed for being able to have my health and a beautiful healthy baby.
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
DFW: I like to have something to work toward. So, I sign up and compete in a lot of different endurance events. I have completed two marathons, multiple half-marathons, sprint triathlons and adventure races ranging from 6 hours to 30 hours. Racing against a clock is always a good way to challenge myself. I'm not a very fast runner, but it's the endurance part of these events that has me hooked.
My goals for each event are quite different depending on what's going on in my life. For instance, my goal for finishing my first marathon was quite different then the goal I set for finishing my most recent half-marathon when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with my daughter. It's my desire to be sporty at all stages of life that keeps me challenged.
Tools of the trade
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
DFW: It's not necessarily my absolute favorite dish, but a pretty regular staple...scrambled egg whites with spinach, tomatoes, grilled red peppers, feta cheese, pine nuts and whole wheat toast. It's so easy to make in between putting kids to bed.
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
DFW: A little of everything...Kid Rock, James Taylor, Beyonce, Michael Jackson. Just depends on the workout!
GGS: What’s in your gym bag?
DFW: I keep an IPod Nano, extra hair ties, water, sunscreen, bug spray and poison ivy wash (I do a lot of trail runs and you never know when it will come in handy). Oh...and lip gloss. You have to look good while running!
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
DFW: The number one reason people tell me that they can't get into shape is because they don't have the time to workout. We find time to do a lot of things in our lives. If it's written on the calendar, people usually get it done. So, living sporty means making a date with yourself to work out at least 4 times a week. On the other days, actually live sporty. For example, I take the daily business deposits from my office to the bank at least twice a week. So, instead of driving there, I put my running clothes on, throw on a back pack and "run" to the bank! Get moving - that's what keeps me staying sporty!
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