Real sporty women: Holly Johnson

Name: Holly Johnson

Age: 34

Involved in: Training for my first half marathon, Power Lift class, yoga

Bouncing back from back surgery

Growing up I ran track, cheered and danced. After high school I lost interest and time for these activities. Six years ago, I had back problems and had to have back surgery. My Orthopaedic told me that I probably would never be very active after the surgery. As a mother to 3 kids, I knew that I needed to get active and stay healthy.

I began walking and yoga. After I was comfortable with my progress I added in a Power Lift class, and this past December I started running. I ran my first 5K on April 22, 2012 and will run my first half marathon in October 2012. I have not stopped since that back surgery. It makes me feel good to know that I control my fitness destiny and not some doctor. I really want to start CrossFit, and am looking for a way to fit it into my schedule.

Staying motivated and challenged

GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?

Holly Johnson (HJ): My motivation for staying active are my children. I want them to know that you can be healthy and fit and have fun doing it. I believe that taking time for me by running or going to the gym helps me to be a better mother, employee and wife. It's my therapy and outlet for daily stresses. I stay active to help other woman get active. So many moms think they have no time to take care of their own needs. I raise four kids and work full time; if I can do it, anyone can. I feel 100-percent better than I did six years ago, I want everyone to have that chance.

GGS: What sports and fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?

HJ: I am most proud of my running. I have come a long way in nine months. Especially since my orthopaedic doctor said I would never be a runner. It excites me to know that I can run long distances and I love pushing myself. I really love lifting weights as well. It thrills me when I can add more weight. I love to feel the burn and for once, not stop!

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

HJ: I am always looking for something new to do fitness-wise. I love to join in challenges that are floating around the blogging community or on Twitter. I want to add CrossFit into my fitness agenda. I believe training for a half marathon has challenged me in many ways. Mentally, physically and spiritually!

GGS: Are you currently training for a race or event? What's your workout schedule look like?

HJ: I am training for my half marathon. I run three times a week, two three-mile runs during the week at 4: 30 am and my long run on Saturdays. Some weeks I will do two-a-days, in the evening I will do a two-mile run for speed. I workout at the YMCA two days a week for Power Lift and one day for Power Yoga. I will do planks and squats every night at home on my own.

Tools of the trade:

GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?

HJ: I love salmon! I have salmon in my freezer ready to be cooked. I marinade it in soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic and pepper. Then I grill it. It's such a great meal, and weight watcher friendly. I also love Chobani yogurt. I eat it every day!

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

HJ: I currently do not listen to music while I work out. I have learned running with a big group of women to run and talk. It helps me to control my breathing and pace myself accordingly. Sometimes I just like to listen to what's going on around me. The playlist I have on my iPod has a lot of country. I like Kenny Chesney, Lady A and Zack Brown Band. I add some Black Eyed Peas in there for my power songs!

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

HJ: My gym bag includes Moving Comfort Jubralee bra, tank, workout capris, Asics 2170GT. I never leave for a run without my Garmin watch. My snacks are Nuun and a water bottle. I throw in a Larabar or some other snack bar to eat after my workout. I don't use a lot of beauty products, so just my deodorant, body spray (Love Spell) and a pony tail holder plus my chapstick.

Live the sporty life

GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?

HJ: I would say I truly live the sporty life. When we are home and not working, my kids ask me all the time, "Are you going running?" I seem to always be in fitness gear. Sporting my workout clothes keeps me ready to get physical anytime I can find a second. I eat my "running food" to make sure I stay properly fueled up for my long runs. It seems everything I do, wear, eat, etc. revolves around my life in fitness! It feels good!