Real sporty women: Lisa Compagno

Getting off the couch!

Name: Lisa Compagno

Age: 43

Involved in: Running, tennis, kayaking

Making the most of life

Growing up, I was painfully shy, but always stayed active. I just never had the nerve to participate in team sports. As I have aged, I've had to really get outside my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. I've worked in sales and management for many years which was definitely out of my comfort zone, but was always a leader in my professional life. Some close friends and I started playing tennis and participating in 5k races. Last year I realized that I had gotten away from the things that truly made me happy and healthy. After a series of hard-to-accept life challenges, I had a huge wake up call, lost more than 50 pounds (and still going), and found my hibernating sporty side. I am back running and playing tennis and have added kayaking to my favorite outdoor activities. I realized that the struggles of my recent past are teaching me that I only have this one body and this one life and I must use them to the best of my ability.

Staying motivated and challenged

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

Lisa Compagno (LC): I feel so much better when I am active. Although I have asthma, I don't let it sideline me anymore. I also love buying clothes in smaller sizes and really cute running shoes and shorts!

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

LC: Weight loss of more than 50 pounds, finishing 5k races (and not being last), and being able to kayak and ride my bicycle for miles that I couldn't do even a year ago. There are so many facets that I am proud of! I'm not sitting on the sofa anymore!

GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?

LC: I'm very self-competitive! I'm always trying to do better... run faster, play harder, stronger and longer, paddle or pedal farther... and encourage friends to go the distance with me!

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

LC: Yes, I am working toward running my first 15k on my birthday in February! To date, my longest distance is 6.3 miles... I will do it! I am using the Galloway method for training. I use other sports and weight lifting to cross train to help me get stronger to meet this goal.

Tools of the trade:

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

LC: My husband is a chef who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Anything he makes is on this list, but I absolutely love his grilled fish tacos!

GGS: What's on your workout playlist?

LC: I have very eclectic taste... everything from Jimmy Buffet to Everclear to John Tesh.

GGS: What’s in your gym bag?

LC: Kind bars, my Polar heart rate monitor, my Jeff Galloway interval trainer, my iPod and my inhaler! (Yep, I have asthma)

Live the sporty life

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

LC: It means; get off the couch, get outside and get active. Cheering on my nephews while they play soccer, basketball or golf! Of course playing while wearing cute tennis shoes and a cap!