But do I really practice what I, er, write? Absolutely.
I crave physical activity as much as I do chocolate (Endangered Species, to be exact – love that it has Hoosier roots, too!). My favorite activity? Anything that involves snow (and the more snow, the better!), especially cross country skiing, which may explain why I’m hooked on Nordic walking. It’s based on Nordic skiing, sans the snow, so I can do it year-round. I’ve won five Nordic walking world championships (two marathons and three half-marathons) and at one time held six world records and was ranked #1 woman in the world. Several of my records still hold.
Exercise is only part of the equation, though, and diet is equally, if not more, important. That’s why I follow a plant-only diet and vegan lifestyle. I’m certified in plant-based nutrition through the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and am a certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach & Educator through Main Street Vegan Academy. I’ve been a vegan mentor with PETA and currently mentor through Vegan Outreach (request a mentor here).
I’ve even served as a board member for PEAK Animal Sanctuary in Freedom, Ind., Indiana’s first sanctuary for farmed animals.
By the way, I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and literature from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s degree in literature from Indiana University. I’m a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Society of American Travel Writers and hold certifications from the American Council on Exercise as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, both of which I’ve used to train clients and teach everything from step to Spinning.
And while I don’t have human office colleagues, I do have fur ones! I share an office (where I use a standing desk over 90% of the time) with Toby, a Maine Coon rescue; Barney, a golden/lab mix I fostered through GRRACE for several months before adopting; and Ellie, a puppy mill survivor who’s another foster win through GRRACE. Not only do I foster for GRRACE, I also transport dogs and serve as a foster rep and the newly appointed Volunteer Training Coordinator. And I love the volunteer work I do with Humane Fort Wayne through which I fostered my first dog Macy, a paralyzed pittie mix. I also donate my time and writing skills to Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition, Who Will Let the Dogs Out and Best Friends.
My work in animal rescue plus being an ethical vegan is what fuels me, and I hope I can help the world see that animals are friends, not food. Quoting George Bernard Shaw, “Animals are my friends … and I don’t eat my friends.” Paws crossed you won’t eat either.