Never Know Who You’ll Meet
The IC is full of fun and interesting people. For example, did you know that Robyn Thomas is a native South African who has traveled to more than 40 countries, served as an attorney in NYC but gave up the big salary to run non-profits in California, and was recently featured on C-SPAN during her first congressional testimony? She is also a kick-butt Kensington mom (daughter Austen is 1 year old) who never misses a day of training!
Check out Robyn’s Story:
“I was actually looking at the blog and saw your wife’s entry about the difficulty of post-pregnancy weight loss. I wanted to tell her that I gained 50 POUNDS when I was pregnant (I have no idea how I managed that) and that I have now lost 41 of them. I am still battling the last 9, but it took a committed year just to get this far. You can’t rush it though (as I am sure she knows); you just have to be patient with your body. I think the loss of control of my body was the hardest part of the pregnancy for me – and I had a 24 hour labor and natural delivery with no drugs! The whole pregnancy thing has been an interesting physical challenge and the ab workout at the IC has made a huge difference in my body. I really appreciate it.
I played soccer through college and have been a runner for about 15 years. I also cross-trained with kick-boxing for about 8 years (until I got pregnant) and have always tried to include push-ups and situps and light weights into my exercise routine. I also did regular Bikram yoga until I got pregnant. Since the baby, I have found it very difficult to get to classes since my husband works a lot (as do I). That’s why the IC has been perfect for me. I can go in the morning before my husband or the baby wakes up, so I am always able to fit it in. I also started with my neighbor and very close friend Joe Gaspardone (he’s also Austen’s godfather) so having a partner to do this with has been great. We both love it and plan to continue indefinitely.”
Next time you’re training at the IC, be sure to introduce yourself to the person next to you. You never know who you’ll meet next.
What an inspiring story! i’ve heard about you through Kari and Joe, and look forward to meeting you. From the picture, I think I recognize Joe’s butt in front of you, and I’m really happy to see him at the IC too (even if that’s not his butt!). Spread the word, the IC is great (for all levels)!
Robyn is inspiring. This blog doesn’t even begin to tell you her whole story. Besides being an iron mom, she is a peace crusader. Her non-profit work includes a focus on Middle East issues and the crisis in Israel/Palestine as well as advocacy to end gun violence. She’s also been a great resource for Mateo related questions. Go Robyn!
Btw, Joe and his butt are next up! No one can escape the wrath of the blog…
Why do I feel like such a slacker now?
No seriously Robyn, you are now my muse. After completing most of this morning’s workout (Natalia begged me to be her partner…NOT!), which included burpees and full ROM sit-ups with med balls, I have a renewed sense of faith in myself. I did not think I would be able to do those movements so soon after surgery/birth …at least not without slowing my partner down (big thanks to Natalia, Susan, and Piera for encouraging this ‘ol bag to push herself). I saw Robyn in my peripheral vision a few times and just had to crank out a few more.