Part-Time FitnessBank VP, Full-Time Mother
Home town: Huntsville, AL
Home base: West Cobb, near Marietta Square
Family life: Married to David, and the mother of 11-, 8- and 4-year old children
Work life: Vice President at FitnessBank
Age: 38
Growing up in Alabama, Katrina Elliott was a competitive dancer. Once in college, she gave up dance but took up running with her sorority sisters for exercise and companionship. Now as a busy executive and mother of three children, Katrina incorporates exercise into an athletic life that centers on family and friends.
A self-described “slow as Moses” runner, Katrina runs two to three times a week on the trails at Kennesaw Mountain where she enjoys the exercise and fresh air. But when she can’t get to the mountain, Katrina has many tactics to get her steps in. She often walks her kids to and from school, takes her dog on short walks, gets steps in while her car is being washed, and takes time to exercise while waiting for her kids during their sports practices.
“The busy lifestyle is a challenge for just about everybody in today’s world,” Katrina says. “It’s important not to compromise our health by getting caught up in the kids’ day and not paying attention to our own day. It’s tough, but I’m on track.”
How do you get your steps in?
“I jog for an hour two to three times a week. On the days when I can’t take a run, I squeeze exercise into my daily activities. I walk my kids to school. I use the time while my kids are at practice to take a walk. Instead of driving to swim practice, we walk. And it’s a great opportunity to connect with family and friends while we walk together.”
“I’m far from an athlete, but I’m active. Taking time to run on trails and breathe the fresh air is my happy place.”
“Getting my steps in everyday relieves stress, keeps me fit, and gives me time for a mental health break during my busy day.”
Why is living a healthy lifestyle important to you?
“When my lifestyle is active I feel better and I have more energy. Plus, I have more fun with my kids. I feel more productive with my day and more motivated in all aspects of my life when I’m active.”
Who’s your fitness tribe?:
“I have friends that I walk and run with and other moms from my kids’ teams who walk with me. We hike as a family on the weekends or take a walk to Marietta Square. We exercise but mostly we are enjoying each other’s company.”
Top 3 ideas to get your steps in:
- Instead of driving, walk your kids to school, sports activities or the park.
- Make the time productive while waiting for your kids at practice. Walk around the track during soccer practice.
- Enjoying a weekend at the beach? Take the time to kayak with your friends. Weekends count, too!
QUICK TAKES
- Favorite Half Marathon: Disney Princess Half Marathon. Time with friends and Disney World without kids is so enjoyable!
- Favorite post-workout snack: Almonds
- Favorite workout song: AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. It’s a joke among friends, but it gets us moving every time!
