I was raised in Lake Telemark, a Scandinavian community in Morris County’s Rockaway Township that used to be referred to as “Little Norway.” My affinity for fitness started young.   

For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in sports and outdoor activities. I’m Norwegian, so naturally I love downhill and cross-country skiing (wink, wink), and they remain huge passions in my life. I did track and field in high school, throwing the javelin (I even held my school record, along with two other girls, for the three-women team throw!). Then there was soccer, softball, and traveling around the country with my competition cheerleading team.

So, yes, I’ve always been active…but I never felt like I was completely in shape. (Sound familiar?) My true fitness journey began in 2009 when I trained for and completed my first full marathon. It was a rewarding experience that kicked off a renewed interest in my physical fitness. But just a few years later, in 2017, my world nearly stopped when I found out I had thyroid cancer and had to have a partial thyroidectomy. After my recovery, I decided to pay closer attention to the foods I was choosing. (I was cancer-free, and determined to do right by my body!) By learning to combine healthy eating with an active lifestyle, I began to reap the benefits of feeling fully healthy, satisfied, and toned—and I haven’t looked back!