YLF 128: Getting to know Amy
Getting to know you…
Name: Amy Spence
Where’s the best place for listeners to connect with you?: Facebook or Instagram
What are your interests outside of fitness? : I love visiting cute little coffee shops, listening to 80's music, attending concerts, traveling to new places, reading, painting, playing with my dogs, raising awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer, spending time with my young adult children, family, and socializing with friends. I love learning new things, watching documentaries, and listening to cold-case podcasts.
Which types of activity, movement and/or workouts do you currently do?: Running, marathon/ultra marathon running, trail running/biking, hiking, Peloton bike HIIT workouts, weightlifting, yoga
Which eating style and/or types of foods do you currently eat?: I try to eat an anti-inflammatory diet, lean meats, veggies, fruits, and nuts. I also fast and only eat 2 meals per day. Sometimes I splurge and have sweets and alcohol on special occasions or when socializing with friends.
What advice would/do you give your current self around eating and exercise?: First of all, I give myself grace. There are so many fad diets out there and not all of them are good for everyone especially someone like me who is a cancer survivor. I'm still learning about how different kinds of foods affect my body, what to eliminate especially before I run. Second, I think in order to live a healthy lifestyle, you need to have a balance of eating healthy, splurging on special occasions as long as it's not most days, but most importantly realize that what I eat and drink will impact my performance. Third, in order for me to be my best self, cardio needs to be incorporated at least 3 days a week as well as a day of yoga. Since having breast cancer, my bones have become brittle. I have learned that I need to incorporate strength training into my days as well. Last, I also know not to be too hard on myself if I've eaten poorly some days. I just decide to do better the next time and remember what my goal is as what I put in my body and how often I do the exercises I do will either help me reach it or keep me back.
What advice would you give someone that's starting/restarting around eating and exercise?: I would first ask them what their goal is and then develop a plan to help them reach it. Reminding them that what they put into their body will impact that goal along with how often they exercise. As a life and health coach, I talk with my clients about what are the things that "anchor" them to their goals. Often times, people just need to build healthier habits an learn to break the bad ones. I think it's most important to decide to start somewhere and if they fall off their plan, then to make better choices the next time.
What development resources do you recommend? "Doesn't have to be fitness related.": The Bad Boobie Club (my podcast on overcoming adversity)
Running Lean podcast with Patrick McGilvray
Tri-State Running Company (located in Florence and Edgewood, KY and Mariemont, OH)
Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond by Stacy T. Sims
Run Less, Run Faster by Bill Pierce and Scott Murr
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
