Story of My Life

I thought it was about time I rewrote this, I think I wrote it the first week I started blogging.  My how things have changed.  Anywho-

This is my typical demenor.

My name is Hollie and I’m recent graduate working in Upstate New York.  Also conveniently 10 miles from the Mohawk Casino but I haven’t been in a while. 

This picture is totally illegal.  I’m badass.

I changed my major from math to community health after my junior year of college (math education to community health).  No there are no similar classes and yes it was a complete 180.  Well except I was already minoring in health, so they just kinda did a tradzie.  It was the best decision of my life.  I am not a nutritionist and my health degree does not give me credentials to tell you what to eat and how to exercise.  I do have a lot of hours in nutrition classes, exercise and all that jazz but I’m not certified.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  I have and will eat it for every meal.  I don’t care and please judge me if you want.  True life: If it was socially acceptable to have ice-cream and waffles/pancakes for every meal, I’d be there.  Nevermind healthy…but socially acceptable.

With that being said, I do not post everything I eat because that is boring and who cares if I had 12 apples throughout the day.  Please don’t email me telling me to eat more because I might backsass you.  I don’t have a scale and I don’t want one.  I think I’ve done a fine just fueling myself thus far in my college career.  So don’t use my “diet” as your own because you can probably create a better one for you anyways.

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And now on to sports:

This one time I played soccer.  I sat there and picked flower and skipped across the soccer field.  My dad told me I wasn’t aggressive enough and that was the end of that.

This other time I also played tennis and threw my racket at an opposing girl and gave her a pretty serious knot on her forehead.  If I was a little older when that happened this blog would be called lolzinjail.

That is the extent of my team sports career.  All overseas and all lasting a hot second.

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Swimming:

My mom signed me up when I was 10 years old.  She thought it would be a good idea since I spent the majority of my time playing roller coaster and zoo tycoon (I’m still the champ FYI).  I was overweight, but my parents would never bluntly say it.  She asked me, and I had always loved swimming (I was Sharks and Minnows champ at lessons) so I agreed.  I was by no means the fastest swimmer and by no means motivated.  I would pull on those lane lines during backstroke, freestyle whenever.  Something clicked though my ninth grade year.  I fell in love with the pool.  I enjoyed going to practice.  I wanted to better myself.  9th grade was a pivotal point in my life.  Tenth grade you can read the surgery and all that good jazz here.

Swimming the Mile, Can you tell?

Throughout high school, I swim distance events such as the 500.  In college, I began to hate the 500 and love events such as the mile, and 1000.  The 1000 is by far my favorite event.  I could swim those 40 lengths all day everyday.  I’m the type of person who can stare at the bottom of the pool for countless hours and not get too bored. Swimming from point A back to Point A periodically doesn’t bother me.  You still gotta be there for those 2 hours practice no matter what you’re doing and I don’t have to deal with drama if my face is looking at that black line for 2 hours.

I did not choose my college for swimming and wasn’t even planning to swim until my roommate asked if I wanted to go to the swimming meeting.  How ironic-I ended up rooming with a past swimmer.  Forward to now-neither of us swim a lot and she has graduated (she’s also pretty much a genius…just saying).   I try and motivate myself to get in the pool occasionally to train for summer open water races but that is about it.

I made a very hard decision senior year of college not to swim.  For many different reasons but I’ll try and list them all briefly: I was having serious shoulder issues, I was mentally retired from swimming and I wanted to focus on running.  Second semester of senior year and I don’t regret that decision.   I missed all my swimming friends, I did, but sometime you just have to do what’s best for yourself and your life.  Reinjuring my shoulders and being mentally frustrated and depressed was not really what I wanted to do. 

Forward to the running:

In middle school, I could not run the mile to save my life.  I was so proud this one time that I didn’t stop and walk (the only time).  I demanded my gym teacher never make me run it again (and he didn’t).    My first mile I was ever timed in was in middle school at 12:12.  Passing was 12:30 and you best believe I hauled my pudgy, awkward, short nerdy self to the end of that track so I didn’t have to run it again.  (that was my first experience with the Hammerdown kick, that I’m notorious for.)

thumbs up to passing…

Insert middle school, finally getting taller, then onto high school and college.  I started running in March 2010.  I signed up for a 5k on a whim and hadn’t really run too much before that.  My time was roughly 24 minutes and coming from the girl that had never run a mile under 12 minutes I was floored.  I ran off and on that spring (about 20 miles weekly).

I made the cross country team in college August of 2010.  I haven’t looked back since.  Sure it was a huge risk to take, joining cross country and swim team.  Sure it meant having no social life, not going out on weekends and waking up at 5:30am every weekday (yes I didn’t even have class till 10).  But I enjoy it more than anything.

and now my only love half marathons

I have had a few injuries but as my previous coach says: “Injuries just extend your career eh” 

I’m no longer coached and living the dream in the real world…mostly.

—————-

Oh and I’m a real girl outside of blogging, running and swimming too:

Don’t confuse me with my real girl days twin. Sometimes I look like a normal member of society…sometimes.

My dad was in the navy (he retired at 30 years) and we have lived in incredible places.  I was born in California, moved to Japan, to England and my parents currently reside in Southern Virginia.  I, however, go to school in Northern New York (like I said right near the casino…).  I went to British school, picked up an accent and sound like a foreigner everywhere I go.  Think British girl moved to hickville and then became Canadian.

I was 160 pounds and 5’3 throughout middle school.  9th grade, I began going to the gym, not eating pizza at swim meets and lost a bit of weight (and went a little faster  in races too).  I had no clue about fitness, I just didn’t hoard cookies.  Throughout high school, I just got longer and leaner.   I have always had self confidence issues but what girl hasn’t?

7th grade wonder years.

To clear this up-I have never been diagnosed with any sort of eating disorder.   I seem to get that a lot but I just love working out and mostly running. I have learned through college, that the key is balance.  Sometimes I eat well-and sometimes I don’t.

 So in short if you just wanted to scroll to the bottom because I just rambled for about 1000 words here is a quick summary and a few fun facts:

1.      I swim and run in college

2.      I am socially awkward to the max

3.      I make up words

4.      I eat a lot of breakfast

5.      Me and Tyra Banks are besties and one day she will realize I am ANTM.

6.      I will judge you on your eyebrows

7.  I’m obsessed with my cat and lolcats.

8. I’m also obsessed with my car which I named Lorraine.

I think that says my entire life in eight short bullet points

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Email me at lolzthatswim@gmail.com if you have questions or if you want to chat it up.

or follow me on twitter @fueledbylolz


90 thoughts on “Story of My Life”

  1. I love the blog. I will definitely be stopping by often. This is a great thing you have started, and I hope it is everything you want it to be. :)

    Reply

    • I do swim thank-you! I am a member of my schools varsity swim team and swim distance.

      When I was younger, I was such a slow learned but then one day it all just clicked. Hopefully it will go the same for you. It’s such great exercise when you get the hang of it. :)

      Reply

  6. hello! I’m a swimmer too, but mainly a freestyle and butterfly sprinter. I read in one of your posts you teach swim lessons to fundraise – that must be fun. My mom is a swim instructor and she has the cutest little kids! :D
    I like running too but don’t do a whole lot of it now.

    Reply

    • I have the cutest child now actually. She doesn’t swim too much on her own but she is learning ha. Bah-I’ll never be a sprinter…I have one pace…the mile pace and it is how I swim everything sadly. :) Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply

  9. I can’t believe I missed this part of your blog before!! There’s so much I didn’t know about you! That’s awesome that you grew up all over the world, I’m so jealous. I love all these pictures, too; you look amazing as always! Also, your life plan sounds like it would fit you perfectly, and I’m sure you would be a superb middle school teacher, and a kick-ass trainer!!

    Reply

    • Oh thank-you. :) Growing up everywhere has given me a different outlook on food but on life in general. :)

      thanks for all the compliments you’re amazing. :)

      PS: Thank you for always reading my blog as well. It means a lot.

      Reply

  10. Hi Hollie,

    I’m just found your blog. I love MATH and I’m glad to see you want to be a Math teacher after your graduate. I’m a nerd at heart and love statistics and all those fun math classes :)

    Working out and especially running helps me de-stressed too. It amazes me how clear my head becomes after a leisurely run.

    I look forward to reading more about your adventures.

    ~ Lea

    Reply

  11. Hey girlie :) ! Just wanted to say hello to a fellow swimmer. Loved your post on how to watch swimming! And am also amazed by your ability and dedication to balancing swimming with college (not something I’ve been able to do!) :P

    Reply

  12. I just found your blog and I love it. I can’t wait to read more!

    I just started a blog of my own and so far the most difficult thing has been getting people to actually read it! Do you have any tips for a first time blogger on how to direct traffic this way? ;)

    If you have the chance, check out my blog and let me know what you think!

    Reply

  19. Great story! I am a freshman in high school and the fastest I’ve ever ran 2 miles was a little under 16 minutes. You are amazing! :-)
    Can’t wait to read more!

    Reply

  21. Hi, This is a terrific blog. I wonder if I can ask you a question, maybe by email? Can you send a message to me by the email I provide here (if you don’t mind!! ). I don’t want to bother you!

    Reply

  23. Hey you’re blog is too cute! Thanks for stopping by mine! Your workout schedule is insane! That’s awesome you can balance all that and do the school thing, that’s definitely an accomplishment!

    Reply

  24. after reading your ‘about’ page, i feel like we could be best friends! i swam and ran a lot, just finished four years of collegiate swimming and am now in grad school. just wanted to say hey and let you know i love your site! keep up the great work.

    Reply

  29. My name is Jennifer I’m the individual who got the amazing opportunity to share the Arbonne Essentials with Carrie and her blog. I send product to individuals to allow them to see if the products are right for them. I’d love the opportunity to share the protein mix with you! Looking forward to hearing from you!

    Reply

  32. Hey Hollie,
    I am so glad I found your blog because, well, we are so similar! I also am a college athlete (xc and track-distance runner) I swim (not for a team, though) and actually am getting over a stress fracture in my calcaneous (from too much mileage too fast) ! I also love food and fitness and of course, blog about it! I was a chubby little girl too, and now obsessed with running and swimming; I hope to some day run marathons/triathlons, once the whole school/athletics is over.
    Just wanted to say hey and thought your blog was awesome !
    Mine is young but will hopefully get there=]

    Reply

  33. Hey!
    Just found your blog and after reading your story knew I had to introduce myself! I’m a swimmer too! Well, technically I’m a “swammer” as I just finished my last year of college swimming a month ago! I’m excited to get to know you. It sounds like we have a lot of things in common and I just love connecting with other swimmers, especially those who understand the dedication to college swimming. I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re managing to run at the college level as well. props to you kiddo!

    Reply

  34. Hey! I just found your blog from the comment section of another person’s (eek can’t remember) but am so glad I did! I can relate to several parts of your story- although I no longer swim, I was on a team from 9 years old to 18, I am now a runner and am on my schools cross country and track team, had/have disordered eating and am a junior in college too!
    I think your approach towards food and exercise is awesome and something I am working to normalize. I also have never officially been diagnosed with an eating disorder but I definitely need to improve to relationship towards food and my body.
    I recently started a blog, http://www.amazingasset.com, so check it out if you would like!
    I look forward to continuing to read your site :)

    Reply

  35. wow!! your awesome, nice story. nice grades too, especially with all that you do. i’ll be entering college in a few years..and i’m totally nervous..i think i’m going to read your blog so i can learn more about how to balance all of that…it’s just crazy!!! :)

    Reply

  36. I found you through your guest post on Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous and loved you right away! I miss swimming sooooooo much so I will happily be living vicariously through you. You have A LOT to be proud of!!!

    Reply

  37. Wow you definitely have a great story. I swam growing up and recently got back into it just for fun. It’s such a great workout and you look amazing!!! I can’t wait to keep reading some more :)

    Reply

    • This is a great post!! Right now I’m a nursing stndeut, bodybuilder (hobbyist for now, but still train 5x/week and eat accordingly, which takes about an extra hour a day), part-time office cleaner and I work from home and blog. So YES I am tired at 9pm even on Friday nights! haha! So many people don’t get that and think it’s weird that I’m a stndeut and don’t party. Ummm I do NOT have the energy!

      Reply

  40. I’ve loved reading your blog! Not gonna lie, the Pumpkin Mousse is ahmazing. It’s so fun reading a blog from a girl very similar to myself – I also run Division III in upstate New York (maybe we’ve run/will run against each other in XC?) and have a passion for nutrition. Anyways, I hope your summer training is going well – if you’re bored check out my sister and I’s blog about our Rave Run trip in California!

    Reply

  44. I just found your blog and I have to say I find you very relatable:) I was the same girl in middle school (and elementary school) who hated running. I had to re-run it..more than once;) I love running now and I never thought I’d be able to say that! Also, I definitely agree with you that breakfast is amazing and it’s my favorite meal too. Love you blog!

    Reply

  46. I think I just stalked your entire blog! I just graduated from college in May, and I swam throughout it. I am from PA, but we used to go to meets in NY! We swam at St. Bonaventure and Canisius at few times. I think I may be checking your blog more often!

    Reply

  49. glad I found your blog, I love it. Your so funny! And I think it’s so cool that you’ve lived in a bunch of places, that’s awesome! :-) can’t wait to read more

    Reply

  50. I just found your blog, and love it! :-)
    Breakfast for every meal sounds totally yum! With you on the waffles (they just don’t make them big and healthy enough so you can have tons without worrying).

    Reply

  58. Oh my gosh you are hilarious, why have we not become blog friends before this!! former college swimmer here, I unfortunately or fortunately swam all 4 yrs and mentally retired after my senior yr. I have hardly touched the water since and I am not sad about it, running and strength training it my jam!

    Reply

  62. The picture you have in the top right of your banner I recognized from earlier in the year. I think one of my good friends ran in that race and he was one of the top male finishers! What a small world!!

    Reply

  64. Hollie,
    You are fricken halarious, I finally had a chance to read your blog completely, coming from my professional medical opinion, I wouldn’t say you have a eating disorder, maybe a mental disorder an obsession to be “your best” and there is nothing wrong with that. Hope we can remain twitter buds where ever life takes us.

    Reply

  66. I noticed that you had said you went to SUNY Potsdam. I am currently at SUNY Canton. It is nice to see a fitness blog from someone who knows the area and can understand the difficulty of staying healthy and fit with just the few options of a small town.

    Reply

  67. Pingback: Bestie Bday Weekend « Food & Fitness

  68. Okay, I literally just almost choked on my toast reading this… from laughter.
    you’re hilarious, I love the way you write!

    I love meeting other bloggers who are as passionate about running (and pancakes..) as I am, and I’ve always wanted to join a cross country team! what’s it like?!
    my next goal is to rock a half marathon, which scares me to death but is equally as exciting :)

    congrats on all your amazing race times! I see you had a stress fracture… join the club, you and me both! they’re so frustrating and heartbreaking :(

    keep up the awesome running and blogging!

    kloe x

    Reply

    • I’m glad it amused you. Cross country was a lot of fun and I truly enjoyed it with my team. It’s just like a road race but on grass. :-) You’ll do great at your half marathon. Have you signed up for one?

      I did have a stress fracture. They are pretty common with female runners I think.

      Reply

  69. Oh glad to hear, apparently a lot of people really love the team spirit feel and how they have a solid group of friends through the team working towards a goal :)

    I haven’t signed up for one yet, just because I think I’m starting to get a bit of plantar fasciitis in my foot.. which is devastating! And I want to give it a rest and let it heal up before I’m sidelined for longer. I’m not sure when there’s one on in Australia actually, they’re definitely not as common as in America, sadly :(

    Yeah, they are quite common for female runners- which is no fun. Were you able to make a full recovery with no further problems and everything?

    Reply

  70. I know right, here’s hoping! I hear horror stories about PF and that it gets chronic and impossible to get rid of!
    Running injuries, huh? They happen yet we keep crawling back :P
    hehe

    Yeah I had to take 3 months of, mine was in my femur, which also happens to be the strongest bone in the body.. I have no idea how I did it either, lol.

    So you’ve done halfs and full marathons??

    Reply

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