Client Profile: Colleen C.
Get to know some of our clients that make Wattage feel like home! Each month we will post a new client with some interesting facts about themselves and their training experience.
Our client Colleen volunteered to be in this month’s spotlight! Read below to see how she answered our questions.
Client: Colleen Condon
Trainer: Emily Snell
What initially brought you to Wattage?
While preparing for the 2019 Chicago Marathon I experienced a minor knee injury that resulted in a round of PT and race deferral. The set back drove me to finally make a commitment to incorporate strength training into my routine. A family friend that worked for EXOS was familiar with my goals and highly recommended Wattage and Emily.
Can you tell us about your fitness journey?
Since childhood, I have played recreational softball and much to the dismay of every basketball/volleyball coach chose cheerleading as my fall and winter sport (I should note I’m 6’1). I categorically disliked running, however, in my early 20s was convinced to run a 5k with some coworkers and it stuck. Running has been a great outlet for me both physically and mentally; I also love a good dance fitness class for levity.
Are you currently training for a specific goal?
Ultimately, my goal is to hit my Boston Marathon qualifying time. I typically run a half marathon in April and September and I have been following my usual training plan while we’re on hiatus from group races to keep myself honest. If conditions allow, I look forward to another opportunity to meet my goal in the Chicago Marathon next October.
Is there anything that you have learned from your trainer that you were surprised by?
When Emily makes it look easy it is probably going to be really hard. In all seriousness, Emily has taught me that I enjoy something that I never imagined I would.
What do you do for a living?
I lead the team that prepares services proposals for prospective clients at an employee benefits technology and services company.
What do you love best about your job?
Throughout my career, I have supported some of the most complex employer benefit plan designs. As a result, I am often called upon to engage directly with prospective clients as a part of the sales process to ensure our solution meets their needs. When it doesn’t, I serve as a consultant to our Product development team to create solutions that can be leveraged by our current and/or future clients.
Is there any advice you would give to someone thinking about starting their fitness journey at Wattage?
Don’t be intimidated by any preconceived notions of what the training experience will be. I have witnessed a wide range of individuals partnering with their trainers on what are sure to be varying goals. If you have the desire to achieve a goal, I am confident the Wattage team will partner with you to determine a path to success.
Can you give us a good blog, podcast, or book recommendation?
The Moth Radio Hour is a staple in our home. A book that really stuck with me is The Nature Fix by Florence Williams; I have reflected upon it often during the last nine months.
Time to brag! What accomplishments are you most proud of (outside or inside of the gym)?
I am faster in my 40s than I was in my 20s. And, although I thought a half marathon would be the longest distance I would have the desire to complete I have subsequently completed four Chicago Marathons under four hours.
What are you up to outside of the gym (hobbies, family, friends, work, etc)?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Sean, and our dog Eugene Levy. I also spend an obscene amount of time researching new recipes and love to cook.