My real name is Athena. 
In ancient Greek times, I was the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice. I was the goddess of mathematics, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.  I was the patron goddess of heroic endeavor, strategic war, and strength. What a gal! That’s a lot for young lass to have on her shoulders (even as strong as they are)!

In 1999 when I participated in sprint triathlons, I was an athlete in the Athena division (a weight class division of women over a certain weight limit – by USA Triathlon standards). And I was a goddess.

In 2013, at the age of 50, I finished 14 out of 152 female participants in the 50-54 age category in the Minnesota Warrior Dash. I finished 588 in a pool of 2297 women. I finished at number 2297 overall out of a pool of 8311 total participants. And I was a goddess. Today, you may know me as Lisé, the girl in the front row (usually dressed in Johnny Cash black) who works out at the Warehouse. And, yes, I am still a goddess. 

At 5’3” (on a good day), the height and weight charts have me in the overweight to obese category. Now, I’m not pretending that I don’t have some extra pounds to lose or that I don’t have the same ‘excuses’ as everyone else….I have three kids…. I had three caesareans… I am a busy wife/mother/career woman…I am over 50…. I have a bum knee…I have asthma…But I am a goddess. 

I will not look at the numbers on a scale and feel defeated. I will look at the numbers on the scale and know that I am strong. I am invincible. Yes, in my own mind, I am Athena. I am a goddess.

I am a goddess of inspiration to my young daughters and to my nieces. I am a goddess of strength to my fellow Warehouse fitness fanatics. I am a goddess of wisdom as I plan my meals to include Shakeology!

The Warehouse has been my Mount Olympus. The place where I belong as a goddess whether I am in Zumba, Bootcamp, Combat HIIT, Yoga, PiYo, Tank Top Arms, or Insanity. The Warehouse trainers are the voices in my head. “You can do anything for 30 seconds.” “Yes, you can.” “Don’t give up now.” “You made it this far tonight.” “Give me one more.”  “You are stronger than you think you are.” And I think I always hear them whisper, “Remember, you are a goddess. You can do it.”

So, the next time you see me at the Warehouse, feel free to call me Athena…or Lisé.