Some of you already may know a little about me, and some this may be all new to you. My name is Shaunna, I’m 38 years old and live in Eugene Oregon. But that’s not really what I’m here to tell you about. This isn’t an autobiography of my life, its just a snippet of my history with, and my future goals in the wellness community.
I grew up playing all kinds of sports. I played soccer, softball, volleyball, track, basketball and danced. I enjoyed playing group sports, mostly for the social aspect. In high school I went all in on Cheerleading and dancing. I did this for 4 years. 2 in high school and 2 at the junior college level. I loved every minute of it! Both the performance and the encouragement and support for others. I learned a lot of discipline during those years and spent time working on my fitness and nutrition to be conditioned for the sport.
After leaving cheerleading I continued showing up in the gym regularly, prioritizing my health, as I worked my way through my dental college days. At this point in my life consistent fitness was a lifestyle for me. Yes, I am a registered dental hygienist and former dental assistant. I’ve had a lot of experience learning about and working with the human body. In Dental Hygiene school I was inspired by a classmate who competed in bodybuilding figure competitions. I reached out to her and her coach and we got started prepping. I was excited, this was a culmination of my lifestyle of fitness with some performance aspects I missed from my cheerleading days all baked into one. My coach, whom was online, recommended the “new” at that time, bikini division of bodybuilding. I learned a lot more about lifting weights, how our body responds to workouts, counting macros, consistency, discipline, and balance in life. I competed in 4 bikini division shows from 2009-2011. I had two 1st place placings, one 3rd place, and an 8th place. By this time I had graduated dental hygiene school, moved to a new town and started my career. It was time for me to switch my focus for a while to my hygiene career. As I did this I continued with my lifestyle of fitness, never skipping a beat. Trying new things like Barre, and yoga all while still lifting in the gym and going to CrossFit consistently for about 2.5 years in the mix too.
Around 2012 I decided to start distance running. I know, bodybuilding and distance running are fairly contrasting sports. But I had the urge to try new things and experience other aspects of the fitness world. I ran my first half marathon in 2013, followed over the next 10 years with 6 more half marathons and 1 full marathon. Running the flat fast road races was fun, but again I wanted to explore more of the fitness world. I transitioned from road running into trail running around 2017, and have completed four ~15 mile distance races for that two year time period when I completed my latest trail run in 2019. All of these long distances combined with plenty of 5K and 10K lengths in the mix as well. Common question, What’s the difference between trail and road running? Trail running is basically running a course with hills and climbs that are on hiking trails, not on paved or flat ground like most road races. During this time I also I became a member at Orange Theory for 2 years. I really enjoyed each different fitness phase of my life. I enjoyed exploring and trying new things, I still do. I frequently try out new gyms and new styles of fitness including Pilates, mega former, versa climber, etc. I love it all and like seeing what’s new and mixing it up. Still, something in my head was taking me back to that bodybuilding bikini stage. In 2019 I decided it was time to start a prep and make my come back after 10 years! With the help my new coach in Eugene I prepped almost to completion and then Covid pandemic cancelled the shows for the 2020 year. I still count that prep even though it never resulted in a show. During this time I acquired even more knowledge about how our bodies respond to training techniques and nutrition. I realized how much I truly enjoy continually learning all things fitness, nutrition, mindset, and women empowerment. Mid 2020 I decided I officially wanted to learn more and apply my enjoyment for fitness in a different way, so I began studying for my personal training certificate. I completed this in 6 months and was officially certified as a personal trainer in 2021. I knew I wanted to spread my love for wellness but wasn’t sure how that looked. I know how important nutrition is in the scheme of things and decided having the capability to help others on that level felt like a good fit for me. I completed the Precision Nutrition Level 1 nutrition coaching course and became a certified nutrition coach by May of 2021. In addition I took courses from The Next Level Coaching Academy to learn the ropes of the business and client delivery side of things. I had laid the ground work, but wasn’t quite ready to roll it into a business or working in the industry quite yet.
In 2022 I decided I wanted to devote some of my extra time, increased knowledge and some extra practice applying what I had learned by starting prep for another bikini competition. I started prep January 2022 and competed in two shows, July and August 2022, where I earned 2nd and 4th places! I was so pumped I decided I really wanted to prove any woman can do whatever she puts her mind to, that I decided to run another half marathon just less than 6 weeks after my last competition this year. We can do hard things! We are capable of so much! Through out my life I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my love for fitness and health with out help from others. From people who inspired me, people who encouraged me, trainers, coaches and mentors. We don’t do it alone, we don’t have to do it alone, being part of something together feels so much better! These vibes led me to feeling like it was time, time to pass that on to others around me.
This sums up my experience and credentials within the wellness industry, and with that I start my online women’s nutrition, fitness and mindset coaching business. I’m super excited to help other women and to hopefully make a positive impact in this world. Now that you know a little bit about me, I want to get to know you! That’s what I am here for after all. Yay!
Little Ms Fit 