by Jake Thompson

Jill Herlihy

In my eyes, to compete every day means to actively pursue what se...
Jill Herlihy

In my eyes, to compete every day means to actively pursue what sets you on fire every day. Regardless of what you’re passionate about, it means never settling.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jill Herlihy.  I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest, and currently living in Norman, Oklahoma.  By day, I’m a Project Management Specialist at The Boeing Company supporting defense programs.  By night and on weekends, I’m a photographer.

2. What’s a typical day look like for you?

 

My typical weekday starts with a run at 4:30AM to wake up and set the tone for the day.  I spend the next part of my day at the office, usually starting at 6:00AM.  My evenings are spent at Koda CrossFit Norman training, mostly CrossFit and Olympic lifting.  The rest of my night is generally spent making dinner, unwinding, and trying to go to bed as early as possible.

3. How did you get started on your current fitness journey?

I started my fitness journey in 2011 when I finally reached my breaking point and couldn’t stand how I felt physically, mentally, and emotionally.  To be honest, I was lazy, lacked motivation, and was very unhealthy.  In the beginning, I kept it simple by running 4-5 days each week, slowly adding distance and increasing my speed.  I swapped out my meals filled with junk food for healthy homemade meals and protein shakes.  From there, I consistently evolved by experimenting with different training programs and nutritional plans to find what works best for me.

4. What’s one goal you’re pursuing to accomplish?

One goal I’m training to accomplish this year is the ability to do unbroken handstand push-ups.  My upper body has always been significantly weaker than my lower body.  Handstand push-ups are a skill that has always eluded me, and I’d been very successful at consistently avoiding working on it.  This year I decided it was time to finally tackle it, no excuses.  My ongoing goal is to become a well-rounded individual, both in and outside the gym. 

5. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?

A life goal I’m pursuing outside of fitness is the growth of my photography business, Beyond the Script.  I want to share life through my eyes with as many individuals as possible by capturing raw, candid moments in time. 

5. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?

In my eyes, to compete every day means to actively pursue what sets you on fire every day. Regardless of what you’re passionate about, it means never settling. Competing every day requires acting with intention instead of merely letting things happen; goals aren’t realized by chance.

6. What is one obstacle you’re proud you’ve overcome?

One obstacle I’m proud to have overcome is the battle with the negative voices in my head.  So many times in the past I’ve given up when I heard: “You’re not strong enough.” “You can’t do this.” “They’ll always be better than you.”  While those voices will never fully disappear, today they’re often drowned out by the louder voice saying things like, “One year ago you couldn’t what you’re doing now.  Keep moving forward.” or “You’ve come too far to give up now.” 

There are many things that fuel my desire to compete every day.  In Diane Ackerman’s words, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it.  I want to have lived the width of it as well.” 

7. What/who do you compete for?

I compete for myself in order to build the best life I’m capable of living.  I compete for my family, as I hope to be a positive role model my niece connects with as she grows older.  One of my primary goals is to offer her plenty of opportunities to witness the beauty in strength, and to work hard to ensure she realizes she can achieve whatever she decides is worth competing for.

Last, I compete for my friends; seeing people I care about succeed is an integral part of my own goals.  Together, we are stronger.

Connect with Jill: Instagram | Photography

The post Why I Compete: Jill Herlihy appeared first on Compete Every Day.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.