Mom Crush Lee Ann Coffer

I’ve never had a sister, but I think Lee Ann is pretty much as close as I’ll ever get to one.  This girl is my person.  Outside of my husband, Lee Ann is the friend I reach out to when I want to laugh, cry, or just need to be heard.  She is honest and kind.  She is faithful and she’s a giver.  Our families travel together, Lee Ann and her hubby are our double date buddies, and we are never short on laughs.  These pictures will show you how beautiful Lee Ann is on the outside, but I want you all to know she is just as beautiful on the inside.  

Her transformation is absolutely incredible.

I have seen first hand how hard she has worked over the past 5 years that I’ve known her.  The first time I worked out with Lee Ann we decided to train for a 1/2 marathon together.  I remember going on our first 3 mile jog.  We (and by we… I mean Lee Ann, because I was gasping for air and thought death was imminent) chatted the whole time.  Since then she has completed more 1/2 marathons than I can count as well as a full marathon.  Now Lee Ann excells at CrossFit, because whatever this girl puts her mind to she does well.  Her determination has been and continues to be inspiring to watch.

We have paired up with Nate Grant of TNG Photography to feature our local Las Vegas Mom Crush Monday features in a fitness photo shoot!  I couldn’t think of a more deserving mom than my Le Le!

We had a blast watching Nate work his photography magic, and while I know this is something she would probably have never done on her own, I am so glad she will have these pictures to look back on!

I asked Lee Ann to share some of her wisdom with all of us by answering a few questions.

SFM: What made you decide to make a lifestyle change & make health a priority?

Lee Ann:  When my daughter was a year old I was feeling really bad about myself. I was over weight and had no control over my eating and rarely worked out. I started counting my calories on an app and started getting up in the morning to walk/run. I loved that time by myself. I started walking and then I would run a little and eventually I was able to run the full mile. I found running to be one of my favorite things to do. Even when we traveled I would get up early and run. It was such a great way to explore my new surroundings. When we moved to Vegas I started to think maybe I could run a half marathon or maybe even a full one day!! I made amazing friends who inspired me and pushed me to do more than I ever thought possible! I also loved watching my body change and new muscles show up. I felt so strong and confident and my body image changed.

SFM:  How has your fitness routine changed and evolved over time?

Lee Ann:  It’s crazy because it’s now been 6 years since I started this journey and what once was just a mile walk/run turned into running 12-20 miles a week and sometimes double that if I was training for a race. I never thought my idea of fun was to get up at 4:30 in the morning to run 6 miles with my friends!! Then a couple of years ago our friends managed to talk my husband into trying CrossFit. I was not sold on it, mostly because I loved running. But my body had fully adjusted to running and I no longer saw any change and I actually began to gain some weight back. So I said yes. My very first class I cried like a baby afterwards. It was a whole new way of working my body and it hurt and I was nervous and it was intense. I started going 3 days a week and slowly I was seeing major changes in my body. And again I surprised myself with how much I could do.  Now 2 years later I’ve done multiple competitions and I go the CF 5-6 days a week. My kids watch and have been involved as well. I love to hear them say how strong their mommy is.

SFM: How have your eating habits changed and evolved over time?

 

SFM:  I’ve had the privilege of watching you accomplish SO much just over the few years I’ve known you:  Running a full marathon, running quite a few 1/2 marathons, starting CrossFit, and even getting your first muscle up just a few weeks ago. What accomplishments are you most proud of? What keeps you striving for more?

 

SFM:  What advice do you have for moms that might be feeling deflated or daunted at the thought of making their health a priority?