Columbus Fitness Enthusiast – Agnes I.

Agnes, a native Nigerian, is a fitness blogger living and working in Columbus, Ohio. Before moving to Columbus, she lived in Chicago, Illinois for 3 years. In June 2014, she began documenting her training journey for the Chicago Marathon, her first. For that marathon, she was invited to train exclusively with Nike Chicago.

As a former Yoga Sculpt instructor at CorePowerYoga, she enjoys maintaining a healthy body even in a heated yoga studio. Running has always been a part of her life.  In high school, she was on the track and field team and performed as a top sprinter.  In 2014, she ventured into the world of long distance running.  Agnes believes that exercising, eating a balanced diet & maintaining a healthy body & mind are keys to a successful life.

Once intimidated about crossing the finish line of a marathon (26.2 miles), she now lives for the moments when others say to her: “Agnes, thank you for inspiring me to start my fitness journey.”  She has run 5ks to marathons in different cities across the United States. Her first international race was in Hefei, China in October 2015 where she was chosen to represent Columbus as a Columbus Athlete Ambassador. Outside of running, she trains with Nike+ training club, is a proud supporter of Charity: Water, and enjoys attending church.  She also actively promotes fitness on her social media outlets ~ give her a follow on Twitter and Instagram @AggieRuns! 

What is your motivation for LIVING FIT?
“If you don’t take care of yourself, where are you going to live?” I don’t recall who wrote this quote, but I think it rings true for all of us. If we don’t exercise and eat healthy then our bodies will break down. Fitness is important to me because it is a way of life. I enjoy moving my body because it makes me feel happy and gives me a sense of freedom. My earliest memories of running are from when I lived in Ibadan, Nigeria. I remember running through sugar cane fields outside my parent’s flat (house) and having so much fun with my friends and siblings. As I grew up, I became interested in sports in school.

Favorite FIT memory or accomplishment?

• Running my first marathon in Chicago in October 2014
• Being one of the 48 people chosen for the Nike Chicago #GetOutHere challenge in December 2015

A few of Agnes’s favorite things…

• FIT place around Columbus:  Columbus Commons Park

• Workout routine:  Nike+ Training Club workouts (via the free NTC app)

• Race distance(s):  5k races

• Healthy food/meal:  Sweet Potatoes and Salmon

• Yoga pose:  Warrior II because I feel strong and energized in that pose

What is one thing people may not know about you?

I took piano lessons when I was younger and I would love to start playing the piano again. I love music and I was in the Gospel Choir at The Ohio State University when I was a student.

We meet up for post-run coffee quite a bit!  When going to a coffee shop, what is your go-to order?   I order tea and a sweet pastry or cookie.

How did you find Living Fit Columbus?
I found the @LivingFitColumbus Instagram account, then met up with them for a class at The Butcher Shop.  

Thanks for your time and sharing a little bit about yourself Agnes!  We look forward to hearing your results in 2017 on your upcoming races, including the Choo Choo 9 Miler, the Berkshire Triathalon and the Seattle Rock Run N Roll Half Marathon.  Hope to see you on the trails!