Name: Lindsay Somerset
Age: 32
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
What does being a GGS mean to you?
A Girl Gone Strong to me is someone is someone who is not afraid to go after their goals (regardless of whether their goal is to enter a powerlifting competition, do a figure competition, run a half marathon or even be able to squat your own body weight).
How long have you been training?
I have always been pretty active and played a lot of sports in high school. It wasn’t until I graduated high school that I started to train for and race triathlons and got on a proper strength training program. I had to take about one year off from all training due to a back injury (from which I never thought I would heal). Thanks to a great physiotherapist, sports doctor and a great strength program from my husband Dean, I was able to not only get back to training but I became stronger and started to win.
Favorite lift:
Deadlift (the heavier the better)
Most memorable PR:
I have a couple – the first was finally being able to not only go under 35 minutes for a 20 km (12.43 miles) time trial on my bike but I managed to do it in 32 minutes! The second was being able to pull 185 pounds from the floor for my deadlift after by back injury.
Most hilarious pick-up line you’ve heard at the gym:
"So, you like to workout?" I got asked this question as I was working out and had more weight on my bar than he did.
Top 5 songs on your training playlist:
Top 3 things you must have with you at the gym/in your gym bag:
Favorite post workout meal:
An Osmo Nutrition Protein Shake with coconut milk and cacao nibs.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
Shopping (much to my husband’s displeasure)
Favorite book:
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
What inspires and motivates you?
I think what motivates me is my drive to want to always get better. I’m results-oriented. Every year I look back to see what I did in a previous race and set a goal to try and beat that.
What’s the coolest “side effect” you’ve noticed from lifting heavy?
Being able to push a higher power output on my bike. I’ve also noticed a huge increase in definition in my upper body and back and I’m not just “skinny” anymore.
Next training goal:
I have a few...
If you had to choose 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be?
Driven, caring, and funny.
What do you do for work?
I'm fortunate to be able to work with my husband and his online business. I'm also currently working on getting my cycling coach certification as coaching, especially beginners, is something that I really love and want to do.
What else do you do?
Besides training, I love spending time with Dean, our two dogs, Max and Freckles, travelling, reading, and online shopping.
Tell us about a time when you faced fear or doubt, how it turned out, and what you learned from it.
I recently hit a squat personal best with a weight that I didn't think I was even close to doing. I was fortunate to have Dean as my spotter, and he calmed my fears of failing by letting me know he's got me if I need him. I not only did one rep with the weight, I did two and didn't need help. I learned that I'm stronger than I think I am. I tend to underestimate what I can do at times. And now, I have set a new PB to work towards!
What do you want to say to other women who might be nervous to start lifting heavy?
You will not get "bulky." You will get strong and even more awesome! There is noting better and more satisfying that lifting weights, especially when you hit a goal that you set for yourself. I love lifting heavy and I love the amazing changes I have seen from it.
To see more of Lindsay, you can follow her blog, Where Fitness and Fashion Meet, and also follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
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