1) Who is Kenzie Riley? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
Just a small town girl....livin in a lonely world...
JK, that's just a good song.
But for real, I am from a small farm town in rural Illinois; born and raised in the MidWest until about 16 months ago, my husband and I relocated to Carolina. Its been a gorgeous change!
I am a Registered Dietetian with both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Dietetics. I work as a one on one nutrition coach via M2 Performance Nutrition (@m2performancenutrition) and I also do some CrossFit coaching.
If I'm not training I'm usually with my husband watching Netflix, taking our dog to the dog park, on a date at CostCo or Target, or laying by the pool. I also love puzzles. And Geocaching.
2) How many years have you been training?
Walked into my first box June 2012; competed in my first competition September 2012.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
In life or in fitness? I like to think CrossFit is a metaphor for life...
Nothing worth having ever comes easy, so like everyone else in this sport, I started from scratch. Could do one pull up when I started this journey. I just subscribed to falling in love with the process and seeing hard work pay off in time. There are always stumbling blocks, bad days, or physical/mental struggles that are inevitable. I cant say I can think of anything major or drastic that Ive had to "OVERCOME." In 2015 my teammate sustained a competition halting injury on day 3 of the Central Regional; that was devastating to our whole team, as we were in a podium position, however with patience we trained hard and reformulated our team to accomplish that goal the following year.
More so, Ive learned that haters are gonna hate and to not waste energy on that noise.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I get the honor being coached by the famous Seth Page from MisFit Athletics.
I train a mega session most days; 11am-3/4pm, depending how distracted I get.
This usually consists of a major lifting piece, a metcon, some interval style metcon or some #bitchwork (the MisFit specialty) and then some extra gymnastics accessory and rehab/prehab exercises.
I also try to hit a ROMWOD every evening.
During this training session I eat alot of Smashpacks, Greater Than, and American Gainz shakes.
Before heading to the gym Ill eat a big breakfast (600-700 calories) to prepare for these sessions.
I follow up my sessions with a PB& J and a bowl of cereal, before smashing a large dinner (usually Paleo Power Meals) and also a "second dinner" to round out my 2750 calorie diet (including 400g of carbs.) A nutrition coach only allows the best to handle her own nutrition; I trust mine to Mike at M2 Performance Nutrition.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
I always try and seek balance, however I am truly not that great at it, so while I strive for it....it's still a work in progress. I think balance is important in life. I'm trying.
This year I've really learned that confidence is key and can go a LONG way in this game. I've turned a leaf in having confidence in myself and my training
This is partly due to learning that training is about learning about yourself; pushing yourself to failure, trying a different approach than you tried before, taking risks, and sometimes crashing and burning. Ive learned its okay to fail in these situations because sometimes you DON'T fail and you surprise yourself, and THAT builds confidence.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
Ugh I hate the concept of "cheat" meals...Treat meal is MUCH more fun sounding :)
I love peanut butter and I love it on everything. Mostly on chocolate. I also love chocolate anything. And baked anything, specifically cookies or like a good bread/muffin.
Maybe like a mountain of pancakes or cookies with chocolate fudge peanut butter toppings on it all.
And also, pizza.
7) one supplement that you could not live without?
Nova 3 Labs Max Adrenal. Been on it for like...3 years? ha.
8) If you had to start out from scratch with your physique what would you do differently and why?
Im a woman...you dont want to go down this rabbit hole, haha.
I actually used to have a really horrible eating disorder when I was a teenager, which spiraled into a horrible relationship with food for a solid decade.
CrossFit helped my find peace with food knowing it was fueling my body to perform well. I really try and just LOVE my body now.
I have really big quads and I like it, I know that's something I WOULDN'T change.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
Im not just saying this because shes my friend, but even before we were friends, Chyna Cho was always an athlete I was a fan of. Shes super down to earth, so "real" and honest, but also just so encouraging. Theres a reason shes "been around" a while and is STILL killing it, being fitter than ever, and has so many fans. Shes a wonderful person and amazing athlete.
Also, Becca Voight is so badass. The fortitude it takes to be in this sport THAT long is amazing. Id love to see her make 10 Games appearances!
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can". - Arthur Ashe
Also, fall in love with the process and the results will come...usually when you aren't expecting it because you're so distracted focusing on the process! :)
11) What new goals are on the horizon?
I really want to read some books...I say I want to and never do. But I really do!
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
IG @itskenzieriley .... I only really am on The Gram...I dont know how to do the other ones.
