Athlete of the Month: July 2017

Giovannina Penze

Nickname: Giov

Member since: October 2015

Windy City: In the box Giov brings a contagious energy to every class. She has a consistently positive attitude that has certainly allowed her to progress with any skill she tackles. Giov is a leader in the Windy City community. She's the first person to volunteer her help, time or baking skills to every Windy City event! Giov stepped up big time during the 2017 Murph Team Training and really caught the attention of the coaching staff and her fellow teammates. Well done Ms. July!!! 

“I know the sun must set to rise.”

Giov: I have been an athlete my whole life. I played water polo (goalie) in high school and played club at Indiana University. Working out has always been an outlet for me. I struggle with OCD/anxiety/depression, and in high school/college playing water polo is when all my thoughts would stop and I would be at peace. I am a more mentally stable person when I workout. When I moved to the city I had a hard time finding a gym routine that clicked for me. On my way home from work one day I decided to stop into Windy City, and I have been hooked since. The community is just incredible. The atmosphere is inviting and something I knew I wanted to be a part of. Everyone I have met is truly special. The coaches take interest in your progress and push you to be the best version of yourself. 

Recent Adventures

One of my most memorable experiences was hiking in the Grand Canyon. We started at the south rim and hiked the Royal Arch loop, and did a day trip to Elves Chasm. Overall we did 46 miles in 4 days. It was challenging but so rewarding. Sleeping under the millions of stars was a very fulfilling experience. 

I am doing to GORUCK Milwaukee event in October, and I know that is going to be challenging but so worth it when you are done!

Future Adventures

This September, James and I are getting married and we will be going to Iceland and Belgium for our honeymoon. We are planning to go glacier hiking/snorkeling in Iceland and then do lots of hikes in Belgium. In the future I would love to do another backpacking trip. I like pushing my limits. When something is physically hard for me to do I like digging deep and pushing past that mental barrier that says you can't.

Goals

• Fitness: String together more than 3 double unders. Get a strict pull-up. Continue to improve my upper body strength.
• Professionally: In the future I would love to run my own in-home daycare. 
• Personal: Work on loving me, more consistently.

Something that most people don’t know about me:

James and I are high school sweethearts!

Words to Live By

I have realized as I have gotten older that you have to surround yourself with people that make you happy and who want the best for you. Let go of any negativity. Most importantly, continue to work on yourself and become the best version of you.