Her Story

Because nothing motivates us to stay healthy more than meeting other athletic women who do it all, Her Sports brings you the stories of everyday women just like you. If they can do it, so can you!

Name: Lisa McMichael

Sport: Snowboarding, swimming, water polo, mountain biking

Age: 37

Occupation: 2nd grade teacher

Where I live and play: Napa, Calif.

Marital status: Married to Steve for 10 years but it still feels like we're newlyweds!

Kids: Two boys Quinn, 4 and Barrett, 19 months- like "grin and bear it!"

Animals: Two cats--brothers who no one (but we) can tell apart. They follow us on walks to get coffee.

First love (sport): Swimming. My mom loved to tell stories of dragging me to my brother's and sister's swim meets when I was 4 or 5, where I'd tell everyone I was going to beat my siblings some day. Sure enough at 8 my times were faster than theirs at 10.

Favorite place to be active: Napa Valley Junior College has wonderful P.E. classes with great facilities. I have taken swimming, water polo and mountain biking classes.

Role model & why: My mom is my main influence and the reason I am so active. She raised four kids, had a full-time job, cooked dinner and cleaned the house--never taking time for herself. Today she has dementia due to several small strokes over the last eight years and is in a nursing home. I can't help but wonder if she had taken more time for herself and exercised, whether she would be healthier today. If there is a chance that consistent exercise, working out to relieve stress or simply taking a walk with a friend is going to keep me mentally and physically healthy, I'll do it.

Ideal active weekend: Leaving the boys with Grammy on Saturday while my husband and I go snowboarding, then coming back to a hot meal with the family. Waking up early Sunday morning to walk to Starbucks and then singing in church.

Proudest active moment: Hopping my first log on my bike (I have pictures to remind me of the moment.)

Best training tip: Have a goal!

Gear I can't live without: I always carry my swimsuit, cap and goggles with me.

Favorite pre-workout/race meal: Banana

Sport I'd most like to try: I've taken two surfing lessons at Cowell Cove in Santa Cruz, but I'd like to try surfing more and someday ride a "real" wave.

When I'm not swimming, snowboarding or mountain biking, I'm: Spending time with my boys. Barrett is starting to say new words every day and has a hundred different expressions that make us laugh. Quinn is learning to write his letters and numbers, which is so much fun for me as a mom and teacher.