Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ilana Kearns. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ilana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My Resilient Journey: From Setbacks to Triumphs
Life has a remarkable way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. On a fateful day in March 2022, while immersed in a 9-mile run, a sudden collision with a car knocked me off my feet. Despite the shock and disorientation, I paused my Garmin watch at 8.5 miles, located my phone, exchanged words with the driver, and resumed my run home. With a black shirt concealing the aftermath, I assumed my dampness was from exertion. It wasn’t until I changed that I noticed the impact on my left elbow.
Undeterred, I cleaned up, greeted my dog, and drove myself to the ER. Stitches and a splint later, I was back home on the same day. With road rash, injured wrists, and a throbbing head, I emerged with just an elbow injury.
Swiftly adapting, I embarked on an indoor cycling session the next day and resumed running by day four. Just 11 days after the elbow break, I completed a 9-mile run at a 9:16 pace with a full splint. My dedication to swimming aided my mobility, allowing me to manage my daily routine during the 8-week recovery.
Once the splint was off, I returned to the pool, utilizing different strokes to enhance elbow mobility. The silver lining? Running with a splint corrected my form, leading to faster times. This unforeseen change in running style transformed my pace from 9-minute miles to a swift 7-8 minutes.
These experiences are not only a testament to my resilience but also a window into the power of perseverance and adaptation. Through adversity and setbacks, I have discovered the strength within to overcome life’s hurdles, setting a pace for others to follow.
Moreover, I’ve been touched by the staggering statistics: 43 million Americans grapple with low bone density, and projected hip fractures for 2050 stand at 21.3 million. I’m compelled to change these trends and inspire healthier lives. IRONMAN offers more than bragging rights; it empowers you to seize life on your terms.
The car accident wasn’t the first time training saved my life. In 2015, I confronted the BRCA1 mutation, undergoing a double mastectomy to prevent a fate like my cousin’s. Amidst medical battles, I turned to running to rebuild lung capacity and discovered its power to reshape my life. Running became my anchor, steering me through adversity.
In 2019, I achieved my first marathon despite challenges. In 2020, I embraced road cycling and rekindled my passion for swimming. In 2021, I conquered my inaugural triathlon with aspirations for more.
My journey underscores that setbacks are mere obstacles to overcome, and with determination, they can become stepping stones to triumph. Today, I’m a determined athlete, training rigorously for my first 140.6-mile triathlon at 45 and earlier this year I qualified for the Boston Marathon with a 6:13 buffer!
My experiences have motivated me to pursue certifications in Personal Training, Nutrition, and Wellness through the Academy of Sports Medicine. Additionally, I became certified in IRONMAN to support others in achieving their diverse goals, whether it’s conquering a 5K, completing a marathon, or mastering the art of swimming and sustainable weightloss.
With a proven track record of success, I offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to personal training that covers nutrition, strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular training—all packed into unique 30-minute or 60-minute sessions. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs; each session is tailored to the individual I’m working with.
You can find me at LA Fitness in Woodstock, GA, or I can come to your private residence or corporate gym.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
With nearly a decade of experience as a trusted business partner to C-Suite executives, I’ve shouldered a wide array of responsibilities, earning a high degree of trust. My role has revolved around supporting top-tier operational strategies, execution, and comprehensive employee engagement initiatives within fast-paced, matrix organizations featuring geographically dispersed teams. I’ve consistently prioritized the employee experience as the core focus of our efforts.
Currently, I’m actively seeking a new role as Head of Wellness, where my dedication lies in nurturing a pervasive culture of well-being throughout our organization. I intend to implement interconnected wellness programs with quantifiable outcomes, placing a premium on the holistic health of our staff. My qualifications include certifications in Personal Training, Nutrition, and Wellness from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, alongside my role as an IRONMAN Coach, where I’ve instilled dedication and resilience in training and coaching.
My diverse background spans across industries like B2B, technology, sports, wellness, hospitality, and automotive sectors. I’ve further fortified my expertise with certifications in Project Management and Business Analysis. These credentials enable me to bridge the gaps for effective change management and successful business transformation.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Self-belief is key. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard for others to do so.
Maintain your curiosity. I question everything, not to be contrary, but because it’s how I grow and learn.
Embrace resilience. I’ve faced numerous setbacks, but I’ve always found the strength to stand up again.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
As a Russian immigrant, my family and I fled from the former Soviet Union during the Cold War Era, and my childhood was marked by tremendous challenges. Growing up without a mother, I attended eight different schools from elementary through high school. While these experiences were undeniably tough, they instilled in me the ability to adapt repeatedly and navigate change and adversity with resilience and a positive outlook.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goatmatters.com/
Image Credits
