Picture Les Mills Body Pump, 5:15 a.m. in the morning, Gold's Gym in Waxahachie.  Then picture a mid-twenties, super positive, bubbly ball of energy, coaching the class at 5:15 a.m. on a Wednesday morning.  This was my introduction to Marisa Sibley.  A high school classmate of mine said I should try the class.  I had recently committed myself to say yes and try things out of my comfort zone.  Therefore, I showed up at Gold's Gym at 5:15 a.m.

For those that don't know, Les Mills Body Pump is a special kind of modern day torture.  You take very light weights, the size of which are embarrassing to be seen with anywhere in the gym, then you lift them over and over and over and over and over again.  All the while listening to pop music with ladies throughout the room, both younger and older than you, making it look easy.  It is a special kind of torture at 5:15 a.m. on a Wednesday morning. Marisa did this to me.

I kept going back for more torture with her.  As I did, I got to know Marisa.  I found a super intelligent, uber positive, hardworking young lady that is definitely extrausual.  Not only was she teaching Body Pump at 5:15 a.m. twice a week, she taught classes at 5:30 p.m. twice a week, and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings.  All the while, working a full-time job at ClinPoint Trials in clinical research and pursuing her Master's Degree in Clinical Reseach Management.  Just thinking about this makes me tired.  I learned that she battled a binge eating disorder and that therapy, education, hard work, and programs at her church keep her demons at bay.

Marisa challenges herself daily.  We titled this episode, Dare to Be Brave.  This is a nod toward her favorite program's motto, Les Mills.  But it is very appropriate for Marisa.   She is extremely brave, honest, transparent, and open.  She came to my podcast and let me open her life up like a book.  Not many people are that brave.  Check out Marisa's interview.  She will make your effort in your twenties feel inadequate.  Don't miss the opportunity to get to know this young, beautiful, overachieving lady.  Be careful though, she may make you lift 2 pounds, 750 times in a row, to pop music you have never heard before.