Feature Friday: Meet Member Claire Jackson

1. Where are you originally from?

I was born in Myrtle Beach.

2. When did you move to Myrtle Beach?

I have lived here most of my life. In 2011, Hunter and I drove to Alaska and lived there for 6 months. Then drove to Port Aransas, TX and lived there for another 6 months before moving to Wilmington, NC for a year. We moved back to this area in 2013 and bought a house in North Myrtle Beach where we currently live.

3. How long have you been a member at Finish Strong?

I started with Finish Strong on January 5, 2016.

4. What made you decide to join FS?

Ashley Smith sent me a Facebook invite to the Pink Out Work Out event in September 2015. I was instantly in love with the energy and people and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It still took a few months for me to find the courage to try boot camp.

5. Where did you go on vacation this summer?

Sadie and I stayed with my sister on Lake Keowee over 4th of July week. In October, though, I am going to Waco, TX to indulge my "Fixer Upper" obsession. <3 There's going to be like a huge festival and anniversary celebration while we are there, and I seriously cannot wait!

6. Do you have any pets?

Sadie has a beta fish she named Cindy. My mom's Shih Tzu stays with us a lot, too.

7. What is your favorite quote?

I have a two favorites... "Some day I won't be able to do this. The right time is NOW," - Casey Neistat (he's one of my idols) // And also...I was reading an article in an art magazine one day and this quote totally stood out to me, "Now that my hut has burned down, I have a better view of the moon." I painted it on a block of wood and put it in my office. Just reminds me to always try to find the positive in every situation and not take anything for granted!

8. What's your idea of a fun night out?

Any time spent with Hunter and our friends is a good time, but the rare night out usually involves dinner and going out for drinks. Hunter and I are pretty low-key most of the time, though, so we are just as happy staying in and playing games or watching TV.

9. What's a favorite workout/challenge/event that you've done at FS?

My favorite challenge I completed was the Sexy and Strong for Summer challenge Molly held for us last summer. It was super hard, but I saw amazing results and felt really motivated. My favorite type of workout is any that includes challenging myself with heavier weights.

10. What's your favorite song to workout to?

I enjoy working out to music that is loud and has a good beat. Like Bassnectar and anything gangster rap. The only time I actually listen to that type of music. I find it really hard to get into oldies or classic rock (especially at 5 am).

11. Where's your favorite restaurant in Myrtle Beach?

Gordon Biersch is one of my favorites because I met my husband there during Trivia Night (haha). I also like Flamingo Grill and anything Thai.

12. What do you like most about Finish Strong?

One thing I love about Finish Strong is how it grows with you. Even as you get stronger and faster, the workouts continue to be challenging and difficult. We are lucky to have some awesome trainers. I also appreciate the community of women who are so encouraging and amazing. Molly has created such a great environment - what's not to love?

13. If you had to which would you choose: 50 burpees or 100 warrior sit ups?

50 burpees

14. How do you relax after a long day?

I enjoy reading - I am in the middle of like three books: "Tools of Titans," "Finding Ultra," and the 4th Harry Potter book. I also just started "Self-Reliance and Other Essays" by Emerson. We also enjoy watching TV after Sadie has gone to bed, too. I am watching Game of Thrones, and with Hunter, we just finished the "Last Man Standing" series, and "Bloodline."

15. Do you have any hobbies?

We love camping and anything outdoors like hiking, spending the day at the beach, fishing, kayaking, and gardening. I also enjoy hosting dinner parties and organizing events, and I LOVE to travel. I was very fortunate to be able to travel internationally a lot during college. My favorite trip was spending three weeks in Kenya. There really is nothing like experiencing other cultures.