Episode Details

In this episode of Start Before You're Ready, I'm joined by longtime KBC member Kjersti Oliver, whose story is an incredible reminder that life doesn't have to be perfect for us to keep moving forward. Kjersti is a wife, mom of two young boys, assistant principal, and former competitive swimmer and triathlete. In 2024, while helping open a brand-new school and raising her young family, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She shares what it was like navigating chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation while trying to hold on to the things that made her feel like herself. One of my favorite parts of her story is how she reached out to me to start exercising again, even when she wasn't sure what her body could handle. She literally started before she was ready.

We also talk about the power of community, raising kids with healthy habits, making fitness a part of your life without becoming obsessed with goals, and why consistency matters so much more than perfection. Kjersti shares some great practical advice about meal planning, involving kids in the kitchen, and supporting someone going through cancer. Her biggest takeaway is something I think we can all learn from: sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for someone is simply keep showing up. This conversation is about resilience, perspective, and finding your way back to the things that bring you joy, even when life looks nothing like you planned.

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IG: @kellys_bootcamp
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