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How did growing up in Albuquerque%u2019s North Valley influence your connection to nature and fitness?New Mexico%u2019s landscape is often associated with its arid deserts, but growing up near the Rio Grande in the North Valley, I was surrounded by greenery. The lushness of the area, with its cottonwood trees and flowing river, made outdoor activities like running, walking, and biking much more enjoyable. The trees provide shade during the summer, and their foliage turns vibrant in the fall. It%u2019s a gorgeous backdrop for any workout, and I%u2019ve always felt privileged to have access to such natural beauty.Can you describe how the landscapes around the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains became part of your fitness routine?I love the gym, but I believe outdoor activities are just as important. I%u2019m lucky to live five minutes from the river and only 15 minutes from the Sandia Mountains. Growing up, I hiked frequently and fell in love with the challenge and peace it brings. One of my favorite hikes is the La Luz Trail, an 8-mile trek with a 3,200-foot elevation gain. The views are breathtaking, and it%u2019s a fantastic workout. In a typical week, I lift at the gym five times and make sure to incorporate a hike or run outdoors%u2014it grounds me and boosts my physical and mental health.How has your love for the outdoors shaped your career managing a landscape architecture and design team?My love for nature has had a huge impact on my career. I manage a team of landscape designers, and our job is to create spaces that allow people to connect with the outdoors. I especially enjoy designing parks and community spaces that encourage people to gather, exercise, and enjoy nature. It%u2019s incredibly rewarding to help create environments that foster well-being.Can you share how your Greek heritage influenced your passion for gardening and homegrown foods?My grandparents, or yiayia and papou, were incredible cooks who opened a restaurant after immigrating from Greece. Cooking and eating together were huge parts of my upbringing, and my parents have continued that tradition with their garden, where they grow everything from tomatoes to herbs like oregano and basil. My papou even smuggled oregano from Greece when he came to America, and we still grow it today%u2014it%u2019s the most fragrant oregano you%u2019ll ever taste. This tradition taught me the importance of fresh, homegrown ingredients, not just for flavor but also for their health benefits.What are some of the health benefits you%u2019ve discovered about growing your own vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices?Homegrown foods are packed with nutrients, and herbs offer so many health benefits. I%u2019ve been making teas with fresh herbs like mint, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Gardening itself is also a great way to get moving, de-stress, and connect with nature, which adds another layer of well-being to the whole process.What drew you to join RTG Fitness, and how has it impacted your fitness journey?A friend of mine was getting married and joined a Bridal Bootcamp challenge at RTG Fitness, so I decided to join too. I fell in love with the process and have been part of the RTG family ever since! The support and camaraderie I found there, along with Ramona%u2019s expertise, have completely transformed my approach to fitness.What was your experience like competing in your first OCB competition, and how did it feel to place third and win best performance?It was one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences of my life. Competing in the OCB with four other RTG women by my side was incredible%u2014we supported each other throughout the process, from training to the emotional ups and downs of peak week. Placing third and winning Best Performance felt amazing, but the real win was the bond I built with my teammates.InterviewExclusive30 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 58