More than 300 pounds later and plenty of sweat and smiles, the Miss Fits group is filled with contagious energy.
The women’s exercise group is made of seven ladies who are all different but have a common goal.
That goal involved working out and keeping each other encouraged which they have done for about a couple of years and will continue with no end date in sight.
The group started with Jessica Grimsley-Norman and Karen Crapse meeting at Lynche’s Woods to walk and eventually run.
Later, Crapse’s daughter, Rebecca joined along with Karen Kinard, Cherry Hughes, Cayce Hughes and Kristina Ouzts.
In addition to running through Lynch’s Woods on Saturday, they also work out at the Newberry Y where they all testify on the wonders of spinning classes.
While they also do Zumba classes as well, spin is a favorite for its high calorie burn in a shorter amount of time.
The ladies workout time, whether individual or together, is like their stress reliever.
“We can go in with bad moods and come out laughing (and) sweating,” Norman adds, with agreement from the ladies.
While they enjoy each other’s company, they are not limited to keeping their group small.
They welcome any woman who wants to run, spin or dance with them.
However, they just like to encourage others in general; for example, whenever they are at the gym and just want to lend some positive feedback.
Norman does add that if someone wants to join them on Saturdays at Lynch’s Woods, that they bring a buddy. Everyone’s pace is different and she wouldn’t want the new person to be left behind or on their own.
By constantly staying in contact and seeing each at they gym frequently, motivation comes naturally on a physical and mental level.
They can also tell each anything.
A couple of the girls are younger. Rebecca Crapse is in high school while Cayce Hughes is in college.
Rebecca says that it’s like having a lot of mothers who help her out.
Of course, the other ladies say that Rebecca Crapse provides plenty of comic relief.
In addition to providing exercise accountability, the ladies help each stay on track nutritionally.
While everyone has their good and bad days, they help other with wise decisions regarding food. However, they do not diet instead they eat well and exercise just about every day.
In addition to regular workouts, the ladies also have runs that they do.
Karen Crapse says they have done about eight runs together. Runs include 5Ks, 10ks and half marathons.
In fact, some of the ladies recently participated in the Prosperity Hoppin’ 5K and they have a 5K coming up on Friday in Anderson.
The Anderson 5K is a night run. Then in November, they will participate in the Rock and Roll half marathon in Savannah, Ga.
However, the ladies all agree that the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston is their favorite for a couple of main reasons.
In addition to seeing people get all dressed up, it’s also an overnight trip for them in which they have a girls getaway.
Rebecca Crapse adds that after you run and see the bridge, it’s a beautiful sight.
Karen Crapse says that people ask her why she would want to pay to run and she says that oftentimes it’s for a good cause, plus it’s time well spent together and besides she and the other ladies get a free T-shirt.
The ladies have a T-shirt collection from the races they have done and will continue to do.
Norman adds that the adrenaline they get from racing is a bonus too.
The ladies have overcome many challenges. In fact one challenge had them endure the storm, literally.
Cayce Hughes and Ouzts were running through Lynch’s Woods when they got caught in the storm. They just kept going because they were already halfway through and had to finish.
In fact, Cayce says that when they were at the end, they saw light peeking out and were thrilled. The storm and rain was definitely motivation to keep going.
That’s what the Miss Fits do; they just keep running and keep moving.
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