Meet the Bloggers: Jacki Donaldson

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Sep 17th 2007 7:30AM

We're pleased to introduce one of the newest members to the That's Fit team ... Jacki Donaldson. Jacki is a talented writer who comes to us from our now-retired sister site, The Cancer Blog, and we're delighted to have her on the team.

1. Who are you?

I'm a girlie-girl raising two little boys, ages six and four, who are teaching me that dirt, trucks, and rough play are just as much fun as hair, nails, and Barbie dolls. I'm a wife (for 12 years now) and a freelance writer and a former counselor of college students. I'm a perfectionist too. I'm not athletic, but I'm physically fit -- well, I'm getting there, anyway -- and there's just so much more I could tell you. How about this one last tidbit: I once cut Huey Lewis' hair. I'm a licensed cosmetologist too.

2. Age you tell people you are:

I tell the truth. I'm 37.

3. Where you're from and where you live now:

I'm from Ohio, and I live in Florida now.

4. Do you have a personal blog?

Yes. It's called my Breast Cancer blog and it details my almost-three-year journey with breast cancer. It first started as a means to communicate with friends and family about my progress and then evolved into a form of personal therapy, a method for reaching others, and happily, an avenue for editors to find me. I wouldn't be writing here today had it not been for my husband's suggestion in November 2004 that I try this new thing called "blogging."

5. What is your day job, or rather, what do you do when you're not fitness blogging?

I manage the madness created by the two little boys who consume my world. I write for other websites and publications. I volunteer for the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program -- I meet with women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and help them chart their course for survival.

6. How long have you been blogging with That's Fit and what is your favorite post?

I've been here since September 11. So far, my favorite post is: Tempted by treats? Let the moment pass. It sums me up at this very moment.

7. Do you have a specific fitness background or are you a mere mortal who's just passionate about being healthy and fit -- and living to write about it?

I'm just passionate about eating right, exercising a lot, and preaching about it to anyone who will pay me any attention.

8. What's the worst fitness or diet idea you fell for?

For years, I was under the mistaken impression that I could eat whatever I want, with or without exercise, and that my body would remain unchanged. Then I got cancer, I got older, and I got a few extra pounds. Now I know better.

9. What motivates you to exercise and stay healthy?

Mostly, I want a lean, hard, healthy body. And I want to prevent a cancer recurrence too.

10. Who's your favorite fitness role model?

Fitz! She's my neighbor, friend, and co-blogger. For a while, she was my personal fitness instructor. She has the body I want.

11. What's your exercise "M.O." -- Gym workouts or outdoor endeavors; team or solitary sports?

Outdoor, solitary sports for sure.

12: Choice of fitness gear: Baggy sweats or sultry spandex?

Something in between.

13. What's your favorite fitness activity?

Running. I once couldn't run around the block. Now I can accomplish up to five miles -- all at one time! I thank Fitz for pushing me to accomplish this. We're running together in a 5K Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on October 20.

14. Do you have any non-fitness-related, non-blogging hobbies?

I like to hang out with family, scrapbook, shop, get pedicures, read (when I make the time), watch reality TV, and stay current on all celebrity gossip.

15. Confession time! What nonhealthy food do you eat -- or what unhealthy habit do you indulge in -- that would get you banned from That's Fit? What's your excuse for doing so?

Since May, I have not indulged -- honestly. I'm ridding myself of junk food -- permanently. But prior to May, brownies were my downfall. I could polish off an entire pan.

Comments (1)