Clocking Time with….Sheila Farrance

Get to Know Sheila Farrance, the RTC December Member of the Month

What Sheila Loves About RTC!

When Sheila Farrance came to RTC in 2022, she was not new to fitness. She started participating in bootcamp classes about 13 years ago, and after “doing a little barbell work around that time,” she discovered a passion for powerlifting that has continued to this day. In fact, Sheila is planning to compete in a meet this month, and credits RTC’s “variety of classes and the knowledgeable coaches” for helping to build her strength and endurance. “I’m excited to hit new PRs on my lifts again!” she says. “Plus, habit building has really improved my workouts, recovery, nutrition, and how I cope with stress. I love the reflective reminders/advice in our daily emails, too. They serve as reminders to check in on my progress as I work towards a healthier me.” Sheila is also appreciative of the RTC community, which she describes as “supportive” and “friendly.” “I hear words of encouragement from coaches and members every day,” she says. “It’s easy to be motivated and inspired when you’re in an environment surrounded by strong-minded people.”

Get to Know Sheila!

Sheila and her husband Mike went to school together, but didn’t start dating until college. They recently celebrated their 24th anniversary. Both Sheila and Mike are animal lovers, and Sheila says that “many pets have been part of our family over the years.” These pets include a hamster named Squeegee, a guinea pig named Doyle, and five cats: Marshall, Lilly, Orange, Giles, and Ewok. Sheila is a veteran teacher of 26 years, 24 of which have been spent as a reading interventionist for grades K-2. “I love working with children and am passionate about helping them become successful readers!” she says.   

Fun Facts about Sheila!

• Fun Facts about Sheila!
• Favorite exercises: deadlift
• Least favorite exercise: pull-up
• Favorite food: pizza
• Favorite movie: so many favorites, but here are a few — E.T., The Strangers, White Christmas (’tis the season!) 
• Favorite book: Replay by Ken Grimwood
• Best vacation spot: Myrtle Beach
• People would be surprised to know that: “On a Sunday afternoon, Mike and I drove to Chicago to watch Gary Numan perform one of his albums released early in his career. Then we left Chicago at midnight (1:00 our time) and drove through the night to get home by 7:30.  I got ready for work, then headed back north, and arrived at school to teach at 8:30. Whew! 100% worth it, though!”
•  Something that always makes me smile: my husband’s witty sense of humor
• If I won the lotto I’d: help out animal shelters and rescues
• Tell us you’re a teacher without telling us you’re a teacher: “Point to the words!” 
• What you love most about the Christmas season: “I love how the season feels magical once the Christmas lights/decorations go up and the holiday music starts playing!”
• A goal I’m working on: devote more time to pleasure reading

Congratulations to Sheila!