Marni Sumbal

Personal Information: 

What is something most people don’t know or would be surprised to learn, about you?
I’m a pretty open book as I have been blogging about my life since 2007. People may be surprised to learn that I went to an Arts School until High School and played piano at a very high level. My creative arts upbringing installed a “process” focused mindset that results are not created immediately. Despite being an athlete from an early age (around 10 yrs old I started swimming competitively), I was always encouraged to explore my creativity through writing, piano, drawing, dancing, acting, and singing. I also went to a liberal arts school for college (Transylvania University) which helped me further develop my skills in speaking and writing, which I continue to use today in my career.

What is an accomplishment that makes you proud?
On an educational level, I am proud to have returned back to school after earning a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology to obtain my Registered Dietitian (RD) credential. It was a long, exhausting and expensive journey but well worth it.
I am proud to be a small business owner and to have a successful coaching and nutrition company that allows me to work from home, work with my husband, employee another coach and dietitian and help athletes from around the world in the areas of health and performance.

Personally as an athlete, I am most proud that over a 10-year endurance triathlon career, I still love the sport of triathlete, I haven’t been injured in five years, haven’t been sick in 11 years and find myself to be in the best health and fitness of my life – and I still find myself improving and learning.

What motivates/inspires you?
I am motivated and inspired by other people’s struggles. Whether it’s a physically challenged athlete, someone who is/has overcome a health issue or someone who has had or is going through a recent setback in life, it reminds me to be grateful of what I can do on a daily basis with my mind and body. Those who struggle are my role models because it reminds me daily that to be successful, you don’t need to have a perfect life. Life is filled with setbacks, disappointments, and obstacles but hard work, a positive mindset and perseverance can bring success. Struggling makes one stronger and this motivates and inspires me to give my best and to not make excuses along the way.

What is your personal mantra?
I don’t know if I can pick just one! I love quotes and mantras and I find myself searching the web for the perfect quote to describe certain thoughts or experiences in my life. The last quote that I shared on social media (Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition) was “What you do when nobody is watching is what separates a champion from everybody else.” As it relates to the Trimarni philosophy, our goal is to help athletes achieve athletic excellence while keeping the body in good health.

What person who most shaped your life, why?
I have had a few great mentors in my life. The top two include Matt Dixon of Purple Patch Fitness and Judy Molnar, former VP of Iron Girl. But the person who has shaped my life would be my dad, who sadly passed away from a tough 1-year battle from stage IV cancer in May 2014. My dad never had a bad day. He always saw the best in every situation and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He knew how to make me laugh whenever I needed to smile and he was always there for me with helpful advice and life tips. My dad was a very hard worker as an optometrist and loved helping his students. He always had enough time for everyone and never seemed too busy to answer a question or to help out a stranger, patient, student or co-worker. My dad taught me to be happy, passionate and hard working and to never waste a day of life.

How did you get into teaching/training others?
Since a very young age, I have always enjoyed helping people with health, nutrition, and fitness. It was a natural progression throughout college and graduate school that I would eventually start my own business so that I could help athletes and fitness enthusiasts reach athletic goals by training and eating in a way that fostered results.

Where are the best places to follow you online?

Facebook: Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition
Twitter: @Trimarnicoach
Instagram: @Trimarni
Website: www.Trimarnicoach.com