On this episode of Flex With Purpose, Schalee reconnects with elite OCR athlete and former CG competitor Vivien Tran, whose story is a masterclass in discipline, resilience, grounded ambition, and authentic humility. Vivien traces her journey from a childhood rooted in music and discipline, to stepping into fitness through Camp Gladiator, to discovering the world of Obstacle Course Racing—where failure, frustration, and fierce determination became the building blocks of her success. She speaks candidly about early setbacks: not cracking the top 100 at CG Games, DNF’ing races, and clinging to obstacles until her hands bled—all moments that ultimately fueled her rise to international competition and 21 elite podium finishes.

Vivien also shares how community shaped her—from trainers and teammates who believed in her when she didn’t yet believe in herself, to her own evolution into a leader who coaches, encourages, and even “team moms” the USA OCR national team. She and Schalee explore why celebrating others’ wins keeps you grounded, why ego distorts growth, and why humility lets you stay teachable, coachable, and connected—all essential traits for both elite athletes and everyday life.

Beyond racing, Vivien opens a window into her life as a corporate environmental scientist balancing high-intensity training with a demanding career. Her daily routines, sacrifices, and priorities reveal a woman who has learned not only to push her limits, but to stay rooted in perspective, gratitude, and service. She reminds us that failure doesn’t get easier—but discipline does. And the more you lean into discipline, the more your confidence, resilience, and character grow.

Vivien’s story is for anyone who wonders if they have what it takes to pursue something difficult. It’s a call to embrace imperfection, surround yourself with encouragers, be teachable, and give yourself grace as you grow. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a leader, or someone stepping into a new challenge, this conversation will inspire you to chase your potential with courage and consistency.

00:00 Introduction to Flex With Purpose

01:54 The Journey of Accomplishments

05:41 Embracing Failure as a Teacher

08:17 The Role of Community in Growth

11:14 Transitioning to OCR and Overcoming Challenges

15:10 The Impact of Encouragement and Support

20:44 Balancing Career and Passion

24:37 The Ripple Effect of Passion

26:33 Navigating Ego and Arrogance

31:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

On this episode of Flex With Purpose, Schalee welcomes Cheryl Carrell, whose story weaves together motherhood, fitness, faith, community, and deep humility. Cheryl shares how years of disciplined training became more than physical strength—they became the rhythms that shaped her sanity, her organization, and her ability to pour into her family. From early mornings at the gym to spending her quiet drive listening to Scripture and prayer, she explains how moving her body helped her show up for her children with a full cup rather than an empty one.

Cheryl opens up about the power of positive cycles, how tiny habits like laying out clothes the night before create momentum, and how community becomes an irreplaceable force in sustaining both fitness and emotional vitality. She and Schalee explore why shared experiences—whether in workouts or life’s toughest seasons—bind people together and create the support we desperately need.

The conversation deepens as Cheryl reflects on humility: choosing to face outward instead of inward, learning to die to selfish desires, and trusting God through the ever-changing seasons of marriage, raising children, launching young adults, caring for aging parents, and navigating personal transitions. She shares how God redeemed deep pain—like losing her father—by using it to lead her into new purpose, new community, and even a life-changing mission trip to Nepal she never expected.

Through it all, Cheryl reminds us that God uses every season—even the ones that feel overwhelming—and invites us to stay flexible, open-handed, and willing to see what He’s doing right where we are. Her story is a grounded, hopeful picture of what it looks like to live with humility, purpose, and trust.

00:00 Introduction to Flex With Purpose

01:01 Celebrating Achievements and Humility

03:44 The Influence of Fitness on Motherhood

19:36 Shared Experiences with Children

22:24 Overcoming Challenges and Perseverance

25:55 Fitness and Motherhood: A Personal Journey

28:24 The Importance of Community and Accountability

31:17 Humility and Selflessness in Relationships

34:18 Finding Purpose in Life's Seasons

36:40 Embracing Change and Flexibility

On this episode of Flex With Purpose, Schalee sits down with Ashley Maroney, whose story of faith, identity, strength, and calling has unfolded dramatically over the past two years. Ashley shares how her life shifted when she gave her life to Christ—reshaping her relationships, grounding her identity, and helping her break free from chasing external approval. She opens up about the messy, uncomfortable parts of change and how God’s steady presence has carried her through seasons of transition and growth.

Ashley also discusses her transformation as an athlete. Once driven by a competitive edge rooted in self-focus, she now channels that same grit into honoring her body, strengthening her faith, and preparing for her future roles as a wife and mom. She shares insights from her research on female athletes, bone density, energy availability, and the dangers of under-fueling—revealing why “common” isn’t the same as “normal.” Her work is not just academic; it’s personal, especially as she guides and encourages her younger sister.

The conversation deepens as Ashley describes learning to integrate her fitness life with her spiritual life—quiet workouts without music, prayer woven into movement, and the discipline that ripples into every part of her day. She talks candidly about burnout, identity, and how God has been calling her into a new career path that requires real trust, real surrender, and what she calls “10 seconds of insane courage.”

Together, Schalee and Ashley explore humility, spiritual grounding, and the freedom that comes from taking the next step even when you can’t see the whole path. Ashley’s story is a reminder that when God lays the stone in front of you, all you have to do is step on it—and He’ll place the next one in His time.

00:00 Introduction to Flex With Purpose

01:01 Ashley Maroney's Journey of Faith

02:38 The Impact of Change and Growth

04:25 Athletic Background and Its Influence

06:10 Competitiveness: From Selfishness to Purpose

07:10 Research on Female Athletes and Bone Health

11:11 Sharing Knowledge and Future Research

13:48 Navigating Trustworthy Information

16:16 Making Healthy Changes as an Athlete

17:56 Embracing Strength Over Appearance

19:33 The Connection Between Body, Mind, and Spirit

21:18 Quiet Time and Spiritual Connection

22:23 Finding Joy in Workouts

23:27 Listening to God's Call

25:27 Stepping into New Adventures

27:16 Confirmation and Encouragement

28:38 The Role of Humility in New Beginnings

30:26 Preparing for Marriage and Family Life

30:55 The Lifelong Journey of Humility

32:05 Final Encouragement: Courage to Act