Meet Holly Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Martin.

Hi Holly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
So excited to have the opportunity to share! I grew up as a serious, trained ballet dancer and went on to do that both in undergrad and finally professionally in San Francisco. It’s all I had ever known or focused on. Looking back now, I see that my favorite parts of dancing were the rehearsals and tough classes, not the performing. I enjoyed the grind and hard work…not the pretty, showy aspects. That got me interested in other things that were hard (that I could do whenever I wanted and not have to audition or try out for) – ultramarathon running and CrossFit, and crazy 24-hour hikes up the tallest mountains in the US with my family, just to name a few. Because dancing doesn’t tend to pay much, I eventually took up a run coaching gig and also got certified as a personal trainer. Around this time, I also discovered David Goggins, to this day my biggest source of inspiration behind my Dad (full-time badass, finisher of many Ironman triathlons). David Goggins is an ex-Navy Seal turned ultrarunner who inspires millions daily. His harsh way with words mixed with his undeniably rock-solid work ethic makes him someone who makes me believe I am capable of anything. He’s why I finished my first 100-mile run this past October. In a period of career transition, I decided to start my own YouTube channel this year where I aim to help others find their own source of self-discipline both in their workouts and regular life. A bucket list booster, if you will. I like to think of myself as a softer-spoken but just as hungry David Goggins. The channel is growing faster than expected!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My main obstacles growing up had to do with not being the “right” body type for a dancer. I was a very good dancer, technically speaking. But even at my thinnest, I was rarely going to get chosen for parts…especially as I went on to do it professionally. It sucked knowing I was good and more capable than others but losing to them based on how I looked (despite working really hard at maintaining a fit, healthy body).

Once I got into running and CrossFit, I realized I actually love and seek out obstacles and challenges. I also loved that in these activities, unlike ballet, there was a clear correlation between hard work and success. You didn’t need to get the approval of someone before accomplishing the 50K or 50 milers you signed up for. You either did the work beforehand to cross the finish line, or you didn’t.

As far as my career goes, I’ll say that my biggest challenge to this point has been making peace with the fact that plans change. You work 25+ years at something you think will be the endgame, and it isn’t. Did you give up or was it time to move on? And once you do move on to the next chapter (like I did with coaching and training, and now YouTube), how do you know if it’s going to be worth the risk? You simply don’t. But one thing that’s kept me grounded is knowing that what I’m doing now is 100% in line with what I believe and practice daily myself. I’ve seen it work and I want to impact others using what I know.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a growing YouTube channel (Holly Martin) and am in the process of building a service/product around building self-discipline and finding motivation. I also do personal training 1-on-1 in the Nashville/Franklin area. I have some amazing clients and am available to take on new ones as well!

I specialize in helping people make a lifestyle out of seeking challenges vs. avoiding them. I aim to take the stress and complication out of workout routines and diets and instead inspire people to work first on their mindset. I believe that with a strong mind, we can do anything at any time, be there for ourselves and for others, and build/knock down the biggest bucket lists we can think of. I teach people that within reason, you don’t have to look a certain way to perform a certain way – especially when it comes to weightlifting or running. I believe that this type of mental strength can help anyone overcome ANY challenge that comes up in their life – family, career, illness, etc.

I am most proud of my education, all that I’ve learned and grown from so far, and certainly, the distance runs I have finished. I’ve run 10+ marathons, four 50Ks, two 50-milers, and most recently my first 100-miler.

I think what sets me apart is my journey from ballet to endurance events, and what that through-line taught me. I use that experience to help others.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It’s super common these days to throw on an audiobook or motivational podcast episode and think you’re doing work on yourself. But if you don’t take these things to action, beyond making lists or daydreaming, it’s not going to happen. I am grateful I grew up watching people work hard. If I hadn’t gone to a million auditions, gotten rejected, signed up for many scary races, made mistakes, had hiccups, I wouldn’t have learned how bad I wanted to succeed. I also wouldn’t have gotten to watch myself do things I never DREAMED I could do. Take action, there’s no other way to learn.

I wish I had worried a LOT less about what other people were doing/accomplishing. There is plenty of space for everyone at the top and you’re only limiting yourself by thinking you and your peers are fighting for a few coveted spots. As many say, comparison is the thief of joy and at the end of the day, we know that ultimate happiness comes from finding joy in the daily grind.

Contact Info:

• Email: hollymartin2829@gmail.com
• Website: www.martinholly.com
• Instagram: @hol_monitor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCThXtUwx4SZklK6VVjfbaSw
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holly-martin-nashville-2

Image Credits
Dayne Davis (@fortimephotography), Christopher Peddecord (Peddecord Photo), Morgan Dallas.