Today we’d like to introduce you to Clancie Harbers.
Hi Clancie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As an Army Brat, I had the unique opportunity to travel the world at a young age. As a 6-year-old little girl in Thailand, I remember being terrified of the people and the customs, only because at that age I did not understand why people were always touching my hair (I was blonde and curly) and why my little brother and I could not eat the ice cream (it was not pasteurized).
On the other hand, my brother and I rode elephants and played with monkeys on our street and were able to go explore the beautiful temples and meet interesting people and so yeah, that was pretty cool.
From there we moved around quite a bit, making friends as quickly as we could and finding fun ways to entertain ourselves when we didn’t have any yet. In junior high and starting high school, I was in Frankfurt, Germany with a ton of freedom to explore the city since it was easy to hop on buses and undergrounds to go downtown or the wave pool (a fan fav).
As my dad advanced up the ranks in the military, we found ourselves in Killeen, TX which is where I finished high school. I remember still being in Germany when my dad pulled us aside one day and said, “kids, it’s either France or Killeen, TX”
I was like whaaaaa? Texas?? He said, “yep, your high school mascot will be a Kangaroo!”
I remember thinking, you have got to be kidding me. That sounds so uncool. Boy was I wrong. I met some of my best friends those 2 years and still keep up with them today.
Not gonna lie, it took me awhile to get through college, being that I transferred 4 times until I got it right. Gig ‘Em Aggies! Hey don’t give up on us “nontraditional” ones. We will figure it out. That I did, and received my Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University by the skin of my teeth in 1992.
Fast forward, today I live outside of Houston with my husband and our beloved cowdog “Goose” as we are now empty nesters. We raised two beautiful boys. Our oldest, Zach practices Veterinary Medicine in NJ, and our youngest, Steven is pursuing his college degree.
I’m a city girl with California roots (by birth only-didn’t live there long, you know the whole moving thing) married to a cowboy. We met after college and well, Yeehaw. Life is good out here in the country. We’ve got some acreage with horses and cows and that is his full-time gig. Rodeos and the whole bit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up, one of the biggest challenges was the constant moving. Now that I’m in my 50’s, I see that as one of my greatest blessings. My husband jokes that I am always ready to move, so that’s why I’m constantly rearranging the furniture!
Feeling like an outsider was not for me, so very early on, I decided I would be bold and brave and not waste time NOT having friends. I think today that people would say I’m an extroverted extrovert. Yeah, I think that fits. Just never met a stranger.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Crossfit Level-1 trainer and my specialty is Modifications. Meaning, I can take any workout and individualize it to meet my athletes needs or challenges. I also coach a class lovingly known as “Forever Fierce”. Senior citizens crossfit.
Coaching this class is what solidified to me the importance of identifying and customizing exercises for those who have injuries or limitations or simply have not exercised in a few years.
This is what happened. My 80- something parents got new knees. Yep, 4 new knees. I watched rehab in their kitchen for about 10 minutes and said NOPE, I can do this better. I’ve been coaching group classes since my kids were little, however, this is something special.
With the help and encouragement of 2 friends (Andrea and Ally) “Forever Fierce” was born. This is a very special group of athletes from 55-95 years old. When I say they are classy and sassy I am not even exaggerating. These people have lived some life and boy do I want to be part of it. Coaching this group has been one of the highlights of my life.
When the class first got started, I thought, I’ll be happy with 5 or 6 people. After all, I already had my mother in law and my parents so I’m halfway there, right?
Today we have over 50 athletes with multiple classes running per week.
You can find us 5 days a week at Blue Eagle Fitness and Nutrition in Fulshear. Check us out at: Blueeaglefitness.com
What matters most to you?
Right below God connections, human connection is what matters. We were never meant to live in isolation. That is what I love so much about the “Forever Fierce” fitness community we have built over the years. I thrive seeing the connections and relationships and community being built and how it is enhancing the lives of people including myself. What a gift.
Connect with me at:
https://linktr.ee/clanciethomasharbers
Facebook.com/charbers
Clancieharbers@gmail.com
Watch this video to find out more about our Seniors Fitness program “Forever Fierce”
https://youtu.be/uEInVhifqvU?is=kF4LLbjodlCcM22z
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blueeaglefitness.com
- Instagram: clanciethomasharbers@instagram
- Facebook: clanciethomasharbers
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/uEInVhifqvU?si=m9VzV88nCdRB1o3l
Image Credits
Family photo by: Kendall Hotz Photography
