Athlete Spotlight: Michael Curtis

 

 

 

 

 

ATHLETE/COACH SPOTLIGHT!!

 

Michael Curtis set a goal for himself to run a 5k faster than he did 30 years ago (on the high school cross country team).  He had always been into fitness but running and his general fitness suffered a bit during COVID.  He decided it was the perfect time to get faster and back in shape. Mike found he struggled to reach his goal on his own, so he joined the Fleet Feet half marathon program.

 

After joining Fleet Feet Mike stated that, "I love the speed workouts for the training and the distance workouts for the people. Doing speed work independently is just a slog.  Fleet feet really provides the structure for the speed workouts and makes them so much more fun than doing them alone. I can't just slow down or decide to slack off on the last interval when I am out there with my team, working hard together."  Mike gives the credit for really improving his running to crushing the Wednesday night speed workouts.  

 

Fleet Feet helped Mike achieve his 5K goals, and empowered him to set more ambitious ones. He beat his 5K speed goal at the Rocky Run in Philly the fall after he joined Fleet Feet and he went on to run a sub 1:37 half marathon at the Montezuma half the following year!  Last year, we watched Mike absolutely crush the Wine Glass Marathon with a smile on his face and two thumbs up.  

 

Mike was asked to substitute coach last year and volunteered without hesitation.  He has been an integral part of coaching our front pace groups ever since.  Mike was a bit nervous at first coaching some of our Boston Qualifiers but now he says,  "I love seeing everyone set goals and achieve them and really enjoy being part of their running journey."  

 

Mike's love for running and fitness for life is what many people don't even realize they are missing out on.  He believes it's not just about physical activity but finding mental wellbeing and peace.  Running is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety and he says, "it keeps me centered".  Mike never wants to lose sight of his purpose for working out; enjoying it.  His fitness journey has led him on many miles of pavement but also hiking high peaks in the ADK, rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, kayaking, and biking with his family by his side.

 

Mike's advice for anyone starting their journey is to find what you enjoy and something that motivates you to strive for more.  "Whether that is running outside, signing up for races, lifting weights, biking... whatever you enjoy that motivates you to get out there and stay active."  He believes that if you stay consistent you will find join in even the things that were difficult at first.  Mike is a perfect example of how consistency can lead to crushing goals.  We are so lucky to have this adventurer and wonderful human on our team.  Here's to more miles and adventures with Coach Mike as our guide!