LOLZLetter 269 | Finding Balance: Juggling Fitness, Work, and Life
With Michael, an aviation environmental specialist
Welcome,
This weekend flew by and it is a bright and early Monday. Anyway, over the weekend I ran the Carlsbad 5000, also known as the "world's fastest 5k." The last time I ran this was in 2022, just a month after getting the flu. It went terrible and my body just did not feel good. So my only goal was not to feel that way. I achieved that and ran a 20:42. The Carlsbad 5000 is a fast 5k in the sense a lot of fast runners run. But it's also a hard course (I think the new course is harder) with a soul crushing hill at mile 2. I am looking forward to a fun summer of fast 5ks and hopefully breaking 20 minutes again.
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This week continues on the newsletter series of balancing working out and working. In case you missed the last couple of weeks:
Today we are hearing from Michael, an aviation environmental specialist.
Name: Michael Fesanco
Where do you live? I live in Jacksonville, Florida.
What is your job? My current job is that of an Aviation Environmental Specialist. Essentially, I conduct environmental analyses and reports on airport construction projects, which include runway and taxiway construction, new terminals, etc.
What are your usual work hours? My work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Do you have a demanding job? On your feet? Sitting all day? I have a typical desk job. Fortunately, I have a standing desk, which helps break up the constant sitting that I do.
What benefits does your job have that not all jobs may have? I work in a hybrid work environment. On Monday and Friday, I work from home, while Tuesday through Thursday, I work in the office.
Are you training for something right now? I am currently training for the Pikes Peak 30k Trail Run in July and for the Detroit Free Press Marathon in October.
When do you like to work out? Are there sacrifices you make to do that? Less sleep? Less family time? I always work out after work. To fit in my training, I try to get to work as early as possible (aiming for 7:30-7:45 AM), and I take at most a 30-minute lunch. This allows me to be out of the office by 4:15 PM on most days, and that lets me be done with my workouts by 7:00 PM.
I prefer afternoon workouts as I am more physically prepared for them (being fueled, warmed up, etc.). When I work out in the mornings, I always feel under-fueled and not wanting to do the workout (I also like my sleep too, haha). My job allows me to start my day much earlier, so I start work by 7:30 AM, and with a half-hour lunch, I can be out of the office by 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
Also, after sitting at a desk for 8 hours, my body needs to do something movement-wise, so this leads me to be more motivated and not willing to miss my workout. Depending on how busy my afternoon is, the type of workout may change, but I make doing a workout a non-negotiable.
How do you make time for other things like grocery shopping? Cleaning? Etc. I always save these activities for the weekend or use store pick-up services to save time while shopping. I can order everything on my phone and only spend 10 minutes waiting for the items.
How do you make time for other things with working out? Strength? Core? Stretching? Right now, I do cardio/running 3 times a week and strength training 3 times a week with one rest day.
What tips do you have for someone trying to make time for working out and working? I'm fortunate that I can work remotely, and the days I do work remotely, I make it a priority to run immediately after work as I can get a head start compared to when I'm working in the office. Also, if you can combine your social circle with your fitness goals, the accountability and friendships you can build are amazing.
Anything else you want to add? You can find me on Instagram to follow my journey.
Thank you Michael for your time!
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 Review: This is kind of an interesting carbon plated shoe, made for those who run on their forefoot.
March Training: Marathons, Rest, and Swimming: My training log for the month!
Fat Tire Cycling: Cross-Training For Runners: I didn't know much about fat tire cycling so this was fun to write.
Governor Orders Transit Agency to Drop Bid to Charge NYC Marathon $750K for Use of Verrazzano Bridge In case you missed it, MTA wanted the New York City Marathon to pay $750k in missed tolls due to closing the bridge. Luckily that doesn't seem like it will be the case.
Podcast: Molly Seidel | Olympic Bronze Medalist: The Olympic Medalist talks about her decision to get into trail running.
Thank you UCAN for sponsoring this week’s newsletter.