Michelle exemplifies what it is to be a badass and a spartan. With a 3rd place finish in her age group at the notoriously tough Big Bear course and the drive to improve she’s a force to be reckoned with out on the course. With a competitive sporting background and the constant drive to improve Michelle is only going to get better when races return.
Name: Michelle Wall
IG Handle: @mishellyw
What is your day job?
Physical Therapist
What is your fitness background?
I played competitive tennis growing up, through High School, and then went on to play NCAA Division 1 Tennis in college.
First OCR Race?
Spartan LA/ Castaic in Dec 2016
How did you first get in to OCR?
The trainers at the gym I had recently switched over to were avid/Elite Spartan racers... Las2Winz, Margarita and Natalia Guzman. They organized to try and get (and won!) biggest team for that event! I instantly fell in love with the sport!
What keeps you coming back?
I love the competition and the race day excitement! I love the challenge and the push during a race to do your best! And I absolutely LOVE the community! I love seeing all my Spartan friends at the races and also keeping in contact with them all over the world (like you guys, Team Grit!) through social media.
What's your favourite cheat day snack?
I have a BAD sweet tooth! So my favorite cheat snack is definitely anything sweet... and the more sugary they better!
What change have you made during COVID that you're going to keep?
I have really loved incorporating different workouts from all my IG friends! It has been fun to share workouts, so I always have a huge variety to choose from. I will definitely keep supplementing with those even after I return to the gym!
Have you set yourself any personal goals or challenges to replace racing currently?
Nothing specifically, but I have been trying to get some longer distance runs in. Running is really not my favorite and I would much prefer lifting weights or hopping on the Assault Bike or Ski Erg But since those aren’t available right now I’ve been trying to get more running in!
How are you staying focused on training with all current events postponed?
I’ve always been a very self motivated person! Plus I really just love training and working out so it hasn’t really been an issue for me. It’s my ME time!
What is your top tip for sticking to a schedule?
Set a goal for yourself and every time you want to “take the morning off” think about your goals! Also another great way to hold yourself accountable is to have a support system! Arrange with your friends at the gym to workout at the same time. If not at the gym then this can be at home too! Text each other daily and hold each other accountable for getting that workout in or sticking to a good eating plan! My Las2Winz FitFam is the best and we are always doing this and always motivating and supporting each other!
Favourite item of kit and why?
Honey Stinger Vanilla Gel! I love all of the Honey Stinger products since they are all natural and have clean ingredients! This gel is my Go To for race day though. I get very nervous before a race and cannot eat much, if anything, before a race! These gels are easy on my stomach, easy to digest and not to mention super tasty!
Favourite nutrition product and why?
Well as I just mentioned, I love all the Honey Stinger products for fueling! Their GF Vanilla Chocolate waffle is another of my favorites I also love my MRM Protein Powder. I have a protein shake every morning with almond milk before I head to work 🏼 One of my other go to nutrition items is Paradise Herbs ORAC Energy Greens! I don’t always get all my veggies in, so I supplement with this awesome product! Each serving has the antioxidant equivalent of 24 servings of fruits and veggies! ... I sound like an ad but it’s just such a great fact about the product I think especially in these crazy times we all need to keep our immune systems up as high as we can and this product helps me do that!
Favourite fitness book / app and why?
My favorite fitness app would have to be the Garmin Connect app for my Garmin watch. I am a total numbers person! And I love analyzing all my data after a run or training session so this app is perfect for me
Do you have any words / advice for people struggling to stay motivated?
Find your WHY! Why do you want to get healthier or stronger? And use that as motivation to stick to your program and goals! Also as I mentioned above, a good support system is key! And... find something that you enjoy doing. That way you’ll actually look forward to doing it!
Any sponsors, brands or people you'd like to shout out to?
First, Thank You to my amazing friends and coaches Natalia and Margarita, Las2Winz! They were the ones who first introduced me to this sport and community that I love! And they also motivate and push me every day with their awesome workouts!
Also, I want to give a shout out to some of my favorite products that I am proud to represent/be an ambassador for: Honey Stinger, Grip Sling, The Genius Brand, and Oral IV. All outstanding products! And if you don’t already know about them, then go check them out!
