Modeling

Years ago I learned deeply about a topic that to this day I try and incorporate into my life. Growing up I always knew having a mentor would always be extremely important aspect to my life. While sometimes the people/mentors I had didn't pan out like I expected I have been blessed enough to also have some people in my life who will never know how much I owe them. Part of having a mentor is the process of modeling. Modeling is the process of learning what they do in their individual lives that make them successful and then try to implement those procedures into your life. While we are all on a different path in life we can always incorporate some daily routines that improve our efficiency, drive and success. 

I decided to go a different route with this blog. Instead of me repeating to you what I do in my life I have instead reached out to 5 very different individuals within my community who I view being extremely successful. I have asked each one the same 10 questions so sit back grab some popcorn and always remember to Make It Count!!!

Suzy Serpico

Bio - I started triathlons my senior year of high school in 1998. I have been fortunate enough to have competed professionally for the past 3 years, however going back to my age group roots this year. To date I have finished 15 Ironman triathlons, including the Ironman World Championship. I have a huge passion for sharing my knowledge of health, fitness and triathlons among many different ages. Along with being a triathlete, I am also an elementary school physical education teacher, spin instructor, head coach of RIP IT coaching and co-owner of TRIATHLEAN. http://www.ripiteventshome.com/

1. What is your definition of success? I think too many athletes/people define success based on comparison to someone else. I believe success is truly personal. If you set out to do something and finish to the best of YOUR ability, that is success.

2. What is one book you have gifted often or is your favorite? I must admit I am not a big reader. However, one thing that I love to collect and share is quotes/motivational sayings. We all have days we need that extra push, so I try to save them and share them with others when needed. My favorite is "You can't cheat the grind...it knows how hard you've worked, the effort you've put in, and the time you've dedicated towards it...it won't give you anything that you haven't worked for". We actually put that quote on the back of our coaching shirts for our clients. 

3. What does the first 90 minutes of your day look life? I am a pretty routine person. Most days I wake up before work, grab a sugar free red bull, and head out the door to get my morning training in. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are swim days. Tuesday I teach spin class and Thursday I teach boot camp.

4. What is one thing you do daily that adds the most value? I call my parents at the end of the day, even though they live 15 minutes away. I am very fortunate to have a fantastic family. My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my life and not sure where I would be without them!

5. What is your greatest accomplishment and why? That is tough! There are so many things that I have been lucky to accomplish as an athlete, teacher and coach. Initially I was thinking that an overall win would be my greatest but I truly think that it is people trust me to be their coach. I have had honor to coach many athletes who are doing their "first" race at a certain distance. For them to trust me enough to be part of their journey is pretty amazing!

6. Describe one failure in your life and how it has made you a better person? Ironically I came across this quote recently and for me it answers this question perfectly. FAIL means First Attempt In Learning. I believe that is so true. I don't really look at any experiences in life or training as a failure. Situations might not have gone the way I wanted them to, or the time on the clock wasn't what I was hoping for but I don't considering that failure. It becomes an experience in which I can take away something to improve or work on to be a better me next time. Too many people only focus on all the negatives when there are so many positives within the same moment. Its all about your mindset. 

7. What three people would you love to have dinner with? Britney Spears, Justin Beiber and Eminem. I know it might be random  but I have no shame. For once it would be nice to have dinner and not have a majority of the talk be about triathlons!

8. What is the top thing you would tell a younger version of yourself? That life, no matter how old you are is like a roller coaster; full of ups, downs, twists and turns. So better buckle up and enjoy the ride!

9. What motivates you to push forward everyday? The fact that I can!!! Each day that I wake up and able to train is a gift. I have seen too many people get so caught up in the sport and times that they forget to step back and enjoy. A workout of mine that I like to give my athletes is something called 6 SMILES. The goal of the run is for them to leave any type of technology at home and to smile each and every step because the fact that are out running is pretty amazing!

10. What is one moon shot goal of yours? Is to complete the Ultra 520K this July. It is a 3-day race (Day 1: 6.2 mile swim, 90 mile bike, Day 2: 170 mile bike and Day 3: 52 mile run). I have complete 15 Iron distances and looking for a new challenge. I am excited about this race because it is truly against the clock and myself. 

Peter Odunne

Bio: Business owner, endurance athlete, husband, dad, coach, mentor and facilitator  http://www.rusttotrust.com/

1. What is your definition of success? Getting results that lead to significance. 

2. What is one book you have gifted often or is your favorite? Gifted often: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Favorite (gifted to me): Leading and Inspired Life by Jim Rohn

3. What does the first 90 minutes of your day look life? exercise

4. What is one thing you do daily that adds the most value? think positive

5. What is your greatest accomplishment and why? Becoming a dad; It taught me the importance of relationships and leadership. There is so much joy at seeing someone you love begin to grow successfully and begin to inspire others.

6. Describe one failure in your life and how it made you a better person? My first marriage. I met my current wife and started a family.

7. What three people would you love to have dinner with? Jesus; Ronald Reagan; John Wooden

8. What is the top thing you would tell a younger version of yourself? It's not about you. It's all about others.

9. What motivates you to push forward everyday? Feeling good about myself by helping others to feel good about themselves.

10. What is one moon shot goal of yours? Qualify and compete at Ironman World Championships, Kona.

Dr. Judy Staveley 

Bio - is the CEO of The Platform Magazine, a Biology Professor, author, speaker and a triathlete who teaches at several colleges in the Maryland area. She serves as a spokeswoman and advocate for several biological, health, medicine and forensic science organizations. Additionally, as a professional athlete / triathlete, and National Health/Fitness Specialist she assists in several community programs to initiative “health in youth sports”.  She is part of the USA Swimming, USA hockey, USATF and USAT organizations. Dr. Judy Staveley was born in San Antonio, Texas and currently resides in Maryland. Her education was completed at the University of Alaska Anchorage (pre-med curriculum). She graduated with honors, leadership honors along with the honor Society Tribeta. A Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with research focused on toxicology was awarded to Staveley. Staveley pursued her dream of becoming a Forensic Medical Scientist, by enrolling and completing a Masters of Science degree in Forensic Science specializing in DNA and Serology at the medical school of University of Florida – Gainesville School of Pharmacy. She continued with schooling and pursued a second Masters degree in Biological Sciences and Emerging Diseases. Finally she completed her doctoral in Health Psychology with a Biological and Health emphasis. She continued to pursue her education with a stint at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland and a career in teaching Biological Sciences / Health Psychology at the university level. 

While mentoring athletes at the University of Alaska Anchorage, she took up marathons, cycling, triathlons and swimming along with other sports. She started to compete in triathlons in the year of 2004. She completed her first triathlon in 2004 with team in training, combining sport and charity for the first time. She continues to compete in multisport events, marathons, and ultramarathons. Staveley achieved her childhood dreams when she won the Chancellors AWARD for teaching at the University level. This award was given by the students of the University of Alaska Anchorage and was considered to be a heart filled achievement. This achievement led her to pursue a Ph.D. Professor Staveley is a highly regarded speaker in biology, research, health and wellness, sports, and science. Topics range from motivating athletes in health activities, molecular research sciences, forensics, biochemistry and nutrition. Her focus is to continue to promote the biological and psychological aspects of health and promote healthier lifestyles. Staveley has been featured in numerous media articles, speaking presentations and television appearances. She remains active in her athletic and charitable pursuits and raises money for cancer, autism, and many other charitable nonprofit organizations to help support families in need.
http://www.judystaveley.com/

1. What is your definition of success? Success is based on your thoughts, actions and goals. Reaching your goal is your success. Everything you do is based on a thought. That thought determines who we are and what we do to reach a successful goal. Good thinkers are problem solvers that never lack ideas and become innovators. Success is not measured by degrees or money. Success is measured by the joy of creativity. Creativity is pure gold, not matter what your profession is, if you created something and your happy with the outcome then your successful.

2. What is one book you have gifted or is your favorite? I love books and I personally share so many books from different authors and publications. I love to educate and encourage reading. Being educated and being diverse in different subjects brings about confidence. Confidence brings about success. Most of the material I do share has to do with success or inspiration.

3. What does the first 30 minutes of your day look life? My first 90 minutes of my day, I wake up look at my phone briefly for important message. I eat breakfast and then gear up to train. Exercise helps clear my mind and sends me good endorphins for the rest of the work day. 

4. What is one thing you do daily that adds the most value? Educating others to stay healthy.

5. What is your greatest accomplishment and why? My greatest accomplishment was completing two full marathons back to back in 2013. I personally never thought I was capable of handling that distance or even doing 2 marathons in 15 days. After encouraging myself to set this new goal and do it. It was very rewarding after it was done. A very humbling experience. 

6. Describe one failure in your life and how it has made you a better person? N/A

7. What three people would you love to have dinner with? I don't know? That's a great question. I enjoy having dinner with many individuals and love the company of sharing great stories.

8. What is the top thing you would tell a younger version of yourself? Don't ever fear expanding your horizons, just do it.

9. What motivates you to push forward everyday? Positive self - talk is a great way to push oneself on daily basis. Everyone should give it a try. Affirmations on social media are very popular and can be used for self talk and motivation. I personally enjoy being engaged in self focus thinking. Running helps start my day by removing mental clutter and distractions to harness positive energy to reach my desire goals for that day. Focus thinking has always helped me reach my goals. 

10. What is one moon shot goal of yours? I have accomplished so much in life which I'm grateful for. Whatever comes my way in the future is just icing on the cake. 

Amy Lesko 

Bio - President of Empower Nutrition and Fitness, has more than 12 years of experience in nutrition, fitness, personal training, competitive bodybuilding, CrossFit and athletics, with a special interest in disease prevention. Amy has consulted with more than 100 individual clients, guiding them to achieve their health goals. She has also developed tailored programs for c-suite leadership groups, mothers (pregnant and post-pregnancy), and cancer patients. Amy lives in the DC/Baltimore region, with her wife, Shannon,and their two little boys, Leo, 3 and Wesley, 5.  http://empowernutritionandfitness.com/

1. What is your definition of success? Everyone's definition of success is different. The way I measure my success is if I am living the life I desire...everyday. It's knowing that I am taking the strengths that I have been given, combined with my passion and use them to help others. When I am doing this -and being true to myself in the process - then I know I am being the best person I can be. That's success in my book. 

2. What is one book you have gifted often or is your favorite? I constantly gift the book The Four Agreements. It changed my life and I believe it can exponentially take your life to the next level if you're open to it and if you desire. 

3. What does the first 90 minutes of your day look life? I wake up at 5AM, drink a cup of coffee and read my daily devotions. I also use that time to plan all of the workouts for my clients that day. For me, its is the perfect combination that gives me a peaceful and energy filled morning. 

4. What is the one thing you do daily that adds the most value? Having quiet "Amy" time in the morning to read my daily devotions. These are most often books life The Four Agreements, The Invitation or Everyday Grace. I have found that when I start my day with dedicated time to connect with myself on a spiritual level, than I am most often able to carry that "peaceful" mindset throughout my day, which is incredibly powerful. Life throws all of us curveballs when we least expect it, but doing this keeps me grounded and feeling grateful no matter what. 

5. What is your greatest accomplishment and why? Having my two boys. They show me everyday the meaning of love and how to live life to the fullest. 

6. Describe one failure in your life and how it has made you a better person? Not truly loving myself. For most of my life, I thought I did love myself, but yet, I had not looked closely into my heart and soul. When I truly started to do work on me, I saw clearly that I had spent years living out of fear. What I mean by this is that I was living out of fear of being true to myself. This realization - this awareness - was a significant awakening for me. I now try every day to speak my truth and be who I am. I now have a deeper understanding of what it means when they say YOU must love yourself in order to truly love another. It's so true. 

7. What three people would you love to have dinner with? My mom - She is in the late stages of Alzheimer's and I would to talk with her life we used to. I miss her wisdom and love. Rich Froning - He is a machine and ridiculous athlete. I would love to just talk with him and his training...I know that it would be mind-blowing. Chris Donatiello - He is the wine maker at C Donateillo in Healdsburg CA, a winery that makes one of my all-time favortie Pinot Noirs. There is a science and passion that comes with wine making and would love to share conversation with him...and of course, a glass of wine!

8. What is the top thing you would tell a younger version of yourself? Spend more time loving yourself than worrying about if you are the "perfect" version of you for others. Being true to yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and the world around you. 

9. What motivates you to push forward everyday? My wife, my boys, my family and friends, my clients and each day I feel so grateful.

10. What is one moon shot goal of yours? To place in a local Crossfit Competition. 

Esther Collinetti 

Bio - Owner Rev Studio, cycling instructor, Lululemon Ambassador, avid cyclist, triathlete, Baltimore 40 under 40, fundraising via fitness/spin classes and passion for helping individuals reach any goal they have for themselves. http://revuup.com/

1. What is your definition of success?

Leading a life one loves with purpose, balance, joy, adventure, playfulness, health, and love.

2. What is one book you have gifted often or is your favorite?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

3. What does the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Alarm goes off and I set an intention for my day.  I take my 4-legged baby out, feed the cats, make my espresso, eat breakfast, catch up on work and personal emails, catch up on both personal and business social media, dress up and get ready for a kick ass day!

4. What is one thing you do daily that adds the most value?

I close my eyes and feel grateful for my life and the people around me in my life.

5. What is your greatest accomplishment and why?

Opening REV has been by far my biggest accomplishment in my life so far.  I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and to be able to transform my passion into a business that works has been truly a dream come true.

6. Describe one failure in your life and how it has made you a better person?

When my father committed suicide I ventured into a couple of dark years.  My biggest failure at that time was drinking to much.  I laugh at people that have coffee cups with the saying “there is a chance this is whisky” as I’ve been there and I am not proud of it.  It took a horrific car accident that I had to be rescued by a helicopter ride to shock trauma where I stayed for 7 days in the intense shock trauma with hopes that I could shit from my own ass one day.  I am forever grateful to University of Maryland Team C and truly I am walking and shitting from my ass thanks to them.  I take my coffee double espresso with a splash of 2% milk please. 

7. What three people would you love to have dinner with?

My father.

Bono.

Any athlete that inspires me and motivates me to go the extra mile.. (there are many)

8. What is the top thing you would tell a younger version of yourself?

Do it.. don’t be afraid of failing... just trust your gut.

9. What motivates you to push forward everyday?

My drive to get stronger, wiser, smarter and more vulnerable with my own self in order to live the life I love with those that I love the most.

10. What is one moon shot goal of yours?

Buy an island in a remote part of the world and create a retreat home for many to venture for wellness.