EP 7 | Mike Staley: DEKA AG World Champion / Balancing Fatherhood & Fitness Training Efficiently

Mike Staley

DEKA AG World Champion | Balancing Fatherhood & Fitness Training Efficiently | w/ Mike Staley | Water Utilities Professional

1. Location and age.

A - Charleston WV – 40 years old in May.

2. What do you do? (occupation/business etc)

Work for a local water utility which serves 100K customers

3. How many kids do you have (please include ages)?

A – Two kids, Oaklyn 13 & Gaige 15

4. What was your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?

A – 2022 Deka Strong A/G World Champion

5. What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (non-athletic)?

A – Building trust through active listening - understanding their "issues" or successes, as well as watching two kids mature into respectful and considerate people.

6. When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult

A – Started around 5 years old with Youth sports – Football, Basketball, Baseball. My competitiveness grew when I began competing in individualized sports like wrestling - track (high school)

7. What kind of competitive events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

A – Open wrestling tournaments, local races, semiprofessional and professional boxing bouts

8. What did your training schedule look like before kids?

A – Morning & evening trainings – 15 – 16 hours per week

9. What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father??

A – Obstacle course racing, local fitness events, cross fit open, Deka

* What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)

A – Morning routine throughout winter – 5am to 630am. Add outdoor trail / road running during spring and summer months – Train 10 to 12 hours per week

11. How have you adapted/adjusted and what changes have you made competing and/or training as a father?

A – Better utilization of training time, scheduling / planning events

12. What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?

A – Leave and return from workouts while others are in bed. Additionally, offer inclusion – joint activities with the kids

13. Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

A – Push and test myself - not only for the competition, but all the work leading up to an event

14. What are the most notable improvements you've noticed from staying fit and/or competing in fitness events? What changes have you experienced that you would most likely brag about to a friend?

A – Notable improvements – Increased motivation, positive mindset. Putting a goal on the calendar and working towards that goal.

Changes to brag about – Sleeping habits and dietary consistency

15. What benefits do you get out of training and competing?

A – Stable routine, accountability, satisfaction of overcoming adversities

16. What kind of time management hacks have you conquered? Training in am or pm etc?

A – Definitely early morning training. Ability to complete a full training block and be back home before others are out of bed. Being in the bed early – first sign of being tired I jump into bed.

17. What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as a first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror?

A – Identify that, "What" – What is it that you want. Sacrifice for the, "when" Set a schedule and make it your normal routine. Exercise, eating, sleep, etc.

18. What is your spirit animal and why? Probably a Hawk .. they fly solo, they don't let other birds negatively impact their them

19. What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

A – Qualifiers for Deka events – Deka World Championships .. Local events .. and building a Hyrox foundation

20. How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share?

A – Follow me at mikestaley1 on Instagram