Michelle Scribner-MacLean, Clinical Associate Professor at UMass Lowell, Southern New Hampshire
– CoHost of The Mickey Miles Podcast
How often do you exercise? Three to four times per week
Brief description of your workout routine: Running, elliptical, strength training, and tennis. If training for a race, Saturday mornings are usually my long run day.
Brief description of your eating habits: I’m a vegetarian (and have been for over 20 years) so I’m constantly thinking about how to add lean protein to my diet. I try to plan and pack lots of snacks each day.
Favorite Workout: Running outside on our local rail trail or playing tennis.
Least favorite way to workout? Long runs on the treadmill while training for a race.
How does fitness affect you as a professional? It gives me energy, it is something that I can talk about with my students and co-workers, and I have pride in sharing my running accomplishments my work community.
Would you be as good at what you do if you didn’t pursue fitness? Fitness is something that I do for me and I feel more energetic afterwards, I see the difference in my attitude, my focus, and my self-esteem when I stay on my fitness routine.
How do you squeeze fitness in on a crazy busy day? If I don’t get up and out early in the morning on weekdays, I rarely am able to fit in my workout.
How do you fight the urge to skip workouts? I pack my stuff the night before and have it ready to go when the alarm goes off. Then I have to tell myself, “Get your yourself up and go!” I always feel great if I do it and I feel disappointed if I don’t. I rely on the support of my running buddies on the Mickey Milers, the running team for the Mickey Miles Podcast.
If you travel, what kind of workouts do you do on the road? It depends on where I am. When I’m in Orlando, I love running Disney resorts. If I’m in a place with which I’m not familiar, I will ask the hotel for suggested (and safe) running paths or just use the treadmill.
What other obstacles do you face (health-wise) as part of your work? Have you found a way to overcome them? I’ve had various injuries and just have to tell myself to take it one day at a time.
Must-have training equipment: My iPod. I love running with music and podcasts.
Favorite training tune: It changes all the time, but lately I’ve enjoyed Uptown Shuffle.
Favorite healthy food: Apples. Love ‘em!
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Cheese and wine (preferably together).
Do you think fitness is a factor in being successful in business? I do. I think being fit helps you to focus, feel confident, and provides stamina.
What fit professional inspires you? Former Olympian, Jeff Galloway. He loves running and inspiring others and he’s well into his 60s. Seth Zeigler, my trainer, inspires me too. He lost weight and motivates others with humor and a positive outlook. He has a great attitude.
Advice for others trying to become more fit: I think making a goal and cheering with your cheer squad, whether it be friends or family, is important. You’re not going to achieve every goal but you can’t stop trying.
What fitness achievement are you most proud of? For me, that was running the Boston Marathon in 2014 to support Spaulding Rehab in Boston (they did the rehab of many of the Boston Marathon bombing victims). I’m running again for Spaulding this year.
