#WhyIExercise . . . John

Welcome to the final #WhyIExercise post for the summer. Please join me in welcoming John Riley. He may be our last spotlight of the summer, but he’s going to continue to inspire. John is from Hillard, Ohio. He is an Academy EDU instructor. John earned his BS in Environmental Science Morehead State University and his Masters in Education from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. He continued his education and received his ED Leadership/ Principal Licensure from the University of Dayton. He is currently completing his EDD in Leadership and Technology. Follow John on Twitter @MrRileyJo.

Let’s hear from John.
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#PastFitness I grew up in Kentucky, so basketball has always been in my blood. In high school, I did not play any sports but could march a mean saxophone across the football field. Once I started college, I actually grew into my size 16 shoe. My roommate was a college swimmer and introduced me to the weight room. We joined a fraternity and began to play all intramural sports. It was then that I started playing volleyball for the College Boys club team. The last couple of years of college I joined ROTC and began running. I don’t think I ever ran 2 miles in my life before my first PT test at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was a wake up call and over the years I began to run more and more. I never considered myself a distance runner. Now I have ran over a dozen Obstacle Course Races, numerous 5K races, and a half marathon which was probably the longest distance I will ever run again. LOL! Now I find myself focusing more on weight training and plan on competing in powerlifting.

​#WhyIExercise My biggest reason for exercise is my family. I lost my father to a heart attack about 10 years ago. I want to make sure that I am around long enough to watch all of my children grow up. We currently have two bio kids (12 and 10) and two foster kids (2.5 and 7mo.) in our household. I need to stay in shape just to keep up.

#FitnessRegime
Currently, I workout with the #4amcrew at Old School Gym in Pataskala, Ohio. It’s about the only time I can squeeze in my training with the kids. Plus, the atmosphere there is unmatched and I get to train beside some elite athletes. It pushes me way outside my comfort zone. I also do my best to squeeze in a couple of workouts with my wife. We firmly believe in setting the example of healthy living for our kids and will from time to time get them involved with our workouts. My wife is a huge inspiration for me and one of my role models in exercise as she has set the pace with her running and dedication to health.

​#DietAndSupplements
​I can’t say I follow a specific diet plan. With me, my weakness is moderation. I love food! I especially love sweets! If anything, I must truly focus on what I am putting into my body. I try to eat a heavy protein diet and usually find it easy to drop weight when needed by increasing cardio. As far as supplements I use MaxEffort Muscle supplements. This is a supplement company founded by OSG owners. I typically take the supplements pre and post workout. I also take their Tri Blend protein to help increase my protein intake or supplement a meal throughout the day. When I am leaning out, I will take a cycle of their Fat Burner to increase my metabolism.

#ProfessionalImplications
A good workout is the best way to start my day and I find I am able to handle stress and at a much higher level. Pushing myself physically under the iron prepares me for whatever life has to throw at me. It’s an area in my life where I know I can continuously grow and learn. Where failure is a necessity for muscle growth. Where testing your limits builds character and keeps one humble.

#MotivationalQuote

I love Theodore Roosevelt’s speech . . . The Man in the Arena.  Watch this video.

#GoalsFor2017-2018
Personal: Be present in my faith and with my family. I’m currently reading “Play The Man” by Mark Batterson and I am moved to be the man God needs me to be for Him and my family! After all, true success is “when the people that know you best respect you the most.”

Professional: Complete my EDD at Morehead State this year. Create lifelong impacting experiences for my students while impacting the future of education.

Athletic: Keep pushing myself to be #UNCOMFORTABLE. Compete in a powerlifting competition.

#OneWord
My current word is #OLLIN . . . the ability to move and act with all your heart. I have my man Coyte Copper to thank for that.

#ThankYou
I just love John’s story. If I had to give him a word, it would be DEDICATED. John is dedicated to his profession, dedicated to his education, dedicated to his fitness, but most importantly, dedicated to his family and faith. It’s clear that his wife, children, and God are the center of his life. It’s a true act of love that John is fathering two children as his own. They are certainly blessings to John and his wife. Through it all, John knows that he must take care of himself first. Those 4am workouts are the truest testament to his commitment to his health and fitness. His lifts have been getting heavier and heavier! A powerlifting competition is surely in his future. I’d like to thank John personally for sharing with us.

Readers, it’s been an honor sharing with you this summer. We’ve spotlighted eight amazing educators. Their personal, professional, and fitness lives are extraordinary. We’ve been inspired by every single journey. As we end the #WhyIExercise summer series and begin our new school year, may we take a moment to reflect on our unique journeys. Each one of us has a reason why we exercise. I challenge each one of you to honor your reason and make 2017-2018 the best school year ever in your personal, professional, and fitness lives.

With love,
Marilyn