#mikecon

[adaricruz]

connor with bangs *applause*

[mikeconphoto]

"HESSEN CUP 17 NOVEMBER 2019" - BY MIKECON PHOTOGRAPHY

Here are some images from the Hessen Cup Fitness Competition on November 17th, 2019. It was held in Saalbau Griesheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It was definitely a wonderful display of bodybuilders from all around Europe. At the end of the show I had the opportunity to do a extremely quick shoot with one of the First Place Winners Franzi Weil. You’ll be seeing a lot more photos of Franzi later on and you’ll learn about her personal story in an upcoming, “Fit Feature”. I also was able to spend some time with my upcoming clients Julia and Chris Schneider. They’re definitely a powerhouse couple and we’ve got something beautiful to shoot in a few weeks.

Enjoy the photos and stay blessed!

[mikeconphoto]

"FIT FEATURE: ALLYSON FRANCO" #WEARORANGE -BY MIKECON PHOTOGRAPHY

This is dedicated to Evan, all of the survivors and the victims of senseless gun violence.

I’ve been meaning to write this blog for a while about this phenomenal athlete, wife and mother named Allyson Franco. With current events in play, I figured that today’s that day. Before I share the interview with Allyson, let me tell you a bit about her.

Allyson and I met in 2016 at a gym in Castle Rock, Colorado. She was working there as a Personal Trainer, and I hired her to help me get back into better shape. As she trained me, we began to talk and get to know one another, and eventually became really great friends. Coincidentally, we’re both from Georgia, close in age, and appreciate family, food, and running. After some major convincing between myself and her husband we FINALLY got her to do a photo shoot with me. Allyson is a natural in front of the camera!! Not once did she ever tense up, or give up on the all day marathon shoot we did.

On May 7th 2019, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado community was forever changed when a shooting occurred at the Highlands Rance STEM School. There were 8 students hurt and 1 was killed. For me this hit pretty personal because Allyson’s one and only son is currently a student there. Living here in Germany, I rarely see the news going on in the U.S., however Allyson made this post on social media that she shared with me, and has allowed me to share with you all:

“I rarely post very personal things on Facebook, but what happened today is bigger than just my family unit. There was a shooting at Evan’s school today, STEM. He was in the classroom next door to where one of the shooters opened fired. At least 3 bullets came through the wall into his room and one grazed a boy in his class on the leg. His soccer coach was the teacher leading class at that time. One of his teammates was actually in the room where it happened (his teammate is physically ok). He knew the student that did not survive his injuries and, though not very well, he knew the 18 yr old shooter. This is a small school, everybody knows everybody on some level. Our son heard and saw things today that nobody should ever be exposed to, least of all someone his age whose biggest concern should be his upcoming game and what he’s going to do on Friday night. He heard all of the gunshots that happened in that room. He heard a student yell “He has a gun!” He heard the confrontation that happened between a shooter and an officer. He heard the confrontation stop after more gunfire. He helped gather his classmates into the area where they were supposed to be during a lockdown, including collecting two classmates who were hiding together in a deemed unsafe spot, which left him positioned on the floor in the middle of the room instead of up against the wall where, he was supposed to be because he was one of the last two people to take cover. He saw blood pools on the floor and blood on the wall as he was evacuated from the school by armed officers. To the depths of my soul I mourn what happened today. I mourn the loss of life, I mourn for those that suffered injuries, I mourn the lives of the shooters and I mourn for their parents, and I mourn for the rest of these kids that should never have been exposed to everything that happened today. I am immensely proud of how our son handled himself today. Yet I am devastated at his loss of innocence. I am an adult, yet I am unsure of how to deal with the feelings I have. How do we as parents help our kids through this who, at this age, struggle with simply processing their regular daily emotional load? 

I worry every time this boy gets in his car and leaves my sight. So much so that I make fun of myself in my head for being such a ‘mom’. Every fear came to life today when I got the text that said “don’t call me because my phone can’t ring...there is an active shooter...which is where I am...” I’m surely going to freak the eff out when he leaves home now. 

I’m not looking to be political. That’s not what this post is about. I’m heartbroken. So many children are hurting. I cannot thank God enough for the moment when I was able to hug my son after hours of  standing in a gymnasium with hundreds of other scared parents. Honestly, I don’t really know why I’m posting this other than I need a place to ‘put’ what I’m feeling (imagine how all of these students feel). And that feelings about what happened today should not be kept inside. 

Hug your kids for me. I love them all. “

As a Marine that has experience in combat zones I hate the fact that this happened to these kids, or anyone that has had to deal with this when they’re supposed to be safe on our own soil. I’m not here to politicize this, however I will bring awareness to this as the rest of the world has by wearing orange today to honor gun violence victims and survivors. Now, here’s more about Allyson. #wearorange

Describe your life before you started training. I grew up being uncomfortable in my skin. I was always the “skinny girl”. In fact, the mom of my best friend while I was growing up used to say I looked like a “refugee from Guam”. She didn’t mean any harm behind it, she loved me almost like a daughter, but it still stung and it definitely stuck. I spent some time trying out different types of dancing in my youth, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my “thing” so I didn’t stay with it as I got older. I spent my high school years trying to come to terms with myself as a whole, just like everybody else did. I feel like I didn’t really start coming into my own until after I graduated. I’d have to say that the best I’ve ever felt about myself was in my early to mid twenties. Whether it’s related or not, that’s when I began to dabble in the gym. My then fiancée and I joined Lifetime Fitness and started working out to get ready for our wedding. I wasn’t nearly at the level physically that I’ve since become, and there have been many evolutions in my fitness journey since then, but after I started that one gym membership, I haven’t stopped.

How different do you feel now compared to then? Night and day. But sprinklings of that very insecure girl still show up more often than I’d like. There are moments when being a 45 year old, pre-menopausal mom and wife catch up with me. But my time that I spend training is what helps to keep those demons at bay. I’ve learned to appreciate my strength and the feats my body has been able to accomplish over the years.

Was there is pivotal moment that motivated you to start training? If so, what was it? Not really. At the time, John and I joined a gym in preparation for our upcoming wedding. It just seemed like the thing to do. We didn’t realize that we had begun what was to become one of the biggest parts of our daily lives.

Do you remember your first training session? How different is your training today? I remember when I first joined a gym after having my son. That was more significant to me than my first time ever training in a gym was. I was a new mom and needed to get out of the house and find a community. I found it when I came back to the gym. (I’d had to give up the gym during my pregnancy due to complications.)

What has been the most rewarding aspect of training for you? Why? By far, my sense of self. I feel more confident and secure in my station when I have my outlet. I am a better wife and mother when I’m able to get my training in. My personal fitness evolution also lead me to becoming a personal trainer, which became my career passion the minute I started.

What has continued to motivate you throughout your training? Why? Setting a good example for my son is a huge motivation. I want to show him that just because we have to age, it doesn’t mean we have to get old. And also to show him that taking care of yourself is a foundation to leading a good life. Training is also my outlet. I’m a better version of myself when my training is on point. My family and my clients deserve my best.

What are your qualifications - why did you set out to achieve these? Professionally, my personal training certifications are through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. I have my Certified Personal Trainer certification, Corrective Exercise Specialist certification, Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification, Weight Loss Specialist certification, Women’s Fitness Specialist certification, and Youth Exercise Specialist certification. NASM is one of the most highly regarded institutions from which to become certified. I figured that I’d be wasting my time, and my clients’ time, if I didn’t set high standards for myself from the beginning. Each new certification I acquire makes me a more effective and  well rounded personal trainer. My clients deserve my best effort, and that includes not only my attitude, but also my knowledge. Beyond my professional certifications, I try to practice what I preach. I have tried to be accomplished both professionally and personally. I have finished multiple 30 hour adventure races, completed multiple marathons, completed a 50k ultramarathon, finished two 70.3 distance triathlons, and also crossed the finish line at the inaugural Chattanooga Ironman 140.6 triathlon.

What have you had to overcome to get to where you are today? Did that change you in any way? If so, describe how. I’ve been blessed that my road to becoming a personal trainer has been a fairly smooth one. My husband has supported me 100% since day 1, and he’s my biggest fan. He has trained along my side and in many of my personal endeavors too. We trained together and held hands as we both crossed the finish line in the Chattanooga Ironman. My son has also been consistently positive about everything I’ve done. My support system is strong.

What is the number one lesson you have learned about health and fitness through your training? Sustainability is key. Each person has to find a nutrition and training regimen that they can stick with long term. Health and fitness should be a lifelong endeavor.

What do you wish you had known when you were 16? That great things happen when I push myself outside of my comfort zone, both mentally and physically.

Describe how training makes you feel. Strong. Capable. Beautiful. Centered.

Do you have a quote that you live by? If so, why this one? “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” We all can become complacent in a blink if we aren’t paying attention. This applies to all areas of life - physical,  mental, social, professional....Nothing progresses if we are stagnant and comfortable.

What was your reason for taking health and fitness to the level you have? Why is it so important to you? It’s been an evolution for me. As I gained more confidence in what my body could do, I kept pushing my limits. Every time I completed a race, even though I was beat down and exhausted, I felt strong and accomplished. I also want to be strong and healthy for my family. I try to lead by example so they will be encouraged to be strong and healthy as well.

What advice would you give to women wanting to get into the best shape of their life? Don’t get discouraged. No one thing works for every person. Don’t be afraid to try different avenues of exercise.

What is the most important thing women need to remember when training? Why?   That it’s ok to take that time for yourself. We tend to feel that by doing something that seems like it is for us alone, we are taking away from the people that we love. That’s not the case. The truth is, this small amount of time that we take, makes us better for the people that count on us.

We all have days where motivation is low – how do you overcome these? Have you always been able to do this? I am a “doer.” I’m very task oriented. If something needs to be done, and I’m the one that is supposed to do it, I complete the task regardless of how I feel about doing it. The same principle applies for me with regard to my training. If it’s on the schedule for the day, I do it. That said, there are occasional days where I might be particularly low energy or run down. Perhaps those will turn into unscheduled rest days. I’m trying to listen to my body more. I was not very good at doing so a few years ago. My last line of defense, though, is my husband. If I’m really failing to get myself moving, he’s very good about stepping in. He’s been known to create a butt-kicking workout for me so that I don’t  have to think about it. I just show up.

Do you enjoy training alone or with a partner? Why? Really, it depends on the day and what I’m doing. There is something great about being in my fitness studio alone, my music turned up loud, and doing my thing. But I also have fun when my friend comes to join me and we help push each other. I love the times when my husband and I can get in the gym together too. My son will come workout with me sometimes as well, especially during summer vacation. Those are great opportunities for us to spend time together.

What would you like to see change in the health and fitness industry? I’d like to see some regulation on vitamins, proteins, and supplements. So many people think that all supplements are created equal. They’re under the impression that these products are all safe because they’re sold over the counter. That’s not true and it makes it difficult for the average person to make informed decisions about what they are putting in their bodies.

What would a perfect Sunday involve for you? A perfect Sunday would come at the end of a successful training week. There would be snow on the ground, I’d sleep in with my husband, stay in sweats all day, there would be a big pot of homemade spaghetti gravy on the stove, and I’d finish off my evening with a couple of glasses of red wine.

Contest history - do you have a highlight? Why? I’ve completed multiple 30-hour adventure races, several marathons, a 50k ultra marathon, two 70.3 distance Ironman Triathlons, and the Inaugural Chattanooga 140.6 Ironman Triathlon. The highlight would have to be the Chattanooga Ironman. My training had been sidelined by a few unexpected surgeries I’d had at the beginning of that year. I had come to terms with not being able to participate in this race that coming September as I hadn’t been able to train at all for the first 6 months of the year. But at the last minute, I decided to go for it. I trained hard for two months and, while my time wasn’t as good as it would have been if I’d been able to train properly, I crossed the finish line next to my husband. Running down that finisher’s chute was one of the highlights of my entire life.

Diet/Workout week:

[Please outline a typical day’s meals and your workout]

Monday

Breakfast - Isagenix IsaLean Strawberry shake, coffee

Snack - small handful of raw almonds and an apple

Later lunch/ post workout - 2 Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers, 2 tbsp hummus, cucumber slices

Dinner - roasted chicken, roasted red potatoes, and a salad

Tuesday

Breakfast - Isa shake, coffee

Snack - 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese and an apple

Later lunch / post workout - Just Shredded Chicken from Sprouts, 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot wing sauce, and baby carrots

Dinner - baked salmon, brown rice pilaf (made from scratch), steamed asparagus

Wednesday

Breakfast - Isa shake, coffee

Snack - beef jerky

Late lunch / post workout - one of the two lunches described above

Dinner - chicken stir fry with carrots, baby bok choy, and bell peppers, served over brown rice

Thursday

Breakfast - same

Snack - same

Lunch / post workout - same

Dinner - baked chicken breasts, roasted potatoes, baked Parmesan squash and zucchini “chips” (dipped in Greek yogurt ranch dressing)

Friday

Brakfast - same

Snack - same

Lunch / post workout - same

Dinner - chicken tinga tacos from Yolanda’s

Saturday

Breakfast - avocado toast on Ezekiel bread with 2 eggs and a sliced tomato, coffee

Lunch - 5 marinated mozzarella balls and a chopped tomato with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Snack - almonds or beef jerky and an apple

Dinner - sweet and spicy honey-sriracha chicken thighs with honey-soy glazed carrots served over brown rice

Sunday

Breakfast - scrambled eggs (made by my husband), Ezekiel toast, coffee

Lunch - turkey and cheddar flat sandwich from Pot Belly with all the toppings except mayo and oil

Dinner - either some form of leftovers from previous dinners, or homemade spaghetti gravy over whole wheat pasta

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Describe yourself in three words. Stubborn, dependable, feisty (Editor’s note: Allyson is half Italian and Puerto Rican, so those three words might make better sense!)

What is your favorite food to indulge on? How often do you treat yourself? I love cheese! I don’t think I’ve ever met a cheese that I didn’t like. I don’t eat it as often as I’d like. Maybe once a month I’ll put together a big tray of cheese and charcuterie and my husband and I will have that for dinner with a couple of glasses of wine.

What is your favorite non-cheat food? Tomatoes. I’ve had an obsession with them the last few months.

What is your favorite home-cooked meal? Who cooks it? Homemade spaghetti gravy with handmade ravioli. We make the ravioli by hand as a family, but I make the gravy. This is what we have for Christmas dinner every year.

What are the staples in your fridge? Just shredded chicken from Sprouts, sliced cucumbers, romaine letuce, we always have lots of veggies, Perfect Bars, Organic Valley 2% milk, Silk soy creamer, eggs.

What is your favorite body part to train? Why? Legs, because I’ve always felt that they require the most work for me. If I’m not training them hard, then they become too skinny.

What is your least favorite body part to train? Why? Chest, because I hate push-ups.

Do you prefer to train outdoors or indoors? Why? Indoors, but my training studio is in my garage so I love to have the big bay door open. I get the best of both worlds that way.

Describe the atmosphere in your favorite place to train – what can you see/feel/hear etc.? The lights are low and the rock music is loud. The vibe is strong and positive. I must have some personal space too, and be able to see outside.

Do you prefer cardio or weights? Why? I used to be a cardio junkie. I’m not like that now though, At this point, I’d have to say that I prefer weight training. I think I burned myself out running 10 miles a day, several days a week for such a long period of time. I just don’t have it in me to do that anymore. I also discovered that I prefer the way my body looks when I’m doing more lifting and HIIT training than the way it looked when I was running so much.

Do you have a favorite book? Why this one? ‘The Outlander’ series by Diana Gabaldon, because I’m a sucker for a good romance and strong lead characters.

What is your favorite feature? Why? My skin. I try very hard to take good care of it and keep it healthy and youthful looking. I was blessed with good genes. My mother and my grandmother both have beautiful skin. I have big shoes to fill in that regard.

Name five (5) things you can't live without. Other than my guys (John & Evan)? Blue jeans, boots, wine, my pets, and my workouts.

Name three (3) things most people don’t know about you. I don’t like crowds, I sang in the chorus in high school, and I love to cook.

What is on your bedside table? Water, hand lotion, Burt’s Bees lip treatment, 2 pictures of my son as a baby, and a lamp.

What is your best beauty secret? Eye cream! I’ve been using it since I was in my 20s. And serious sunscreen on my face.

Who inspires you? Why? My son. He exudes a quiet, but fierce confidence that I wish I’d had at his age. Or that I wish I had even now! The intelligence and maturity that he possesses is inspiring to watch grow.

Who is your fitness and body role model? Why? I can’t actually say that I have one. I just try to be the best version of myself that I can put out there. I spent too many years dangerously comparing myself to other people out there. I try not to do that anymore.

What do you have in store for the future? What do you want to improve on? Looking towards the future I’ll be focusing on expanding my business model and figuring out how to do that while not falling short on the daily running my household. I want to improve upon my ability to do both.

I'm currently preparing for: Nothing physical. I am working on building my brand professionally, while keeping my own training consistent.

Website? www.afitlifeforyou.com

[mikeconphoto]

"FIT FEATURE: ANGIE SHOUP" - By European/German Fitness Photographer MikeCon Photography

First and foremost, I’d like to wish Angie and all of the other worthy, deserving Mothers out there in the world a very Happy Mother’s Day!!!

It’s time for a “Fit Feature” and this time it all belongs to Ms. Angie Shoup!

Angie lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and drove over 10 hours to come and work with me. She was a referral from my client Leslie. Angie and I talked over the course of a couple of months to ensure that her shoot was 100% perfect. The shoot was so good, that I tried to convince her to pack up and move to Colorado to be around more fitness minded people (Colorado is awesome for that!). Below is the interview that I did with Angie. I truly hope that you read what she has to say, and I pray that it inspires others out there to do more, and be more!

Thank you Angie for being an awesome client, Tribe MikeCon Member, and now friend!!

Angie Shoup Height: 5’5 (165 cm) Weight: 128 lbs. (58 kg) Occupation: Fitness Instructor Describe your life before you started training.

My life before training, was  inconsistent with eating , sleeping, and having energy. I relied on caffeine a lot to help me get through the day. My appetite would fluctuate depending on what I would be eating and drinking. If I had more carbohydrates in my diet, especially from processed foods, I would notice a fatigue crash about an hour or so after eating and would struggle the rest of the day to feel normal again. I would be in constant brain fog throughout of the day when eating poorly.

How different do you feel now compared to then?

My body feels like it’s healthy and functioning properly. Being consistent with routine and eating habits help me stay accountable with my training and fitness routine.

Was there is pivotal moment that motivated you to start training? If so, what was it?

After I gave birth to both of my childrens I made goals set out to achieve weight loss and toning. I feel having kids gave me the motivation and courage to become healthier not just for me but also for them. I wake up every day feeling motivated by wanting to be a  good role model to those around me.

Do you remember your first training session?

I remember struggling how to hold and use proper technique with weight and body.  I felt like sometimes you need to make the mistakes in order to get the correct form and go from there.

How different is your training today?

With training today, I am constantly needing to challenge myself and push myself past my comfortable level. I feel it is so easy to make excuses and stay in the comfort zone but really not much change happens there.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of training for you? Why?

The most reward I have received from training is the fact the I feel the best I have ever felt even after having two children.

What has continued to motivate you throughout your training? Why?

People look to me for advice and direction and I feel the best motivation for me is being able to help others achieve their goals. I feel proud and accomplished when someone tells me a small goal they just achieved by pushing through and not giving up on their goals.

What are your qualifications - why did you set out to achieve these?

I’m certified in Barre, Piyo, and group fitness classes. Also I am a registered nurse.  I set out to achieve these because I love to help people and in doing so make myself accountable to stay fit, active and continuing to challenge myself.

What have you had to overcome to get to where you are today? Did that change you in any way? If so, describe how.

I had to overcome my fear of public speaking and fear of embarrassing myself in front of people. I struggled with both of those issues my whole life. Fitness training has given me new self- confidence and self esteem.  

What is the number one lesson you have learned about health and fitness through your training?

That you are going to go through plateaus and its easy to get stuck in a pattern and not consistently challenge yourself.

What do you wish you had known when you were 16?

That what you put in your body is as important as how you feel about your body.

I always remembered hearing the phrase “You are what you eat.” I felt when I was 16 I did not take care of my body like I could have. I remember skipping meals thinking it would help me lose weight and also remember not drinking very much water. I remember feeling constantly tired and always in a brain fog. I wish I had known even how important it was to drink plenty of water. When you are 16, you can have a hard time listening to what others say and find yourself wanting to learn things for yourself, and with that comes mistakes. I’m thankful I have learned through my mistakes and made changes for improvement.

Describe how training makes you feel.  

Starting from the inside out, when you eat good, you feel good, when you eat and train good , I feel great, Invigorating, happy, and motivated.

Do you have a quote that you live by? If so, why this one?

“If you want something you never had, then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.”  It’s true that if you want change, you need to put yourself out there and make it happen. This is so true in a stages of life.

What was your reason for taking health and fitness to the level you have?

I have been so inspired and motivated by others. The purpose of life is to find your gift and give it away to others, meaning inspire and help others achieve their dreams just like those who helped you.

What advice would you give to women wanting to get into the best shape of their life?

Start with baby steps and a plan. Having an accountable friend and a large water bottle handy are also great motivators

What is the most important thing women need to remember when training?

That you need to focus on you and your goals and not get caught up with other people’s achievements.  Why? Remember they are there for inspiration and to not get caught up in their successes and achievements vs. your own.  It is so easy these days with social media and fitness industry to live up to other people perceptions and expectations, but you have to realize that you are your own person with your own obstacles and story to tell.

We all have days where motivation is low – how do you overcome these? Have you always been able to do this?

I think of how I feel after a workout and feels like I’m glad I took the time to take care of myself. Before I would sometimes talk myself out of working out or skipping days but realized you need to give yourself positive affirmations.

Do you enjoy training alone or with a partner? Why?

I have my days where I love being motivated and pushed by some else and also have the days when I put on music and get to working out. Both ways are great to for me just depending on the type of workout.

What would you like to see change in the health and fitness industry?

Hearing real and raw stories from people about their fitness journey I feel is more inspiring than just focusing on the positive aspects of their journey. Hearing about obstacles and challenges people have faces and overcame provides so much motivation to others in help of their journey in the fitness industry.

What would a perfect Sunday involve for you?

Morning church, reading sunday paper, drinking coffee, some outdoor activities, practicing my guitar and mediation and  relaxing in the evening to prepare for the week.

Tell everyone about the following:

Diet

(Outline a typical day’s meals please)

Breakfast

One egg or 3 egg whites

Oatmeal with coconut milk and agave light syrup with cinnamon

Apple or banana with peanut or almond butter

Lunch

Chicken and veggies

Salad with chicken

Dinner

Chicken or steak

Sweet potatoes and asparagus

Workout week

Monday- legs/ calves

Tuesday - chest, shoulders,triceps

Wednesday - cardio

Thursday- back/biceps

Friday- legs/glutes/calves

Saturday - cardio and or yoga/pilates

Sunday- rest day

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Describe yourself in three words.

Open-hearted, open-minded and determined

What is your favourite food to indulge on?

Peanut butter

How often do you treat yourself?

At least once or twice a week, depending on workouts and schedule. I feel the more you deprive yourself of something, the more you want it. When you incorporate into your diet,  your mind feels good knowing you are rewarding yourself. The mind and body work well together if you help and understand how they communicate to each other.

What is your favourite non-cheat food?

Eggs, and asparagus are my go to foods. I love to eat them a variety of different ways.

What is your favourite home-cooked meal? Who cooks it?

Roast and vegetables. I make great roast from the recipe my mom always made when I was younger.

What are the staples in your fridge?

Strawberries, blueberries, chicken, carrots, cucumber, eggs,

What is your favourite body part to train? Why?

    Core which is the powerhouse of the body.  I feel it’s so important to train your whole body and not just focusing on specific parts you want to change. The core helps improve posture and engaging muscle groups that help with upper and lower body.

What is your least favourite body part to train? Why?

Shoulders, different kind of shoulder exercises can put strain on my neck. I avoid lifting too heavy and making sure I have great form to prevent injuries.

Do you prefer to train outdoors or indoors? Why?

  I love to be able to enjoy fresh air working outdoors since I live in South Dakota, decent outdoor weather is very limited during the year. I like to take advantage of doing multiple workouts outdoors, such as running, biking, yoga and hiit training.

Describe the atmosphere in your favourite place to train – what can you see/feel/hear etc.?

    Having open area and great lighting. Also hearing outdoor noises in a nature area.

Do you prefer cardio or weights? Why?

Hard to me to decide, I really do enjoy both. My favorite type of workout would be weights with hiit cardio interval training.

Do you have a favourite book? Why this one?

My favorite book would be, “Who Says you Can’t? You Do” by Daniel Chidiac. It describes a man’s journey through life to help him reach his true self and amazing potential. It’s very inspiring to hear the struggles someone else has overcome and what achievements were produced.

What is your favourite feature? Why?

Name five (5) things you can't live without.

My kids, dogs, water bottle, agenda, car and phone

Name three (3) things most people don’t know about you.

I’m a homebody, I enjoy taking time to myself for mediation or self-reflect

What is on your bedside table?

   Calendar, charger, stress relieving ball, daily devotion, lamp,

What is your best beauty secret?

  To drink plenty of water and moisturize daily

Who is your fitness and body role model? Why?

Kelsey Byers, I feel like I can relate to her journey.  She has accomplished so much from weight loss to fitness enthusiast, online coach and author. Also married with a child.  I have two kids myself and realize the challenges that are faced when you not only take care of yourself but for others as well. Life has its struggles and hardships but I feel having my children has actually motivated me more to become a health coach and fitness trainer, so that I can be a great role model for them.

What do you have in store for the future? What do you want to improve on?

Becoming a certified health coach, as well as working as an RN and fitness instructor. I want to help people with dieting and exercise programs. Also, I would like to improve my lifestyle with diet and sticking to schedule and having more time management, to get things accomplished in a timely manner.

I'm currently preparing for:

I currently do not have plans set for what I am preparing for, although I am excited in the future to search in amazing opportunities in the fitness industry.

Website?

None yet, but people can follow me on IG: @angelahealthandwellness.

[mikeconphoto]

"Father's Day 2018 Photo Reveal"

This year, I did my Mother's Day shoot, and was smart about it and did my Father's Day shoot as well.  I made an announcement post about doing Father's Day shoots, however nobody jumped on it.  I guess that happens when there's no self interest involved <Insert eye roll>.  Most people would be upset, or discouraged, however I look at it as a building point for my Tribe.  Besides, most of my clients don't live here in Colorado, and couldn't make it.  

Here are the Father's Day Dads that proudly showed up for their kids...Thank you Jake and Gavin!! 

There's so many great men out there that take good care of their children, even if they're not originally theirs.  To all of the Father's out there that actually take care of their children, and make time for them....I SALUTE YOU!!! 

If you get a chance to, and if the relationship is right...call, write, text, email, or go see your Dad's.  You never know what will happen in the future and Lord knows I'm dreading that day when it comes.  I love my Dad!!

Thank you for reading!

Semper Fi!!

Mike - @mikeconphoto on Instagram

#mikeconphoto

[mikeconphoto]

"PERSERVERANCE & RESILIENCE (PR)" - By MikeCon Photography

As a lot of you know, I primarily shoot fitness athletes.  Fitness season is pretty much all year around, so I don't get a lot of time to watch much of any NFL football like I used to.  I must admit that I'm very grateful that they invented the DVR because I recorded all of the Atlanta Falcons games shown here in Colorado, the playoff games, and the Super Bowl.   

Most people don't know this, but I watch football games and analyze them like it's my job to do it...  (Seriously, you can just hire me on and I'll break down the game).  I just finished the best game of them all that wasn't the Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints. 

That game was... WILD!!!!!!!   

I posted the video below.  Look at how Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs didn't give up and connected with only 10 seconds to go and won!  That takes some serious PR because they were playing against a recent Super Bowl winning team.  Some will call it, "luck", or a whatever, I call it PR.  Imaging being in front of all those fans, and millions of people watching this game, and you're down in points, then you stand up and perform like they did.  I stood up and cheered for them!  

Now back to the subject of "Resilience & Perserverance".  When I was on active duty, these really were my best qualities as a Marine.  I didn't stop digging into whatever I was involved in.  I always had focus.  I may not have understood something initially, however once I kept at it, I became the, "Subject Matter Expert".  Now, as a photographer, that certainly has helped my growth.  I've been at this for a few years now, and I get a lot of photographers that reach out to me and ask advice, or whatever, I help them, then **POOF!** I get unfriended, or blocked for numerous reasons.  Most times people ask about lighting, getting published, or whatever and I always tell them the same thing, "I work my ass off to perfect a lighting technique.", or "I just kept improving my work, then re-submitting until it fit their standards."  Unfortunately, those that left being my social media friends don't work on what I showed them, then they end up giving up on photography altogether.  It's like they just don't have the moxie to stick to it, and work hard.  

In any art or creative process, things have to be practiced.  Taking someone's workshop one time, then getting mad at someone for showing you their technique once is ridiculous.  You've gotta take great notes, ask questions, and more importantly...PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!  Work on whatever you're doing in your business.  If you suck at marketing, work on it!  If you suck at lighting, work on it!!  If you suck at editing, work on it!!!  Whatever it is, you've gotta work on it.  Some of us have to work seven times harder than others.  Once you work on it, keep working on it until you get sick of it, then work on it thousands of times more!

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." - Bruce Lee

My biggest point is this.  If you don't work on what you've learned, or develop on your weaknesses, the only person you have to blame is YOURSELF!!!  For me, I'm cut from a different cloth.  I do everything I can to ensure that I'm practicing my techniques, and other business related things daily.  For me, that's important since I'm constantly trying to make sure that my clients are taken care of.  If you're not striving for progression daily as a photographer, or rather as a human, then you're definitely doing it all wrong.  

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

I went into this business without a "backup plan", or "escape route".  I am an "all or nothing" kinda person when it comes to achieving my goals.  I don't let bad people, or situations stop me for continuing my goals.  You've got to put the work in to be great.  You can't depend on other people to help you reach your objectives.  Even I have photographer buddies that help me out from time to time, however I don't lean so heavily on them that they can't do their jobs.  If you're trying to accomplish your goals the right way....DON'T QUIT!!

If you're looking for a great photography workshop, contact me, and let's make it happen.  Thank you for your time.

Semper Fidelis!

Mike

Instagram - @mikeconphoto

www.mikeconphoto.com #mikeconphoto

[mikeconphoto]

"MILITARY MINDSET" - By MikeCon Photography

So tonight I was sitting at my desk editing photos and one of my Marine friends shoots me a text message.  At the end of his text message, he said, "Hey Mike, check this video out.  This guy reminds me so much of you and your mindset.  It's awesome to see how you've thrived so much in your photography and dude, this guy is your twin!"

The video is a little long, and graphic in language, however it's really a great reflection of how I am.  It's exactly the mindset that I have for all of those in "Tribe MikeCon".  I take care of my people and I push myself to ensure that I'm, "Uncommon amongst uncommon people!"  Thank you David Goggins for actually articulating EXACTLY what it's all about.  To my Tribe...we're in this together, so let's keep doing what we do, and keep pushing ourselves on the roads that are untraveled!!  

Semper Fi!

Mike @mikeconphoto - IG

#mikeconphoto

[jmpoythress]

Pre Birthday ❤️ Love🎂 · I've learned that I am smart, and sensual💋emotional and headstrong. I often act out of emotion with the best of intention but usually lacking a plan. · I live ferociously and love even more aggressively, but I've learned rightfully so that the intensity of my love, regardless of how sincere, is not for all.✨ · In 27 years and 364 days I finally accepted that to a large degree I don't give a damn. I don't give a damn that my quirks make you cringe, or my spontaneity stifles you. At 28 I learned to just live and be grateful to say I am here, comfortability at peace with this moment ✌🏾; I am ALIVE 🦋 -💛Jasmin Greenstreet · · · Photo: @mikeconphoto Makeup: @ebonyeyesmua Model: @jmpoythress #blackgirlmagic #blackandwhitechallenge #blackandwhitephotography #blackandwhitephoto #blackhistorymonth #blackandwhite #mikecon #jmpoythress #followforfollow #blackbeauty #jetmagazine #futurejetbeautyoftheweek #jetbeautyoftheweek #gorgeous #birthday #lifeofadventure #coloradophotography #coloradophotographer #coloradomodel (at Colorado)