Athlete of the Month: August 2015
Neil Shah
Member Since: 2011
Windy City: We were very excited to ask Neil to be the August 2015 AOM. Over the last year or so we discovered that Neil's adventure lust has taken him to many inspiring places. Nearly all of his #liveBIG adventures have included active components such as biking, snowboarding, trekking, kayaking and diving. When it comes to vacation time, Neil has more often choosen to have an experience over comfort and luxury. We feel Neil is truly a model of how to be successful and balanced in all facets of one's life (physically, mentally, professionally and family/social).
"Don’t let your dreams be dreams" – Jack Johnson
Neil: Joining over 3 years ago, some of the most enjoyable parts of WCSC was the programming, coaches, and the community. The programming consistently challenged me day in and out (still does!) I never knew 30 seconds could be so long yet be so short during interval workouts. After the first few months I witnessed my body completely transform, topped it off with the 28-day challenge and permanently changed my diet. I had a blood test done during a routine physical and my results were comparable to a professional athlete after 6 months at WCSC!!!! I love progress! I have learned that pacing myself during workouts and practicing form during functional movement gets me further faster.
WCSC has given me the confidence to tackle things in my life both physically and mentally, and has become therapeutic for me.
I believe the #LIVEBIG mantra is HUGE and is such a phenomenal concept. Leveraging our fitness to explore this amazing world and live life to its fullest, by none, is the most epic goal in my life! I am a true believer in participating in as many new experiences and adventures as I possibly can. I am so thankful and proud to be part of a community where this balance is valued, promoted, and shared.
Recent Adventures
Before turning 30 I traveled to 6 of the 7 continents in the world seeking adventures. The travel bug hooked me early and I never looked back. I think it is extremely important to take trips and to see the world. Long or short, these trips open your mind and heart to so many new experiences, ideas, and give you new perspective on life.
- Dec 2014 Scuba Diving trip in Belize
- Jan 2015 Paddle boarding adventure in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
- Feb 2015 Skiing in Whistler, BC
- Most recently (last week) I completed a 7-day, 250-mile mountain bike trip from Telluride, CO to Moab, UT. It was the adventure of the lifetime! Completed the seven days with a feeling of euphoria and self-respect, knowing that I am truly capable of doing what I set out to do, that I moved past self-imposed limitations and found meaning far greater than I could ever imagine. Biking gives you time to both think and not to think, time to be social and reserved, time to meditate, time to laugh and time to cry — and time to put butt butter on your bum for the next ride!
Other #LIVEBIG accomplishments include, diving w/ whales sharks and Manta Rays of the coast of Mozambique, Africa alongside National Geographic researchers, Krueger National Park Safari, South Africa, back to back Chicago marathons, Hustle up the Hancock, summiting Half Dome in Yosemite in 1 day, hiking Machu Picchu, Peru, discovering the temples of Angor Wat, Cambodia and Taj Mahal, India. Descending down into the Cu Chi tunnels of the Vietcong army from the Vietnam war in Saigon, Vietnam. Hiking to the top La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Hiking the Blue Mountains and Sailing the Whitsundays, Australia, spearfishing of the islands of Palawan, Philippine’s. 5 day Live-aboard dives through Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai, Malaysia.
Future Adventures
Vail, Bonaire, Mexico, Egypt, The Birkebeiner, and whatever else comes up…I am always looking for the next opportunity to get my adventure fix, need company?
Personal Goals
At the Gym / Athletics: Participate in a Trodo event, do a pistol, consecutively kip toes to bar, 1 muscle up, learn butterfly pull ups, beat Chet in consecutive double unders!
Professionally: I started a company in 2011 and it grew much faster then I had expected. While this growth is wonderful, it has also forced me to examine some of my own professional challenges. I’m actively working on being a better communicator, continuously evolving to be an inspiring and fair leader, being patient, and never settling for anything less than great.
Personal: Focus on the positive. Continue to push myself out of my comfort zone. To be “in the moment” at all times. To be kind and grateful. And most of all to be a great father and role model to my children as well as a loving husband. Lastly…to HAVE FUN in whatever it is I am doing!
Words to live by:
Regrets come when you wonder, “What if?” yet don’t act. Don’t wonder — take the plunge, and challenge yourself. - Neil Shah