THE WINNER IS: MICHAEL MCCLENDON
At the age of 39, Michael McClendon is the first winner of the Fit First Responders 25 Week Challenge. Michael is a Tulsa Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic for the city of Tulsa. After 25 weeks of the FFR Challenge, Michael was the winner of the pickup from Jim Glover Chevrolet but explains his even greater rewards.
For Michael it is impossible to give just one favorite aspect of FFR, but he says, “I
would say the prayer at the end of each workout and the camaraderie of teammates would rank right up there with the energy of the coaches and waking up every day to seeing little changes in my body and mind.”
Michael has seen so many changes in his life since this program began. He says, “First and foremost would be the mindset changes. It seems as if I see things in a different light now. I guess not a lot has really changed in my surroundings but my perception of what I see is the true change. I think when you surround yourself with positive people giving you constant positive feedback, it begins to bleed into your own life and you start to see things in a more positive light. My relationships at work, home and in my spiritual life have all been improved from this new mindset.”
When asked how he feels about the changes he has made in his life, Michael explains, “This program comes in a close 4th in the best things to ever happen to me, behind, My Savior, My Wife, and My Children. I know for a fact that FFR has added years to my life, and life to my years. I have said before that if you could possibly paint a before and after picture of the internal changes FFR is responsible for in my life, that it would definitely trump the external transformation. “
Michael sees a night and day difference in his life at work. He is able to do his job safely again. Firefighting is such a physical job, and it baffles Michael how he was able to do his job at all before this program. He says he was a walking accident waiting to happen. He says, “I feel that I was a risk not only to myself and my crew, but could have possibly let down the citizens in a time of need. Now I feel like nothing could stop me from performing like the firefighter that I know I am capable of being. I can work longer, harder, and am so much stronger that the physically demanding job functions that seemed tiring before, don’t even compare to a good FFR warm up now. I also have a new positive mindset at work that I haven’t had in sometime. I have been told multiple times by coworkers that they have noticed the changes.”
When asked to consider what Michael sees ahead going forward from the FFR Challenge, Michael says, “Keep working out, keep praying daily, keep eating clean, keep getting stronger, and keep attempting to motivate more first responders to come change their lives. Nothing has changed since the challenge has ended, its still part of my daily life and will continue to be as long as there is a program to attend. I guess the only real change since the program has ended is the gym is more crowded and my daily commute a little more comfortable thanks to Jim Glover and the FFR program!”
Congratulations Michael McClendon….we are so proud and blessed by you!
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Keep WINNING!
FIT FOR DUTY, FIT FOR LIFE
THE FIT FIRST RESPONDERS FAMILY
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