NAME: Alex Bocian
WHAT DO YOU DO: Ultra-Marathon Runner and Physical Activity Disability Advocate
WHERE DO YOU LIVE: Wisconsin (Soon to be New Mexico)
WEBSITE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bocian-2042b91b
Twitter: @albocian

WHAT’S SOMETHING BRAVE OR WILD YOU’VE DONE IN YOUR LIFE?

One wild thing that I have completed in my life is a 50-mile ultra-marathon. River, the dogr-unner bernedoodle from Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles was by my side each step of the way. It’s a wild accomplishment that I feel takes a certain level of bravery to trust that your body and mind has what it takes to complete the run.

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS AND WHY YOU VALUE IT

Running outdoors is my favorite thing. I love it because there is nothing like it. Running helps me reach my daily recommended levels of fitness while the outdoors provides a plethora of secondary benefits. Running can also be a very social activity. I have forged many friendships that revolve around running which allows me to continue to push my limits and be held accountable on those rainy, snowy, or below 0 days. I run!

TELL US YOUR STORY:

I started out my career with the intention of teaching physical education and coaching sports. I wanted to help others experience the joy and benefit from physical activity while learning the essential skills to lead an active lifestyle as an adult. As I started working in schools, I learned more and more about populations of students in schools that I had little contact with as a student in my k-12 years such as those with autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, and many others. I noted how much more of a challenge many teachers had including these students in their classes. This was no different in physical education, a class that occurs in gymnasiums nationwide. From there my mission was simple, that was to work with teachers, parents, students, and other stakeholders in the child’s education in order to provide needed adaptations and modifications to allow successful participation in recreation and sport. Over the last year I have been enrolled in an accelerated master’s degree program in physical education with an emphasis in adapted physical education and outdoor adventure education. Upon completion in July, I intend to bring my skills and knowledge to the great state of New Mexico where I will be supporting students that are visually impaired or blind in sport, recreation, fitness, aquatics, and other physical activity.  

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

I would say one thing that makes me unique is how empathetic I am. I have a strong passion for understanding and helping others. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I would say I am an energetic eccentric fitness fashionista. I prefer slim fitting clothing that are functional, expressive and bold to match my personality. I like to look good and make sure I do, which requires time, effort, and much consideration.  

FAVOURITE QUOTE OR MOTTO:

What is wild cannot be bought or sold, borrowed or copied. It is. Unmistakeable, unforgettable, unshamable, elemental as earth and ice, water, fire and air, a quintessence, pure spirit, resolving into no constituents. Don't waste your wildness: it is precious and necessary.” Jay Griffiths

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PAIR OF KAPOW MEGGINGS?

Disarray meggings