We had the good fortune of connecting with Cali Schweikhart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cali, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the feeling of complete freedom and peace. I mainly find this feeling running trails or in an obstacle course race. I liken it to feeling like a kid again… it’s how you would always want life to feel if that was possible. I am motivated to live my life in a way that maximizes how often I experience this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worn a number of hats when it comes to jobs and careers, and still do. I currently would call myself a semi-professional athlete and try to treat/view my training as a job. This is my biggest passion and the most important pursuit in my life at the moment. My entire life, I have never had any specific interest or career path call to me outside of being an athlete. I always knew I loved sports and when I fell into obstacle course and hybrid racing, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue more seriously. It’s amazing to have such a strong passion for something. I would say I still have so far to go and so many lessons to learn. As much as that is daunting, it is also the most exciting part!

Besides training and racing, I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a private tutor. I earned my NSCA CSCS so that I could help other people discover a love of fitness like I did, and it is still one of the coolest feelings to help someone achieve new goals and become a better version of themself through movement. Online coaching has not been easy. Client acquisition can be difficult. But you kind of just have to trust that the product/service you’re putting out is worth it, and that those who truly need and want your help will find it. It’s a test of patience for sure.

On the tutoring front, this is something I am extremely passionate about because I have always loved learning. Helping others learn is so exciting and fulfilling to me. Starting that business was also slow-going at first, but when you do a good enough job, word travels and more people reach out to learn more about what you’re offering. Tutoring has taught me how to be a more effective communicator and has opened my eyes to the most effective teaching strategies. Connecting with your student/client is the main thing. When you’re supportive, relatable, patient, and encouraging, it breaks down so many barriers to effective communication and learning. Being a part of a student’s growth is so special.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to all of my favorite trails and training routes: a bike ride up Sunshine Canyon in Boulder and through Nederland, a run on the famous Boulder Skyline route, and a visit to some high peaks would be on the list!

As for food, I am a huge pizza fan, so Crosscut in Nederland, Fringe in Boulder, and Blue Pan Pizza in Denver would all be options! I think a picnic on a mountain top or at one of the local parks on a nice day would be a blast too.

The allure of Colorado as a whole to me is all of the things you can do outdoors, and just the beauty of it all. I would try to fill my friend’s visit with as much outside time as possible!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family definitely deserves a shoutout. My parents have always been extremely supportive of all of my endeavors and have encouraged me to pursue my passions. They have done whatever they can to help me go after my goals, and for that I am so grateful. It makes a world of a difference when you have people who believe in and support you.

Website: cs4training.com

Instagram: @cschweik

Image Credits
Spartan race photographers

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