Name: Tom McCarthy
Birthday: December 18
Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
I wrestled and skied in high school. Played club soccer in college and ran with the college cross country team. Also biked and walked all over the place as a kid and have been running for decades.
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group?
My first ASC workout was in August 2023. Pete had contacted me about partnering with The Northern Virginia Running Club where I’m President. So, I gave ASC a try and immediately saw the benefits of vigorous cross training.
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
The longevity of my focus on having an athletic lifestyle and having my children see that via “Lead by Example”. As you age, you become an accumulation of your habits. Sticking with having an active non-sedentary lifestyle over the long run pays huge dividends. Doing that is simple, though not necessarily easy. With that, coming in mid-pack at my first national competition last year at the National Club Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida was awesome (photo above).
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
Skiing is top of the list. Running is most frequent. And bicycling though not often enough!
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist?
Listening to music while working out is relatively new, and enjoyable, to me at ASC. “Chariots of Fire” soundtrack played at the finish line of a 10 mile race in Central Park years ago accompanied my 60 minute time was special.
What is your favorite sports team?
New York Yankees
Who is your favorite athlete?
Not a particular athlete, but rather all those who compete in Special Olympics and all those who participate in Adaptive Sports.
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
Handyman in Old Town and Arlington. Time with family. Being outdoors. Travel. Voracious reader.
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning?
The variety of activities and the intensity of activities along with the focus on strengthening your core. So far for me, every session has seen a new activity. The variety keeps it interesting.
What are the biggest benefits of being a member?
Consistency and intensity of workouts that lead to the strengthening of your entire body and mind that yields an overall sense of well-being.
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
Show up and stick with it. Your first few sessions might feel uncomfortable as you learn the various activities. However, the group is supportive, and Pete will make sure you are working out the correct way so as to get the most benefit without injury. ASC sessions will make you stronger and faster, just stick with it.