Meet Mother, Fitness Model & Open Water Swimmer: Micha Shaw

Name: Micha Shaw

Instagram: @michashaw

Brief description of yourself:  I’m a mom and sports model living in Huntington Beach. My pre-baby days were spent competing in Open Water swimming and Lifesaving competitions. I trained for the 2008 and briefly for the 2012 Olympics in the 10K Open Water event. I swam at Cal (GO BEARS!). I grew up all over the place…Washington, England, South Africa, but I consider myself an Alaskan at heart. That’s where I spent most of my time growing up. 

What is your favorite dryland workout?  My favorite dryland workouts are yoga, boxing, hiking. Probably my most favorite workout would be when my husband and I work out together in our  garage or at the beach. I love box jumps, pull-ups and the TRX. If we are at the beach, I like to add sand sprints to really torture myself!

What is your favorite water work out?  Ocean swims and surfing in warm water. Swimming anytime. Honestly, now as a mom I find it hard to be consistent with one particular workout. Anytime I can get out of the house by myself, it’s usually for a workout. I dream of one day joining a masters team, and being the overly competitive old chick that tries to keep up with the young kids. 

Describe your dream day at the beach: My dream day at the beach would include my best girl friends, we would body surf, surf, paddle and swim until the only thing we have energy for is lifting a nacho to our mouth and holding onto an ice cold bud light. I imagine this would take place in Sayulita.

What activities do you do in JOLYN? Play in the sand with my kids, swim, paddle, surf…I once did a crossfit competition in JOLYN!
Favorite JOLYN color: Cabernet
Favorite JOLYN style and why: Softy bottom, if I had to choose just one. But I’m pretty sure I never met a JOLYN I didn’t like ;)

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be: Since bringing my family is not in their best interest…I would bring a bikini, Sunblock and a giant jar of peanut butter

What's your favorite beach that you've been to and what beach is on your list to go to?  Dream Beach, Lembongan Island. Noosa Heads, any beach off the Great Ocean Road, Australia. All the beaches in Bali. I got married in Changuu, Bali in 2009. Currently on my travel list is Sayulita, Sri Lanka (swimming with Blue Whales!!), and Turks and Caicos…which I will be traveling to in 32 days with my husband, but who’s counting?

Who is your favorite athlete? One of my best friends, Natalie Coughlin, who showed me what it means to be a true bad ass. 

What are 3 things on your bucket list: Swim with blue whales, travel to Morocco, drive across country in a custom airstream

If you were 60 years old, what would you tell your children: Always choose love. Regret nothing. Travel as much as possible.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now: Salsa, eggs, peanut butter, blueberries and some forgotten leftovers!

If you had to be an animal, what would you be and why:  A Dolphin, so I could know what it's like to be fearless in the waves.

What would you spend your last $10 on: Coffee, chips and salsa and a lottery ticket.