Welcome back for volume #002 of the Hybrid Athlete Highlight series! Following up on our last edition with Matt Zelaya, we’re thrilled to introduce another inspirational, high-performing hybrid athlete, Joey Miuccio.
Joey is a pilot for a major airline, a former wrestler, and now a New York City marathoner, clocking in on November 5th at 3:17:51.
He’s not your average hybrid athlete. He’s dominating endurance events like the Leadville 100 and lifting daily while managing a full-time career flying planes! Whether it’s a hotel gym or a local spot, Joey prioritizes his health and fitness, pushing himself to new limits mentally and physically.
We talked to Joey to hear his story as a hybrid athlete and what it means to him.
Who are you, and what is your athletic background?
I’m Joey Miuccio from St Petersburg, FL. I’m an Airline Pilot and fitness influencer. I grew up a wrestler and played almost every sport imaginable. Now I just like to push myself to be a better version of myself. Today, I’m mostly focused on running and weightlifting at the moment.
How did you get into hybrid training? What does your weekly training schedule look like?
I just needed a new challenge and always hated running, so I decided to get better at it, with improvement, you usually start to like the things you hated in the past. I typically lift and run 5-6 days a week.
As a pilot and hybrid athlete, how do you balance your training regimen with the demands of your career?
I prioritize training and fit it into my day. It’s not always easy, but it’s usually always possible. It’s important to adjust as necessary – it’s all about finding balance and being adaptable.
What is your favorite accomplishment as a hybrid athlete, and what did it mean to you?
The Leadville 100. I started running more seriously less than two years before doing this ultramarathon, so it meant a lot to complete it. I showed myself that I can do hard things and push myself past my limits.
What is the hardest thing you’ve had to do as a hybrid athlete? How did you overcome it? What lessons did you learn that have helped you in other aspects of your life?
I’d have to say the Leadville 100 again. I trained hard to be as prepared as I could be physically.
I overcame it by not looking too far ahead of myself and just putting one foot in front of the other and making it to each aid station.
I also had an amazing team helping me along the way. Preparation is key in everything you do, and some things may seem crazy or impossible, but your mind is your greatest limitation.
What lessons have you learned from being a pilot that helps in hybrid athlete training?
Go with the flow. Things aren’t always going to flow smoothly and go as planned, so just keep a positive mindset, adjust as needed, and keep moving forward.
How has the hybrid athlete combination of lifting and running influenced your athletic ability?
It’s great for athletic ability. Doing both allows you to stay mobile and strong at the same time.
How has hybrid athlete training improved your mental health and overall well-being? What other benefits have come from it that you did not expect?
Mental health with training is huge and overlooked a lot. Training helps to have something to always look forward to and something to always be proud of.
Also, being fit and accomplishing hard things helps a lot in first impressions for job interviews or life situations in general.
How do you stay motivated and disciplined in your hybrid athlete training?
I truly enjoy the consistency in life. Having a goal always keeps me on track.
What advice would you give aspiring hybrid athletes and those who have demanding careers and may struggle to find the time or train appropriately?
Don’t let your career be an excuse. You have enough time in the day for the things you want to prioritize, so just make it happen. It won’t always be easy or convenient, and you may need to train at weird hours, but you can definitely get it done.
What’s next for Joey Miuccio? What’s the next big goal you’re training for?
Sub 3 marathon, MMA fight, Ironman. I’m not sure what I’ll do next, but I’d like to do these three next.
For those who would like to follow your training and events or get in touch, where can they find you?
@joeymiuccio on IG, TikTok, and YouTube! Don’t be shy, and reach out!
Any last words of wisdom or motivation?
Do what you love. If you’re doing that, you’ll be good at it and have the best chance of succeeding in that field. Consistency is key.
Fun facts about Joey Miuccio:
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Age: 28
Favorite Sport: Wrestling
Favorite Exercise: Weightlifting
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Movie: Crazy Stupid Love
Favorite Song: You by Nate Traveler
Favorite Quote: “Consistency is key”
Connect with Joey on Instagram and other socials to follow his journey, learn more about how he trains, eats, and recovers, and check out his own running sunglasses with Neven Eyewear.
Thanks for reading Volume 002 of our Hybrid Athlete Highlight series with Joey Miuccio, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories and tips from hybrid athletes worldwide.
Stay up, stay active, and stay hybrid!
