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Marc Monaco Goes “Mountain Man” In Alaska

In this exclusive interview, we chat with Marc Monaco, 5X IPL Pro Champion, as he shares his adventurous experience in the Alaskan wilderness. Known for his competitive spirit and dedication to fitness, Marc’s recent photoshoot took an unexpected turn when he donned a hooded fur coat, turning a chilly day into a standout moment. With a blend of humor and introspection, he reflects on the camaraderie of the shoot, his workout routine in Fairbanks, and the challenges that have shaped his life. As he reveals his thoughts on overcoming obstacles and pursuing new goals, Marc’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the thrill of embracing the unknown.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

“…THAT WAS DEFINITELY NOT PLANNED…NEXT THING YOU KNOW, I’M WEARING IT…I GUESS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S VISION IN THE MOMENT!”

ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: You’re rocking that hooded fur coat! What’s the story behind the bold look for that chilly Alaskan morning?
MARC MONACO: Wow, that was definitely not planned, but it sure turned out to be a great outfit! That Alaska morning was cold and wet, and all of us were freezing. La’net Spence, one of our female Pros that was shooting, had a few of these coats (both men’s and women’s), and offered them to keep us warm while waiting to shoot. Next thing you know, I’m wearing it for the shoot since it went well with the scenery and Alaskan wilderness theme. I guess it’s all about the photographer’s vision in the moment!
AM: How did you stay warm during the shoot? Any funny behind-the-scenes moments you can share?
MM: Besides, wearing that fur coat, I kept running into the sun porch to get warm! Also, La’net’s parents (who were allowing us to use their property for the Photoshoots) had an inside stove that I would stand near to warm up! The funniest thing was probably that all of us wore that coat and the women’s coat at some point to stay warm!

“I’M A CITY BOY, BORN IN NEW JERSEY, BUT SOMETIMES I LIKE THE SMALLER TOWN VIBE. THE PEOPLE WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING…VERY PURE.”

AM: What was your favorite part about being in Alaska?
MM: I really enjoyed Alaska. I’m a city boy, born in New Jersey, but sometimes I like the smaller town vibe. So much less chaos and over-stimulation. The people were very friendly and welcoming…very pure.
AM: As a 5X IPL Pro Champion, what was your go-to workout in Fairbanks?
MM: I was able to hit two workouts at the gym in Fairbanks. One of the workouts was photographed in action, which unexpectedly landed me the cover of Natural GAINZ Magazine. I did a full upper body workout for that shoot, and of course I had to highlight my strong body parts…my back and chest! The second workout I did was full lower body. The other days I made sure to do my 100 crunches and push-ups!

“[LAUGHS] THERE IS NO ‘SECRET!’ I WORK HARD TO GET MYSELF INTO THE BEST PHYSICAL SHAPE POSSIBLE, AND THEN I PERFORM.”

AM: What’s your secret to staying confident and comfortable during those shirtless shots in the cold?
MM: [laughs] There is no “secret!” I work hard to get myself into the best physical shape possible, and then I perform. I’m not going to lie, that temperature was brutal for me! I don’t like the cold, especially when my body fat is in the single digits. But I guess deep breaths and controlled breathing helps.
AM: If you had to survive in the Alaskan wilderness for a week, what three items would you bring with you?
MM: Wow, only three? I would have to say water, some type of protein, and maybe that fur coat!

“I GUESS THAT’S THE WAY I LIVE LIFE. I DON’T FEAR CHALLENGES, AND I ALSO DON’T MIND TAKING A LEAP OF FAITH!”

AM: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that keeps you motivated during challenging moments, whether in sports or life?
MM: I have had many challenges and overcame many obstacles in life. I really would not wish my past hardships on anyone. I know some people have had worse, and I can’t even imagine. But I do have faith in God, and I believe I have a purpose. I feel that God challenges His strongest soldiers! So whenever faced with a challenge or obstacle, whether in life or competition, I know I will come out of it either stronger or I wasn’t meant to come out of it at all! I guess that’s the way I live life. I don’t fear challenges, and I also don’t mind taking a leap of faith!

“ALL OF MY ‘BUCKET LIST’ GOALS HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXCEEDED. WE’LL SEE WHAT COMES UP IN THE FUTURE, BUT I’M ALWAYS CHASING NEW GOALS!”

AM: With such a successful career in the IPL, what’s next on your bucket list?
MM: That is a great question. I do not have a definite answer, to be honest! 6 Pro Cards, 5 Pro Titles, 3 magazine covers…and the honor of serving as Head Judge for the IPL. I feel so blessed to have accomplished so much in this sport! But all great things eventually come to an end. And I believe our lives are made up of chapters, some longer than others. But a chapter needs to end in order for another to begin. I do know that I am 100 percent committed to serving as Head Judge for this incredible league, especially with its growth into different locations. That excites me! Being an instrumental part of the IPL excites me, whether it’s on the competitive or the judging/decision-making side. All of my “bucket list” goals have already been exceeded. We’ll see what comes up in the future, but I’m always chasing new goals! ATHLETIC

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