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Michael Schaefer is a Sports Medicine physician who grew up in Northern Wisconsin but has spent his entire adult life skiing in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He has managed to train for and ski the Birkie 26 times and even spent some years in the elite wave. His dad skied 33 Birkies and both his parents were expert skiers who encouraged his whole family to get outdoors year-round. Michael shares stories of the early years in Wisconsin, 'skivangelizing' in the Ohio ski scene, and the deep connections that skiing has helped to create for family and friends. He even hands out some tips about staying healthy, fit, and well-balanced as we plan to return to the Birkie start line each February.

Dad (Phil) did 33 Birkies, Mom (Jean) did 8 or 9, Sister Bethany 20, Cousin Steve Weber 30, Dad's dear friend Ed Clary retired at 82 with 35 Birkies!

- Michael talked about the app he uses called 'Whoop' to monitor his training using a wearable device

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at [email protected] or you can fill out this form

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