THEIR STORY
Matt and Marcie Haaga’s love story proves that timing is everything. Though mutual friends mentioned them to each other more than two years before they met, life didn’t align until they finally had their first date. Three and a half years later, they’ve been married for eight months and are building a full, active life together. They share their home and adventures with two golden retrievers, Hank and Otis, who often join them at Shelby Farms off-leash dog park.
PATHS TO FITNESS
Fitness has long been part of Marcie’s identity. A former cheerleader, she stayed active into adulthood, finding her stride in running and weightlifting in her early twenties. For Matt, movement became transformative after getting sober at the end of 2015. Health and fitness offered an outlet that quickly evolved into a passion for endurance sports. Today, the couple runs together, practices yoga, and trains at Higher and other local gyms together through their DiversiFit membership. They also train alongside local run and bike groups that keep them connected and motivated, and both just joined the Los Locos Racing Team.
STRENGTHS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of their biggest shared strengths is knowing when the other needs movement. “There are signs,” Marcie jokes. They keep each other accountable by always having a race or goal on the calendar, and that mindset has paid off for the Haagas. Matt completed the legendary Leadville 100 Run in 2024 and finished his first full Ironman last September. Marcie qualified for the Boston Marathon in her very first marathon. This past summer, they took their passion global, running and hiking the 106-mile Mont Blanc Trail through France, Switzerland, and Italy on their honeymoon.
Beyond their physical feats, they deeply admire each other’s character. Matt credits Marcie’s organization, thoughtfulness, and unwavering faith. Marcie describes Matt as joyful, adventurous, and endlessly generous, especially through his volunteer work coaching football and serving the youth group at their church. The motivation they find through their active lifestyles spills into their professional lives as business owners — Marcie owns Cosmic Blonde salon, and Matt owns two local State Farm agencies.
GOALS & ADVICE
Matt is most excited to support Marcie as she prepares to run the Leadville 100 this August; his own race plans may include a Half Ironman or two this year. Their advice to those seeking a fit and active lifestyle is that consistency matters more than intensity, and goals should align with real life. “Motivation may spark the journey, but habits sustain it,” they agree. For the couple, fitness isn’t just something they do, but is foundational to their life together.
By Zoe Harrison Photo by Tindall Stephens
