POWERGRAMS

PROFILE Run, run, run Running is a huge part of Mickens' exercise routine. In fact, during his 36-year career at Alabama Power, he has become well-known among co-workers for his lunchtime runs. Mickens has worked at Plants Gorgas, Miller and Gaston over the years, and has always made it his habit to run 2 miles around those facilities four days a week. "I run at 12 o'clock – something the ordinary Joe won't do," Mickens said. "I can do it because I'm a martial artist. It helps keep me at peak condition and builds my endurance." Mickens works out four days a week. He heads to work early to li weights and use the fitness equipment at the Gorgas gym. During the COVID-19 crisis, Mickens, along with other Gorgas Maintenance employees, worked at home for four months and were only called in to the plant to take care of needed repairs. But that didn't stop him. Mickens worked out in his home gym, where he lied weights and fine-tuned his kicks, punches and other karate moves by practicing on BOB (body opponent bag), his martial arts dummy. Judd Hamilton said Mickens' leadership as an experienced martial artist has carried over to his job. "One of the values of a good leader is that they lead themselves well," said Hamilton, Plant Gorgas Maintenance team leader. "Calvin is a good example because he uses his lunch period to run and do martial arts. He hypes everyone up so they can be their best selves as well. He holds others accountable to the same standards that he uses for himself." Mickens believes that his discipline as a runner and martial artist has made him a beer employee and helped keep him safe on the job. "Wellness and safety are part of who I am," said Mickens. "When I don't work out one day, it bothers me until I work out again. You have to do it for yourself and not anybody else. You don't have to be crowned a champion to train like a champion." 46 Mickens has practiced martial arts for 43 years.

• Cover