Fathers and daughters bond over many things, but one local pair has grown closer through the power of exercise.
On any given night, you will find Mike Harris working out at Columbus Fit with daughter Cassondra Wilson at his side, a schedule the two have kept up for about a year and a half.
Harris, 69, is retired. Wilson, 42, is CEO of a company that provides corporate training and talent development. The two maintain a schedule of specialty classes they take weeknights at the workout facility, from weights to spinning to core work.
And through the sheen of sweat, the two share a commitment to physical fitness along with a chance to spend time together, carved out from busy schedules each week. That time is special because of the genuine enjoyment each has with spending time together.
“I just look forward to it,” Wilson said after Tuesday night’s spin class, in which her father was right beside her, standing on the pedals for the hill climbs. “Dad sets up all my stuff … he’ll share his weights and make sure I’m set up to go.”
“Only because she can’t get here on time,” Harris deadpanned as the two laughed.
“The time Dad and I share — very few people get to have that,” Wilson said. “And I get an occasional high-five from him when the class gets really tough.”
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.