Currently, hockey and running.
Almost two years. I played baseball and softball my whole life and needed a change. I used to rollerblade a lot and played floor hockey on and off so I was not starting from scratch.
Two and a half years.
While I have played sports my whole life, it wasn’t until a season-ending softball injury in 2013 that forced me into finding something to do to stay active. The trainers at On Your Mark talked me into doing a 5K and it took off from there.
2013 Grant Park Turkey Trot
5K
25 5Ks. The goal was 30, but an injury on number 25 ended the season a few months early.
^^Here's Jeff recovering from a 5K in the morning (Left) then recovering again same-day after a hockey game (Right). Now that's Training Smarter!
Anything with planks and burpees
The endurance built up from running, especially on longer runs, definitely has helped my endurance for skating and vice versa.
Chicken, broccoli and cheddar omelet from Windy City Café!
Robyn Rabicke at OYM always says “stay in the game” during treadmill workouts so I’ve adopted that one.
I don’t, but open to suggestions!
2016 Chicago Marathon. It is something prior to last year that I said I would never even consider let alone sign up for.
Going into the hot tub after hitting the 8 minute mark in the ice bath.
Going back into the ice bath after hitting the 8 minute mark in the hot tub.
In addition to access to the best recovery tools, the EDGE community. While everyone trains in different sports and for different races, we all share the common interest of loving to compete. Whether we are talking about our races, food, weekend plans, etc., EDGE has provided the forum to develop these relationships and friendships where everyone is pulling for one another.
As a hobby, I played in a band for a few years. The coolest moment was getting to play at Double Door once.
As I trained for the Rio Paralympics, EDGE was the perfect place for me to recover in between my grueling workouts so I could perform my best day after day. It all paid off when I earned a bronze medal in Rio! Whether it's for bike, run or strength training, recovering in a pair of recovery boots, drinking a cup of coffee or chatting with the members about their past and current races, it is one of my favorite places to go - EDGE Athlete Lounge has become my second home!
I use EDGE for both training and recovery… having the Woodway treadmills and a room to do weights and other-related strength exercises when I need them is very helpful and convenient. Without question, utilizing EDGE on a consistent basis has helped me stay injury-free. In fact, as someone who has a history of being injured, since joining EDGE, I have yet to experience a significant injury. I attribute that largely to having ready access to state of the art recovery tools that EDGE provides its members with.
I will be racing the Boston Marathon in April, a race in which I am targeting a sub-2:30. Bearing that Boston goes according to plan, I intend on attacking a 2:25 clocking at the 2017 Chicago Marathon! Furthermore, I am planning on breaking 15:00 in the 5K and 1:09 in the half-marathon
EDGE helped me fight my way to the title of North American Cycle Courier Champion in 2016 and I’ve got 2017 in the crosshairs. As a full time bike messenger and a professional cyclist, my schedule allows very little time to give my muscles a break. The amazing staff and facilities at EDGE have allowed me to give my body the much needed recovery it needs between rides and have helped me ride farther, ride harder, and ride stronger than ever before. Fresh legs TRULY bring FAST TIMES!