Fitzness.com
Jenny Eckenrode, 50, Elementary Music Teacher, Gainesville, Florida
Why do you do you work out? I run because it makes me feel great!!! I kickbox with Fitz and backpack on the Appalachian Trail too.
How long have you been Running? I have been running most of my life. Kickboxing for about a year. And I have been section hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) for the past seven summers.
Do you run at the competitive level? I run ultra-marathons. I started this about two years ago. The ultra-distance I have achieved so far is 31 miles. This distance is challenging and satisfying to complete.
Most challenging aspect of running extreme distances: The most challenging part of running long distance is the training. Training on trails is sometimes lonely, even though it’s quite beautiful. The trails where I run are sometimes sandy, full of roots, full of hills. That makes it a challenge to run. The most challenging part of kickboxing is trying to keep going. The challenging part of the AT is literally every part of it!! Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes raining or cold, or no water in the creek. On and on with things that are difficult there.
Most fun aspect of running a trail: It is fun to complete a successful trail run and know that I did it! I feel amazing after a great run and nothing can replace that feeling. The AT is the most amazing experience ever, because you can literally see where you’ve been and where you’re going. And believe me, none of it is easy!! To stand atop a mountain and look back (or ahead) and know what you are doing, makes you feel like you can accomplish anything in the world. It is so good for your mental health. I always feel like a new person after a backpacking trip.
Most rewarding aspect of a healthy lifestyle: The most rewarding part of my training is that I have so much energy for the rest of my life because I am fit! I love the knowledge that I can lift my leg and kick while standing on the other one, or the fact that I can climb over giant rock slabs with a 35 lb. pack on my back – exhilarating, really!
Who/what inspires you when you’re felling weak? When I feel weak (not too often), I know I need more rest. I get inspired by my friends. My trainer, Fitz, who believes in me and is an inspiration too!!
Advice for others who’d like to get started: Just do it! Start where you are and you’ll be amazed at where you end up! Just go for it because you will never regret it!
Your must-have equipment for this running trails: Running shoes and clothes for running. Also, a backpack for backpacking among other gear.
Favorite training song: I don’t train to music – except with Fitz who loves all of that loud hip hop – fun stuff!!
Favorite healthy food: I love spinach and kale.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: I guess I love to eat cookies, which I do eat when I am training on a long run since I need calories to complete the distance. I make my own chocolate chip cookies – yum!!
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience doing your adventures on the trails: I have seen bears numerous times on the AT which has been quite exciting. I could write a book, really!
