Jeff on his way to see Barbie.
Jeff Wilson is a friend of Routes and regular at Trailblazers. He grew up playing hockey in the hockey crazed region of SE Michigan (home of the Detroit Red Wings!). He started running to stay in shape for hockey and eventually realized he was better at running. Once in high school, he made the agonizing decision to commit to just running. With the support of a great high school coach and a dad who runs, he was able to then run competitively at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. While there, he ran a 14:55 5K PR (4:45 mile pace) - yowsers!. After graduating with a degree in kinesiology, he had his sights on the Olympic Trials in the marathon. To qualify, he needed a sub 2:20 (5:20 mile pace) - yikes! Ultimately, injuries kept him from pursuing his dream, but he realized a love for helping others train in the process.
For the last decade, he has helped coach the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men’s cross country team and also teaches in the Health Sciences department there. To boot, he works as a personal trainer and private running coach for clients throughout Colorado Springs and online. He has a holistic approach of working with folks on diet, strength and weight training, mental approach, and fitness.
Jeff in training
In regards to nutrition, he recommends a varied, colorful plate of food with a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. One of his favorite meals to cook is baked salmon with a vegetable and quinoa mix (though he loves Detroit style pizza too and recommends Decent Pizza in town!).
For the last couple years, he has been working with a client whose ultimate goal was to be hired by the FBI. Jeff helped him reach his goals for the 300 meters and the 2 mile. And Jeff coached him through his secondary goals of looking physically fit and feeling good about his body too.
Personally, Jeff will be running the Ascent Half Marathon to the top of Pikes Peak this year - as well as the California International Marathon. And he just started a podcast with two of his friends about running, training, and health. And you can check out his website here.
