We’ve reached the mid-way mark of November and it’s time for another Member of the Month feature. This monthly feature highlights some of our more exceptional members who are doing great things in sport, the community and life. Click here to see previous members of the month. This month’s member of the month is Jason LeDoyen. Jason is a long standing member in our Performance Fitness program and one of the top Ultra runners in the country.
Name: Jason LeDoyen
Age: 45
City of birth: Norfolk, VA
What do you do when not at Athletic Lab: Ultramarathon runner (specialize in 100 mile races), Information Technology Project Manager, ECU Football Season Ticket holder for 19 years, Spending time with family especially my 4 year old Golden Retriever, Zoey
How did you first hear about Athletic Lab: I had been looking for something to compliment my running as I prepared to tackle my first 100 miler. I was driving home from a training run at Umstead when I saw Athletic Lab and decided to drop in. After talking with the staff about my plans and some questions I had about CrossFit, I knew this was the place where I could improve my running while minimizing the risk of injury.
Favorite class/time: CrossFit Performance Fitness, Monday and Thursday at 5:00pm
Favorite exercise: Sled Push (WOD makers, are you listening ?)
Least Favorite exercise: Barbell Thrusters are my kryptonite – they expose my every flaw and weakness. Ironically, I really like Plate Thrusters.
You compete in a lot of grueling competitions. Would you mind sharing a bit about the one that stands out the most to you: I’d have to say my best memory is from my first 100 miler. It was a 24 hour race, meaning participants cover a loop (in this case 1.3 miles) as much as they can over the course of 24 hours.
I was planning to run 75 miles in prep for my first 100 mile race and found myself in a situation where, if I kept going, I had a chance at 100 miles. I experienced every possible emotion that day and was able to reach my goal through continuing to move, no matter how slow, and by much assistance from family, other runners, race staff, and the race director – all of which knew a lot more than I did at the time on how to deal with the various situations I encountered. For example, I knew I needed to eat but did not feel like it so I went several hours with minimal calories. Within a period of minutes I went from feeling good to constant dry heaving. Eating was the last thing on my mind but a runner who was taking a break suggested that I eat some pizza and Ginger Ale. After about 5 minutes I was moving well again! I’ll never forget the impact of those who cared about the sport and my goals and how it helped me reach a significant milestone in my life.
In an interesting twist of fate, the race I mentioned shutdown in 2015. I had an opportunity to create a new event (www.Tideland24.com) on the same course and just directed my first race in early November. I was able to put all of my experiences and learnings to use in order to help others achieve their goals and reviews from participants have been positive. It was an amazing feeling getting to live through the runners and think back to when I was out there four years ago having no idea I would have so much success in the sport, let alone be the Race Director a short time later.
Doing everything I can to continually improve. I try to surround myself with those who are faster, stronger, and smarter than me so I can learn from them. Training at Athletic Lab has helped me to significantly improve my running performance – my form has improved and I am able to handle the high-mileage of my training with minimal injuries. Where I notice the impact of CrossFit the most is in my recovery – I can now run 100 miles on the weekend and be back in AL for an easy workout a few days later. The coaches at AL always push but also understand why I am here and that I have some mobility limitations.
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