Find Out How this Marathon Runner Became a Gym-Going Guy
Bob Fehrenbach has never really enjoyed going to a gym. "I like to be outside and I travel a lot for work, so running was a good fit for me; it is transferrable," he says.
But all that running – approximately 30 marathons – left Bob with pelvic stress fractures and a pleading from his physician to balance out his fitness routine. So, Bob joined the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion in October 2013, and immediately began working with personal trainer LeAnn Briggs.
LeAnn's Action Plan to Prepare Bob for the Boston Marathon
"When I began working with Bob, he had basic knowledge of weight lifting, but was unsure of how to apply those concepts to support his running," notes LeAnn. "So, since his goal was to complete the Boston Marathon in April, we targeted muscle groups to make sure he finished strong and stayed healthy."
"Working with Leann got me over the hump," says Bob. "I work out early, and I know I have to go because LeAnn will be waiting for me at 6 a.m."
Bob did finish the Boston Marathon this past April and says of his experience, "I noticed that what I've done here helped me recover much more quickly." In fact, Bob also noticed some strides on a recent skiing trip he takes annually to visit a good friend in Utah.
"That ski trip is the only week I've missed since joining and this year and I was able to keep up with my friend; that's new. We even tried harder slopes I wouldn't have been up for in the past. I haven't lost weight over the past several months, but I have definitely built muscle."
How Bob Became a Marathon Runner
"I've seen an incredible improvement in Bob's muscular ability, particularly his leg strength, core strength and hip strength," says LeAnn.
A lifetime Cincinnati resident, Bob went to Moeller High School, then went on to the University of Cincinnati. He was always active, but not necessarily a fitness buff until his neighbors at the time noticed that he was interested in running. "They took me under their wing and got me hooked up with the Running Spot, where I started running intervals with a small group. I just kept going with it and have run with several different groups at this point."
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Ultimately, Bob joined the Pavilion to vary his routine and stave off injury. "I've gotten way more out of this than I expected," he says. "It's been fun to set a new goal -- to see what life looks like outside of running." Next up for Bob: Pool work. "I've never really pursued swimming, but it is intriguing to me. I would like to build up my endurance in the pool."
Bob is married to Elaine (also a member) and they have two children Megan, an Ohio State student who will be utilizing the Pavilion's Summer Student Membership, and Kevin, an active athlete at Moeller High School.
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Bob's daughter Megan is taking advantage of the Pavilion's Summer Student Membership. For more information regarding those short-term memberships, contact Member Services at 513 246 2611.