Introduce yourself:
Jeff: My name is Jeff Frank and I've just recently started visiting Goodmiles.
What brought you to Goodmiles Running Company?
Jeff: What brought me in was Goodmiles stellar reputation for service - the combination of knowledge of feet and physiology along with representing great brands like HOKA. I'm a competitive age-group Obstacle Course Racer, and I've been battling some injuries the last few years, so finding a store and a brand that can help me train smarter and with better equipment is key to staying in the sport.
What’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had volunteering and at an event in your HOKAs?
Jeff: I love volunteering at races! Savage Races are generally some of my favorite experiences. Savage is an obstacle course race with mandatory completion - meaning you have to complete all of the obstacles to have a chance to podium. I love connecting with people and cheering them on when they encounter an obstacle that they are struggling with and watching them work and push to try to make it through. It's also cool when I connect with other racers when we realize we're both wearing the same shoes - like my HOKA One One Evo Jawz - a super fast and light trail shoe perfect for shorter races.
Why do you love HOKA?
Jeff: I love HOKA because like me they don't settle. They keep driving to improve and they keep listening to folks. That is what makes a great company - and I appreciate how connected they are to community. I work at a non-profit theater for family audiences, so I've really dedicated my life to listening to the community and giving back through our work. Finding a company that also looks for ways to give back is important.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
Jeff: It is so important to show up for your community and to find ways to give back - especially to our young people. They are the future, and I want to give them all the support I can while reminding them that their voices matter in this world and that their voices will shape our collective future.
What is a Goodmile to you?
Jeff: It can be a lot of different things depending on the day. Some days it is being alone on the trails at Lapham Peak finding peace. Sometimes it's an evening with my Dad's Running Group getting together to put in some miles and enjoying some laughs, or an early morning workout with November Project Milwaukee watching the sun come up.
Share your running passion:
Jeff: The world of competitive Obstacle Course Racing is my passion. I love that it tests competitors across all levels of fitness - running, strength, balance, agility, etc. I also find the races a great metaphor for life. Once you've crawled up the side of a mountain through mud and under barbed wire dragging a 50 pound sand bag, the obstacles that appear in your real life seem less intimidating. When you get stuck trying to complete an obstacle you get a chance to work on your resilience and perseverance - and you often realize that sometimes you need to find a different perspective to see the way forward, and that there is power in observing others to see what you can learn.
Shop Jeff’s favorite HOKA style here at Goodmiles!
