Who Brought the POWER in June (2019)?

Jason Heinen

May's Student of the Month was a mom, so it only seems fitting to spotlight one of our Power Ryding dads for the month of June! Put your hands together for Jason Heinen!

Jason started ryding with us in February of 2018. He came to my class for the first time and I remember thinking the entire time, does he like this? Does he like me? Jason was quiet but worked hard. He kept coming back, every Monday at 5:30am, so I thought, he must like this, right??

Looking back it's so funny, because I thought Jason was so shy; he came in, got on his corner bike, rode, and left. But then some time in October, I asked the class a question and he fired back with a snarky remark. I remember saying, "What?" and he was like, "I'm being sarcastic. That's my sense of humor; I am sarcastic." That's when I realized Jason had a great sense of humor and was fair-game to call on in class and pick on (occasionally).

Jason might be one of our most sarcastic ryders (keep in mind when reading below!), but he is also one of the hardest working. He sets goals and he achieves them. Just this past Spring he ran a marathon in California on a Sunday and came home and ran the Flying Pig Marathon the following Sunday! So if you thought Power Ryde was comprised of a lot of crazy runner chicks, well, we have some crazy runner dudes as well!

Way to go Jason! Keep reading below to learn why Jason rydes, how ryding has helped his running, and what he does when he is not at Power Ryde (hint...it might be running!).

What brought you to Power Ryde?

I have been a runner for a while, however I wanted to find another type of exercise that would help with weight loss, cross training and preventing injuries.

Do you remember your first ryde and how you felt after? What has kept you coming back for more week after week?

I do remember my first ride, it was with Casey as the instructor. What a ride it was. I felt like a fish out of water. I was a beginner at 5:30 am and the only guy. I made it. Great workout. I had purchased a 10-pack through Groupon, so I felt I didn't have a lot to lose if I didn't like it. It's been a long time since that first ride.

What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2019?

I am hoping to get more fit, stronger, and physically feel more like I'm 26, versus only mentally. I plan on being around for a long time.

Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?

I don't have favorite single moment, I simply enjoy the atmosphere there. Every instructor is very friendly and supportive. The people who are there at the 5:30 am classes are like me, trying to fit in the workout before the day. I like surrounding myself with people who get it!

What is your favorite music to ryde to?

I like anything. My playlists that I run to are everything from Alternative to Country. I prefer music that speeds up as the song get going, like AC/DC "Back in Black" or Brother's Osbourne "It ain't my fault".

Tell us a fun fact about your yourself.

Sarcasm is my middle name, oh, but you said fun. I have run 10 marathons, 2 within the same week, 2 times. Now that's fun (sarcasm).

What motivates you?

My family and kids. I don't beat myself up if I have a bad run or workout. It happens, I pick myself up and start again. I thought about quitting, but then I realized who was watching; they are always watching.

When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?

I find running "somewhat" enjoyable; it's running isn't it? I like the training and the hard work that gets you to the race. The race is simply the cherry and whip cream on the top.