SAN DIEGO, CA (Feb. 03, 2016) – ElliptiGO elliptical bicycles are the cross-training tool of choice for scores of elite runners participating in the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials held in Los Angeles on Feb. 13. This year, nearly 80 runners – 56 women and 22 men – racing in the trials use ElliptiGO bikes to build strength and aerobic capacity, and to reduce or recovery from injuries. In addition to individuals, top clubs, such as Hudson Elite and New Balance Boston, encourage and provide their athletes ElliptiGO bikes for training.
Top athletes to watch for include Meb Keflezighi, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist who will compete for one of the three slots open on the men’s team. Keflezighi finished fourth in the 2012 Olympics, and he is the only runner in history to have won an Olympic medal, the New York City Marathon (2009) and Boston Marathon (2014). Even at age 40, he is a favorite to make his fourth Olympic team.
“I always say age is just a number, but I do have to modify my training now and that’s where ElliptiGO has been a great asset to me,” said Keflezighi. “If you can stay consistent and healthy, you will perform. Since there’s no impact on the ElliptiGO, I use it for extra mileage and integrate it into my training. I don’t wait until I get injured to get on it. The results speak for themselves.” [Watch a video of Keflezighi explaining how he incorporates ElliptiGO rides into his training.]
In the women’s race, 32-year-old Sara Hall is a top threat for one of the coveted spots. Hall ran 2:31:14 in the 2015 Chicago Marathon and recently showed her speed at the Houston Half Marathon, coming in as the first American woman and recording a personal best of 1:10:07.
Other top contenders in the men’s race who integrate ElliptiGO bikes into their training include:
- Craig Leon (31) – finished in the top 10 at the 2015 New York City Marathon
- Matt Llano (27) – recorded a personal best of 2:12:28 in the 2015 Berlin Marathon
- Tim Ritchie (28) – clocked a 1:01:22 victory at the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Other top female contenders who use ElliptiGO bikes include:
- Clara Santucci (29) – ranked in top 10 by Track and Field News every year she’s run a marathon; owns a personal best of 2:30:46
- Renee Metivier Baillie (34) – turned in the fifth-fastest marathon debut by an American, 2:27:17, in the 2012 Chicago Marathon
- Brianne Nelson (34) – ran a personal best 2:34:24 at the 2014 Twin Cities Marathon
- Adriana Nelson (35) – recorded a 2:31:15 in the 2014 Boston Marathon and 1:12:35 at the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
- Kristen Zaitz (35) – won her 2nd straight 3M Half Marathon on Jan. 24, 2016, in 1:13:51, taking 30 seconds off her victory time from a year ago.
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About ElliptiGO
ElliptiGO Inc. created the world’s first elliptical bicycle to deliver a fun, comfortable and effective workout experience that inspires people and improves their lives. Combining the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer, ElliptiGO elliptical bikes deliver a strong cardiovascular workout that eliminates impact on joints and allows people to get out of the gym and enjoy the outdoors. Elliptical cycling is an effective way to build fitness without aggravating injuries, and it is great for everyone from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete. The full line of ElliptiGO bikes is distributed through specialty running, cycling and fitness retailers nationwide and through the ElliptiGO headquarters outside San Diego. https://www.elliptigo.com/