PitFit Training’s Jim Leo Rows 50,000 Meters for Charity
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (January 19, 2016) – Last weekend, PitFit Training owner Jim Leo celebrated his 50th birthday in spectacular fashion, to raise money for a good cause while surrounded by friends. Despite modest initial goals, he was instead overwhelmed by the support of the motorsports community.
Through “Birthdays for St. Jude,” Leo decided to use his milestone birthday to raise $1,000 for the Children’s Research Hospital by rowing 50 kilometers at his PitFit Training Facility. Instead, Leo’s efforts raised $4,005, with all proceeds going directly to the hospital.
Leo, joined by IndyCar Champion, PitFit client, and friend Scott Dixon, rowed the 50,000 meters in three hours and 32 minutes, burning roughly 2,500 calories.
A steady stream of supporters, including IndyCar drivers Pippa Mann and James Hinchcliffe, came through the facility over the course of the event, with some even rowing alongside the 50k duo for portions of the challenge. As Leo and Dixon each rowed roughly 31 miles without a break, friends remained on hand to provide drinks, wipe sweaty brows and add layers of additional seat cushioning.
“I thought Jim was kind of crazy when he brought it up,” Dixon said. “Obviously people don’t do this kind of stuff on their birthday. Jim is a hell of an athlete in his own right, and he always tries to set milestones for his birthdays, especially the big ones. 50,000 meters is definitely a feat for most people. I’m not even sure how many have done it at one time on a rower. I thought all I could do was come join along and help out, if I could. It was a lot of fun. He’s a machine. At 50 years old, it’s crazy.”
“It’s very special to celebrate your 50th birthday doing something that you love, raising money for a tremendous cause, and doing it alongside your best friend,” an exhausted Leo added. “Having the support of the racing community and having your best friend and everyone you care for near you is the best present anyone could receive. As painful as it was, I’m extremely proud to have achieved this with Scott.”
About PitFit Training
PitFit Training is an industry leader in the development and implementation of motorsports-specific human performance training and lists clients from Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, Grand-Am, ALMS, USAC and numerous junior level auto racing series. The roster of champions that have become part of the PitFit family is a who’s who of auto racing. Drivers such as Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Will Power, Kasey Kahne, Sam Hornish Jr, Larry Dixon, Morgan Lucas, Levi Jones, Justin Allgier are just a few of the many drivers who have trained with PitFit. In addition to motorsports performance training, PitFit trains individuals outside of motorsports through personal fitness and conditioning classes. For more information, visit pitfit.com
