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Executive: Jessica Glover, owner, Jet City Espresso, Tampa
Diversion: Running, biking, swimming and competing in triathlons.
T-shirt Motivation: Four years ago, Glover created a T-shirt for a local running club. She was told she couldn't have one of her printed tees without completing 10 5Ks, like all of the other runners in the club. Once she completed the first 10, she couldn't stop, she says.
Triathlon Addiction: Glover started competing in triathlons in July 2012. She was hooked as soon as she realized she could get more out of her workouts by mixing up her cardio. Over the last year, 48-year-old Glover has competed in more than 15 triathlons.
Training Fix: During triathlon season, Glover says she does some form of training every day of the week. Even on her recovery day, she completes a five- or six-mile run, followed by an hour bike ride. When training for the half-Ironman, she spent three to five hours every day working out, swimming in the morning, followed by a run and a bike. On the weekends, her 60-mile bike ride would always be followed by a two-mile run.
In the offseason, Glover continues to run every day, even if it is just a short 5k with a social running club. She also tries to swim and bike at least three days a week.
Stress Relief: Working out “releases so many endorphins that help us relieve everyday stress,” Glover says. “Even if I bike 25, 30 or 60 miles, it's not a workout, this is stress release. If you want to be productive at your job, you have to get that release,” she adds.
Hobby Showcase: Walking into Glover's Tampa bungalow coffee shop, a customer is immediately surrounded by Glover's loves — fitness, art, music, and of course, coffee. The first thing that comes into view when walking in the door are her Jet City kits, or personalized running and biking jerseys, which she proudly displays on the wall. Behind the cash register she posts all of her racing bibs. The small room is also covered with Glover's painting of various local musicians who swing by her store to play a few songs. Brewing coffee barefoot behind the bar, she gets excited to see her regular customers, who range from artists, to musicians, to triathletes, to cross-fitters, to yogis.
Completing a Half-Ironman: In September, Glover completed her first half-Ironman at Augusta, which she recalls as “a beautiful experience.” Her run was her fastest half marathon ever, even though it followed a 56-mile bike ride and ½-mile swim.
Liquid Energy: Glover, who is now working to open her fifth Jet City in Seminole Heights, says people always ask her how she has so much energy to work full time and complete her workouts. She insists she doesn't chug coffee throughout the day. On a typical day she'll have a double short latte in the morning, and occasionally she'll have another small drink in the afternoon. “I know I have a lot of energy, but it's not from caffeine,” she says.
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