Jane Neumann
As a fitness guru from Northern California certified for over 25 years in a multitude of sports, Jane works primarily as a personal trainer/nutrition specialist in downtown Chicago now. Being a believer in practicing what you preach such as the benefits of cross training, and always looking for ways to make getting fit fun, a personal goal for her 50th birthday in 2002 was to participate in a triathlon. The experience was exhilarating, and Jane was hooked.
Encouraging other’s to “try a tri”; Jane was introduced to coaching/guiding blind athlete and neighbor, Mazen Istanbuli. Searching cyberspace for a tether system for swimming the pair were invited to join the local C-Different members in their upcoming dinner to celebrate the first Ironman event completed by the visually impaired. Imagine the joy of novices being inspired by a host of such awesome athletes! Mazen was a dedicated study and quickly advanced in four months from a non-swimmer to his first triathlon in Chicago, then dove into the Pacific Ocean for the Malibu tri the following month!
Jane considers this partnership to be one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, and of course it helps keep both friends/athletes in great shape. Although she continues to work out and guide Mazen, Jane’s personal injuries and limitations have necessitated recruiting other guides to help pursue Mazen’s goals of greater distances (see Thor Soderberg). “I’m so proud to be involved in sharing such an adventure.” Jane says. She hopes her effort to promote volunteerism becomes more contagious as exposure with these athletes catches on with more sponsors and media.
Continuing to cross train and also certified in Pilates, Yoga, Scuba Diving, Soccer and Volleyball Coach, for over twenty years Jane has made time to volunteer as an outdoor emergency care technician and recruiter for the National Ski Patrol System. Jane enjoys living on the beautiful lakefront near the Theater district in downtown Chicago with her family and pets where great parks, museums, food, music and friends are plentiful.
