Conservatively, I have seen at least 2,000 people walk through our doors at Fitness on the Run FOR) over the past 13 years. I see some who say that want a particular goal and reach it and some who view goals as a guideline, not necessarily an end point or target. For Jane Batson, getting fit is one thing; taking on a new sport — and crushing it — is another.
When Jane came to FOR, she had one goal, to get more fit and be with her friend, Mercer Fannon. She was referred by our mutual fit friend, Jessica Richardson. What she got is much, much more.
Not only is Jane so much stronger, she has taken on a new sport and is crushing all of her FOR goals. Yes, while her physical body has transformed, the manner in which she approaches her movements is 100 percent more confident. Confidence leads to better and more efficient movements. More efficient movements lead to better ability. Better ability leads to major muscle building and, yes, fat burning.
And there you have stunning Jane Batson…
Jane’s beautiful posture and her lithe movements in the gym stem from her background in ballet. While we commonly cue clients to “stand tall,” “chest forward,” and “pretend like I’m pulling your head from the ceiling with a string,” there’s no need with Jane. She executes her movements with a combination of strength, poise, and grace.
When I asked Jane about her fitness background, she humbly says, “I wish I were more exciting. I did ballet forever, like 5-6 days a week in a company through high school.” After this career, Jane admits she didn’t need to work for exercise until college. Jane moved to D.C. in 1999 and joined a gym.
Fast forward to her time at FOR where she says she has learned how to concentrate on her muscles. Then, a group of neighborhood friends invited her on casual runs to train for the St. Patrick’s Day run. Jane says, “…sure, I can run/walk that. And I did.” Next, she registered for the 5K portion of the Parkway Classic, ran the whole race, and, in her own words, she was “hooked.”
It gets better: then she trained for the Army 10-miler. Again, she approached it with no expectations and then again, ran the whole race. Jane runs with her friends around 2-3 times a week for about 4 miles when it is not too cold.
Jane has an array of friends from all of her various parts of her life. One, whom I also call one of my closest buds, is Shiloh Roehl, who offers about this Jane:
“Kind, authentic, warm, empathetic, funny… all words to describe the wonderful Jane Batson! A dedicated mother and loyal friend, she’s the one you cross your fingers you’re sitting next to at a dinner party and the one you’re motivated to get up before the sun rises on a weekday morning to walk with and catch up.”
Jane lives in Alexandria with her husband Robert and two sons, Walker (7) and Whit (5). She is extremely active in the community: Jane and her husband both serve as deacons at their church, First Baptist of Alexandria; she is the co-chair of George Mason Elementary School’s Party on the Patio; and, a room parent at Grace Episcopal. Outside of her volunteer work, Jane is a partner at HSB Solutions, LLC, a boutique firm that provides focused and strategic professional, policy, and event planning support to small businesses and non-profits. With a growing business and busy family, life stays hectic but fun!
JANE’S STREET STYLE
How do you spend your time? With my family (two sons, husband, and golden retriever) going to sporting events with and/or for the boys, exercising with friends, cooking
Neighborhood: Braddock Road (I think it’s technically Braddock Heights)
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 5 years
What is your hometown? Waynesboro, Virginia
What brought you to Alexandria? Came to D.C. for a job (I was put on a project working on the renovation of the Mellon Auditorium and now EPA building). We moved to Alexandria to be in the George Mason School District.
What would surprise people about you? I once did asbestos and lead-based paint abatement for government buildings. I wore jeans, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat every day to work. (This is before making a complete 180 and becoming an event planner!)
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? To fly – I always dreamed of being able to fly!
Last book read or movie seen: Lego Batman Movie (Bad Moms for an “adult movie”)
Guilty Pleasure: Entenmann’s chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and Cool Whip
Phrase you overuse: “That’s the best ever”…whether it’s something I ate, drank, saw, purchased, etc!
Facebook or Instagram? Insta!
Latest binge-watch: “This Is Us”
Bucket list travel destination: Maldives
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee – cannot function without at least 2-3 (LARGE) cups of coffee in the morning.
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Comfortable, structured, colorful
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Fleeces. I wear them even in the middle of the summer (I love having pockets).
Favorite trend ever: Espadrilles
Favorite current trend: Frayed jeans
Beauty product you can’t live without: Kiehl’s overnight concentrate cream
Heels or flats? Definitely flats!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Living room (specifically an antique velvet sofa we had recovered in bright striped fabric)
Antiques, modern, or a mix? My paternal grandfather was an antiques dealer in Afton, Virginia. We have purchased very few pieces of furniture – so, by default, antiques!
Last item bought for your home: A zebra-striped chair
Next planned purchase: A new duvet cover for spring
Favorite way to entertain: Homey, comfort food meals with friends
Clutter-free or well-lived in? With two boys and a beautifully shedding dog, definitely well-lived in.
Wallpaper — yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Absolutely.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Running, elliptical
Most fun way to exercise: With friends either running or training at FOR
Group exercise or solo: Definitely group
Fitness goal: A half marathon
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Orangetheory
Proudest fitness achievement: Running the Army 10-miler!
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Any place by the water
Last purchase in Alexandria: A houseplant from Greenstreet Gardens
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Junction in Del Ray for lunch / Swings for coffee / Cheesetique for evenings
Favorite charity: The Carpenter’s Shelter
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
