Highlands Ranch, CO January 2025

Health + Wellness JA N UA RY 2 02 5

CURATE YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR SPACE

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| ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING & DESIGN | CUSTOM LIVING SPACES | DECKS & ROOF STRUCTURES | LANDSCAPE & PROPERTY CARE

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Health and Wellness in 2025 January 2025. Have you settled into the new year yet? It always seems to take a couple weeks to leave the bustle and activities of the holidays behind and focus on the year ahead. But now we're staring down 2025 and our Health + Wellness Issue is an opportunity to pause and dream a little.

In this issue, we introduce you to homegrown athlete Kaela Edwards, who gives us a glimpse into her life as a pro track and field competitor and trains at longtime Highlands Ranch fixture Kula Sports Performance. Kaela talks about her dedication to her sport, and her challenges of navigating a hard health journey after being diagnosed with Grave's disease. Talk about grit.

In these pages, we also bring you ideas for living your own healthy life this year.

From our picks for the best foot races, to delicious and nutritious blender recipes, to trying out a new kind of full-body workout at OHM Fitness, we're hoping you finish here inspired and ready to conquer your 2025 goals.

And before you set out, remember, health and wellness doesn't mean "all or nothing" or "all in one day." Use those 365 days on the calendar in order to build the health and life you want. Just 1 percent better each day, one day at a time.

Here's to a prosperous 2025 for all. See you around town!

January 2025 PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@CityLifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Sonja Nix | Sonja.Nix@CityLifestyle.com P H OTO E D I TO R

Lisa Lord | Lisa@PhotoLilo.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Angie Jehu | Angie.Jehu@CityLifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angie Jehu, Sybil Velarde, Sonja Nix C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

TJ Holmes, Angie Jehu, Angela Kleinsasser, Holli Myers

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CTO Ajay Krishnan VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

J E N N I F E R S TA R B U C K , P U B L I S H E R @HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Highlands Ranch area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/HIGHLANDSRANCH

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 5 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

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The Empowering Future of Fitness Our Own Angie Jehu Tries Out a Futuristic Workout

Get Your 2025 Run On

22 On the Cover

Departments

Professional Track and Field Athlete Kaela Edwards sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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City List

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Trend Setter FITNESS

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Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

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Athlete Life FITNESS

A Run for Every Season in 2025 Along the Front Range

Whirled Peas

Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need

Full Time All In

Professional Track and Field Athlete Kaela Edwards Talks Training, Balance, Support and Challenges

Photography: Angela Kleinsasser

START YOUR 2025 REAL ESTATE JOURNEY TODAY WITH AN INTRODUCTORY CALL

Call or Text Holly Coors at (720) 323-5959

COLORADO GROWN, GLOBAL NETWORK

Holly Coors Global Real Estate Advisor

A 5th generation Colorado native with more than 25 years in sales and marketing, Holly Coors knows real estate is all about building relationships. Her Colorado homegrown values and experiences living abroad set her apart as a Global Real Estate Advisor with LIV Sotheby’s. Experience the difference.

(720) 323-5959 holly.coors@livsothebysrealty.com

JANUARY 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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The Lone Tree Arts Center Gala “A Night In Memphis” was held at the center in October to raise money for the center’s community outreach programming. Sponsors of the evening were Shea Homes, Infinity Properties, Coventry Development, and Artaic Group. 1: Employees of gala sponsor Artaic Group attend the gala. 2: Cathie Frazinni, Tonya Fallows, Dave Johnson, Former Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet and Susan Stiff.

3: April Jones and Darryl Jones, senior vice president at Coventry Development Corp. 4: Cathie Frazzini, South Suburban Board of Directors and former Lone Tree Council member, Dave Johnson, and Jay Carpenter, former City of Lone Tree mayor. 5: Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon and Chris Harmon 6: City of Lone Tree Finance Director Ulli Nierling with her guests. 7: Keith Simon chats with guests.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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On Dec. 7, Highlands Ranch Metro district held their Holiday Celebration at the Mansion at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, with 2,600 Highlands Ranch neighbors and friends. 8: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ryan Falkner, Corporal Brian McKnight and Leo helped spread holiday cheer. 9: Santa arrived at the event in style on a horse-drawn wagon. 10: Ebenezer Scrooge’s “Bah! Humbug!” wasn’t enough to put a damper on the excitement for the holidays from young attendees. 11: Guests enjoyed self-guided tours through the 133-year-old property, which was decked out in festive holiday decor. 12: Santa visited with kids of all ages. 13: Kids collected ticket punches around the Mansion to earn a fun scavenger hunt prize. 14: Students from Cougar Run Elementary School performed. Choirs from six area schools entertained attendees in the Great Hall of the Mansion. Photography courtesy of Highlands Ranch Metro District Staff CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

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You Are Not Alone recently celebrated the one year anniversary of their new mom-support program at UCHealth Highlands Ranch. In addition, YANA has expanded its program, called “Strong Mamas, Thriving Babies”, into AdventHealth Parker and AdventHealth Castle Rock hospitals.

15: YANA founder and program director Nikki Brooker and Savannah Becerril, YANA assistant program director, on their first day serving at AdventHealth Parker in June. 17: Brooker, Becerill and Kalissa Braga, Yana Hospital Coordinator at Parker Advent. 19: Nikki at the nonprofit/ volunteer fair at Highlands Ranch Community Association

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C I T Y SC E N E

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TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ H I G H L A N D S R A N C H C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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22: Commissioner Abe Laydon presents a grant check to VFW Post 4266. 23: 2024 Philip S. Miller grant recipients and members of the Douglas County Community Foundation alongside Douglas County Commissioners. 24: Commissioner Lara Thomas presents a check to nonprofit grant recipient.

ART & SCIENCE

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To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.

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JANUARY 2025

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Centennial Hat Trick IPA On Tap Now Lone Tree Brewing released a brandnew IPA crafted with nouveau Yakima Chief Hops products. Centennial Hat Trick IPA, named for its three Centennial hop ingredient additions, is a West Coast-style IPA brewed with American-grown Centennial hops, Centennial Cryo Hops®, and Centennial HyperBoost™ for a multi-layered flavor profile of citrus, pine, and tropical notes, brewed in the Centennial State. Centennial Hat Trick IPA, is available on tap at both locations and on shelves across Colorado.

Scan to read more

Want to be featured?

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ HIGHLANDSRANCH

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Contemporary Fine Art INDIVIDUALS | BUSINESS | INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Highlands Ranch Book Swap Society Does your New Year resolution include reading more?

Meet the Highlands Ranch Book Swap Society.

In 2022, founder Nicole Wiebe and five friends met in a Denver park to swap with this mission: books should be enjoyed and shared, not just read once and left to gather dust. Highlands Ranch's own society will meet twice in January. Jan. 7 at Prost Brewing and Jan 26 at Lone Tree Brewing. For tickets and details, visit bookswapsociety. com/highlands-ranch-colorado

Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation The Cole Frederking Legacy Foundation was launched in 2024 to honor Cole Frederking’s valiant fight with kidney cancer. The 501c3 foundation supports his beloved theater program at Mountain Vista High School, through direct and sustaining donors.

Future fundraising will include a fun run and improv night. In the spirit of Cole's character, theatre students can receive a scholarship/award for 1) being involved in theatre, 2) getting good grades, and 3) persevering through difficult circumstances during the school year. Colefrederking.org

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ceelee@ceeleesimpson.com JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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BOOKING NEW CLIENTS delylahshairandbody.com 8852 Maximus Dr, Lone Tree • 303.799.8081

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! AT OHM FITNESS

OHM Fitness leverages Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology to create an extraordinary new way to work out in only 25 minutes.

Your first week is FREE! Scan To Book Your FREE WEEK! OHMFitness.com | (720) 617-7222 10012 Commons St, STE 108 Lone Tree, CO 80124

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PICKS FO

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We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

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Boutique Fitness OHM Fitness Lone Tree ohmfitness.com/lone-tree | 720.617.7222 Kula Sports Performance kulasp.com | 720.510.2021 UFC GYM Lone Tree ufcgym.com/locations/lone-tree | 303.925.0269 Performance Ready Fitness 303.587.5879 BackCountry CrossFit backcountrycrossfit.com | 833.879.2223

Physical Wellness YogaSix Highlands Ranch yogasix.com/highlands-ranch | 720.903.2122 Perspire Sauna Studio - Highlands Ranch perspiresaunastudio.com/locations | 720.257.6141

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ HIGHLANDSRANCH

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C I T Y LIST

Functional Strength Pilates functionalstrengthpilates.com | 303.589.8710 ZIVEL Performance & Recovery Highlands Ranch zivel.com/highlandsranch | 720.827.6311 Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp hrcaonline.org/backcountry | 303.471.7020

Mental Health Provider Grace Counseling gracecounseling.net | 720.489.8555 Ellie Mental Health Highlands Ranch elliementalhealth.com | 720.696.9460 Movement Counseling + Wellness movement-counseling.com | 303.876.7658 Lone Tree Mental Health Services lonetreefp.com/counseling-and-therapy | 303.858.8585 Oak Tree Behavioral Health Services | Kevin Schlegel oaktreebehavioral.com | 303.250.1327

Skin Care & Recovery Elevated Dermatology elevatedderm.com | 720.851.5200 The LaVie Institute lavieplasticsurgery.com | 720.773.4408 Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics parkmeadowscosmeticsurgery.com | 303.706.1100 Stratum Aesthetics stratumaesthetics.com | 720.316.7785 Bloom Spa LLC bloomspa.biz | 720.755.9497

Health-Conscious Eating sweetgreen Restaurant Highlands Ranch/Park Meadows sweetgreen.com | 720.262.2356 Toastique toastique.com | 720.379.7920 Vibe Superfood Bar lovevibefoods.com | 303.662.1723 MyFitFoods myfitfoods.com | 303.942.1514 Sushi Mango sushi-mango.com | 720.348.0773

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Contact Information

W E B S I T E :

www.lindsaybarlowphotography.com I N S T A G R A M :

@lindsaybarlowphotography F A C E B O O K :

LindsayBarlow Photography E M A I L :

lbphotographycolorado@gmail.com P H O N E :

303-856-4985

8677 S. Quebec St, Unit 3 Highlands Ranch, CO

9325 Dorchester St Highlands Ranch, CO

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YOUR Neighborhood Barbershop for over 20 years!

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Meet Peggy King, Vectra Bank Colorado Lone Tree Branch Manager With more than 30 years of experience, Peggy King knows banking. Specializing in the protection and growth of assets, fraud prevention, and business efficiencies, she serves clients with a personal and heartfelt approach. A steward of the community, Peggy is passionate about the success of Lone Tree and its residents, and she can’t wait to get to know you.

Stop by and visit Peggy and her Lone Tree team today!

9990 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO (d) 720.947.7857 | (c) 720.255.6369 peggy.king@vectrabank.com | vectrabank.com

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JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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THE EMPOWERING Future of Fitness Post Workout

OUR OWN ANGIE JEHU TRIES OUT A FUTURISTIC WORKOUT ARTICLE BY ANGIE JEHU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE JEHU AND SONJA NIX

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T R E N D SE T T E R | FI TNESS

Purple Light almost done

Green Light - halfway through

As a kid, visiting NASA sparked my imagination and love for science and outer space. As an adult, my fascination continues as I enjoy keeping up with technology and innovative ways to stay healthy and fit. So, when I was invited to try out an OHM Fitness class, I was thrilled. Between the space-age workout suit and hi-tech environment, it looks futuristic and FUN! This brand-new fitness franchise is rapidly expanding throughout Colorado.

The science behind OHM Fitness is the EMS (Electro-Muscle Stimulation) wireless emPower Body Suit. Each suit has 20 electro-pulse pads, which work over 90 percent of your major muscle groups.

This scuba-looking suit, essentially a self-contained gym, delivers 85 adjustable electric pulses per second to your muscles. This technology is next level in terms of getting the most effective workout in a short amount of time. I couldn’t wait to try it on and experience the magic.

CONTINUED >

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From the moment I entered the OHM Fitness studio in Lone Tree, I was fascinated by the warm, hi-tech feel of the space. I was impressed by the immaculate changing rooms and felt a flow of positive energy coming from the music and lights in the studio. The friendly nature of the staff, combined with the engaging elements of the studio, creates a very positive vibe. The changing rooms are equipped with red light therapy, which provides pain relief, increases circulation, and helps heal wounds.

After the tour, I received a Styku body scan, which OHM offers as part of its overall comprehensive approach to optimizing results for members. The scanning technology accurately calculates body fat percentage and takes a few short minutes. After the scan, you see a 3D image of your body. It was fascinating to see my body in an entirely different way. OHM members receive regular scans throughout their fitness journey to track body composition changes and results.

Finally, the moment had arrived to try on my body suit and take the short, 25-minute class. After putting on my suit and entering the classroom, I was greeted by a fun, upbeat instructor. She immediately put my mind at ease and quickly hooked up the wireless battery on my suit. Then, she gave me a number to place by my mat on the floor. The purpose of the number

was to help her adjust the pulses in my specific suit at any time during the class. So, every participant has a customized experience based on their individual needs. As soon as the music began, the pulses began, and my muscles started to awaken.

All classes are low-impact, and the music, combined with the ever-changing lights, guides you through the various stages of the workout. These are key elements of a typical class at OHM Fitness.

I asked the instructor to change the intensity of the pulses in my suit a few times during the workout. The magic is the ability to adjust and customize the intensity of the pads in the suit. For example, the intensity can be increased in your abs or decreased in your glutes. The 25-minute classes are touted to be equivalent to an intense, 2-hour workout in a gym.

If you’re wondering if you’ll be sore the next day - the answer is YES! It’s how you know you did something good for your body. The classes are fun and open to all ages. The science and technology behind OHM’s mission of maximizing results in a minimum amount of time is a game changer. They offer a free first class, so this zero-risk opportunity has a BIG reward if you want results at warp speed.

Special thanks to Kathy Franklin, Emily Sanders, Jorge Rodriguez, Kathleen Cummings and Cathy Ohm.

“The technology is next level in terms of getting the most effective workout in a short amount of time.”

— Angie Jehu

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T R E N D SE T T E R | FI TNESS

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S T Y L I S H S E N I O R L I V I N G AT

Wind Crest

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Call 1-888-630-3864 for your free brochure, or visit WindCrest.com.

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ARTICLE BY HIGHLANDS RANCH CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Come Run for the Chill of it...all the “cool” runners are doing it.

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G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Get Your 2025 Run On A Run for Every Season in 2025 Along the Front Range

1. JANUARY 19

7. JULY 11

Polar Bear 5K Wash Park, Denver A winter-themed event, you run faster when it’s cold, right? Come Run for the Chill of it...all the “cool” runners are doing it.

Chase the Moon 12-Hour Relay Highlands Ranch Chase the Moon is a 12-hour team relay or solo ultramarathon, run overnight under the light of the full moon in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry trail system.

2. FEBRUARY 23 Highlands Ranch 5K/10K Highlands Ranch Winter doesn’t disappoint when racing in February. You won’t feel chilly after a course so hilly.

3. MARCH 9 Runnin’ of the Green Wash Park, Denver 37 years and counting, come chase rainbows at the Runnin’ of the Green.

4. APRIL 13 Horsetooth Half Marathon Fort Collins Travel north for this scenic point-topoint journey from Hughes Stadium to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery.

8. AUGUST 2 Unicorn 5K South Highlands Ranch This whimsical, family-friendly 5K celebrates all things unicorn, with themed swag and a joyful vibe.

9. SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K Parker Celebrate the last days summer, sweat your socks off and let summer have its last hooray at Parker’s Salisbury Park.

10. OCTOBER 26 Ghosts & Goblins City Park, Denver A reverse course for both the 5K and 10K distances in City Park.

5. MAY 26

11. NOVEMBER 28

BOLDER Boulder 10K Boulder The quintessential Colorado run, this Memorial Day classic never fails to inspire runners of all abilities.

Turkey Day 5K Highlands Ranch A 20-year tradition, this annual Thanksgiving morning event invites runners with a festive atmosphere.

6. JUNE 1

12. DECEMBER 13

Flamingo Day 5K Date Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver This fun 5K event invites runners to celebrate summer with a bright and festive atmosphere.

Ugly Sweater 5K Washington Park, Denver Get into the holiday spirit with this festive 5K. Work off those extra holiday pounds before you see them on the scale.

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Miller & Associates CPAs

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JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE

whirled

PEAS!

Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.

Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

E N E RGY E L I X I R INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • •

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

1 beet 1 carrot 1 celery stalk 1-2 inches of ginger 1 lemon

BLU E BE R RY M I N T INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries • 1 fresh or frozen banana • 1 cup spinach • 1 cup water • 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil • 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

GR E E N SMOOT H I E INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups cucumber • 1 cup Granny Smith apples • 1 cup celery • 1 handful baby spinach • 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie) • 1 sprig parsley

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

CONTINUED >

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SU PE R FO OD SMOOT H I E INGREDIENTS: • 1/4 cup coconut milk • 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries • 1 scoop organic whey protein powder • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax meal • 1 scoop green superfood powder

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

V I TA L I T Y E L I X I R INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • •

Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

1 celery stalk 1 lemon 1 green apple 1 cucumber

GR E E N N EC TA R INGREDIENTS: • • • •

1/3 cup celery 1/2 cup cucumber 1/2 cup kale 2/3 cup Granny Smith apples • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1/2 cup coconut water

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a blender until smooth.

PI N K F L A M I NG O INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• 2 cups spinach • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk • 2 cups strawberries • 1 cup chopped mango

First, blend the spinach and almond milk in a blender until smooth.

Then add the berries and mango and blend again until smooth.

GR E E N M ACH I N E INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • •

Place spinach and water in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add avocado, mango, and banana and blend again until smooth.

2 cups spinach 2 cups water 1 avocado, peeled 1 cup chopped mango 1 banana

K A L E FOR N I A E N E RGI Z I NG INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • • •

Blend kale, chia water, and oranges until smooth.

Add pineapple, mango and blend again.

2 cups kale, stems removed 1 cup water 2 oranges peeled 1 cup chopped pineapple 1 cup chopped mango 2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak in water for 10 minutes)

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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FULL TIME - ALL IN

ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA KLEINSASSER FOR KULA SPORTS PERFORMANCE

38

AT H LE T E LIF E | FI TNES S

HIGHLANDS RANCH CITY LIFESTYLE CATCHES UP WITH KULA ATHLETE KAELA EDWARDS TO TALK GOING PRO, FINDING BALANCE AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF.

I graduated from Littleton High School in 2012. Then I went to Oklahoma State University, where I was an NCAA Champion in the mile in 2016. I graduated in 2017 with a marketing degree and a minor in management and fashion merchandising.

Since 2017, I have been a full-time professional athlete sponsored by Adidas. I train full-time, but I am starting my own marketing business called On Trackk Creative Solutions to prepare for the future and pursue a career where I can be creative and help people.

WHAT EVENT DO YOU COMPETE IN?

Since becoming a professional track and field athlete in 2017, my focused event is the 800m, a two-lap sprint.

HOW DID YOU COME TO TRACK AND FIELD, AND WHEN DID IT BECOME SOMETHING MORE THAN AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY?

I grew up athletic, playing different sports and doing other activities; basketball was my main sport. I was always fast and loved racing for fun. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I seriously followed running. After my first season, I began to get interest from colleges, and that is when I knew I needed to make track my full-time sport.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR AN ELITE ATHLETE?

There is not much excitement in the daily life of a track athlete; the days are variable based on training. Every athlete has a different approach. Personally, I enjoy slow mornings where I can relax before jumping into the training with coffee and a small breakfast, like a bowl of oatmeal. I either work out, including some intervals on the track, trails, or treadmill, or an easy run. An easy run is about getting the miles in and not pushing the legs too hard; that is what the interval sessions are for. After the training session of the day, I stretch and eat a proper meal. After that, I rest or get the normal-life stuff done. Sometimes, I train again in the afternoon or early evening for another run or a weight regimen at the gym. Since Brian Kula began coaching me this fall, I have spent much time at the KSP Headquarters. There, I train and get all the recovery I need (stretching, Vibex, cold plunge, massage gun, recovery boots, etc.) There’s a great sense of community at the facility. I like to spend time there to see my new friends. It’s a place where I feel whole and supported because it is such a special environment that seeps excellence.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY TRAINING FOR?

The ultimate goal is to become an Olympian in 2028. Until then, we are training to make the USA Indoor World team in February and the Outdoor USA team in July.

In 2023, I made my first U.S. World Team. Racing at the highest level in the sport and traveling to Budapest, Hungary, was a special experience.

I have had a lot of ups and downs in my career that have held me back from achieving all of my goals as a professional track athlete. My body still has time and health to shoot for the stars in my career. Coach Kula is helping me and working hard to make those dreams happen.

TELL US THE CHALLENGES OF YOUR GRAVE’S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS AND THE LESSONS LEARNED AS A RESULT.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (Grave’s Disease) during what was shaping up to be one of my best seasons.

A personal record (PR) was within reach, and the possibility of making the Olympic Team felt real. However, after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and then contracting the virus, I began to feel off. My energy and strength declined, and I initially attributed it to Long Covid.

CONTINUED >

40

AT H LE T E LIF E | FI TNESS

“M Y JOB I S E V E RY T H I NG I D O DA I LY T O P R E PA R E M Y B O DY. . . F U E L I N G , T R A I N I N G , R E S T, A N D E N E R G Y C O N S E R VA T I O N . ”

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/H I GH L A N D S R A N C H

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Despite feeling off, I pushed through and competed at the Olympic Trials but could not perform at my best, failing to advance past the first round. It was a huge disappointment. I took some time off, hoping my body would recover and allow me to race more.

Unfortunately, even after resting, I continued to get worse.

By late summer, I began experiencing symptoms of being uncomfortably hot and sweating, an elevated heart rate, fluctuating weight, extreme weakness, severe insomnia, and a hand tremor. My body was no longer cooperating. I could only run for a few minutes before reaching maximum heart rate, and I had no strength to run uphill.

It wasn’t until October that I found a sports doctor who diagnosed me with hyperthyroidism. I started treatment and began seeing an endocrinologist. It felt as though I was starting from scratch as an elite athlete. It wasn’t until September 2022 that I finally began to feel like myself again, both in training and racing The fear of my body rebelling against me again was in the back of my mind. The process left me emotionally scarred for some time.

I manage Grave’s Disease with medication and regular blood tests to monitor my levels and ensure they remain within range.

My endocrinologists have suggested to remove my thyroid gland.

That will not be an option while I am competing at such a high level. I’ll be interested to see how my thyroid responds to fewer demands of my body in the future.

For anyone managing Grave’s Disease, my advice is to advocate for yourself and stay in tune with your body, communicate openly with your doctors, and don’t hesitate to express your needs. No one knows your body better than you.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT LAY PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SPORT AND TRAINING?

One: Yes, people get paid to run track.

Two: This sport is such a game of mentality.

Three: Even though I train physically for only 45 minutes a day, I still feel tired. All the little things I do throughout the day are related to my job. The way I fuel, the bodywork I do and invest in, and how I spend my energy all matter.

This sport can be really consuming, so it is nice to be surrounded by people who support that but also create balance. It is important to find balance in this lifestyle.

IF YOU WEREN’T A RUNNER, WHAT SPORT WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN?

I would probably still be in the world of fitness somehow. I love working out and staying fit. I do not know exactly what I would be doing, but I feel like I would have different ventures so I could fulfill different interests of mine.

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AT H LE T E LIF E | FI TNESS

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