By Stacy Whitman

In the midst of the deadly pandemic that’s wreaking havoc across the globe, local uber-endurance athlete Brooke Hovey is feeling lucky. “I feel incredibly fortunate on so many levels to live in our community,” says Hovey.

Not surprising to those who know her, the champion mountain bike racer and once Olympic Nordic skiing hopeful hasn’t let the pandemic get in the way of her training. Her secret to success? Keeping it simple and staying adaptable.

We talked to the longtime Ketchum resident, mother, wife and chef to find out more about how she’s coping and her advice for others.

 

“I love the idea of the “possibilities of a pandemic” from one of my favorite podcasts by Rich Roll. It speaks of a greater awareness we can have individually and as a community to prioritize health, wellness, kindness, tolerance, and environmental activism.” – Brooke Hovey

 

What did you do to stay in shape during shelter in place?

Nordic skiing is my main winter sport. We were incredibly fortunate to have our extensive trail system remain open.

 

Now that the restrictions have been lifted, how have your workouts shifted?

They really have stayed the same. I haven’t done any indoor workouts since mid-March. I always prefer running and biking on the trails.

 

How has the pandemic affected your eating habits?

My eating habits really have stayed the same. I always love creating and eating clean, plant-based meals. I’ve been very busy with my work as a private chef and creating new dishes at NourishMe cafe.

 

When you can’t be in the gym, what do you suggest for maintaining or building muscle strength?

 
My home gym is very simple: a 30-pound dumbbell, 10-pound medicine ball and physio ball. With these three items, I can do a full-body strength routine. If you don’t have weights, you can always do push-ups, planks, mountain climbers, or squats with a weighted backpack. It’s easy to be creative!

 

What are your favorite outdoor workouts?

Anything that involves lots of climbing! One of my favorite workouts is a great mix of running and speed hiking or bounding with strength “recovery” between the intervals. I’ll do Rudd Mountain or Baldy hiking or running intervals with burpees, plank, squat jumps, pushups thrown in between the intervals.

 

What if you’re someone who has trouble exercising at home?

Just get outside and start moving, whether walking, running or biking on trails or the bike path. Keep it simple, but make a commitment to go every day. Make a plan with a friend so you’ll hold each other accountable.

 

Do you view COVID-19 as a challenge or opportunity when it comes to fitness?

I love the idea of the “possibilities of a pandemic” from one of my favorite podcasts by Rich Roll. It speaks of a greater awareness we can have individually and as a community to prioritize health, wellness, kindness, tolerance, and environmental activism. Fitness is part of the bigger picture of health and balance of our bodies, mind and our environment.

 

How worried are you about COVID?

I don’t and have not feared COVID. I have a much greater fear of a complete collapse of our biosphere caused by insatiable human consumption and our unsustainable demands and expectations. I have equal fear of the escalating polarization, greed and lack of responsibility and accountability of humankind. We live in a bubble and it is hard to understand the outside suffering. I’ve always believed in the power of individual actions and we can all make decisions that cause a positive and hopeful ripple effect. This keeps me motivated and smiling.