Meet Jessica Geide: a passionate wife, mom, and avid runner. As an IRONMAN athlete who thrives on pushing herself outside her comfort zone, Jessica is a beacon of resilience whose story is a testament to the power of choosing a new path.

Continue reading to learn about Jessica’s decision to stop drinking, her experiences competing on Team Athletic, and what she is looking to accomplish in 2026 and beyond.

How did your journey into running begin?

Having grown up in the hospitality industry and coming from a family with addiction, I had my own struggles with alcohol. Partying is a lifestyle in the Florida Keys and for a long time, I was the “party girl” who lived for fun without a worry in the world. That changed in 2008 when a horrific scooter accident served as a brutal wake-up call. My friend and I collided with an SUV and were told it was a miracle we survived. 

Even after the accident, alcohol was a central part of my life. It wasn’t until my partner threatened to leave that I finally faced a crossroads. I had to be done or I was going to lose my life partner. So in 2015, I quit cold turkey.

It was in my sobriety that I discovered running and in it, found a place I could both lose and find myself. My mom signed me up for a local, iconic seven-mile race and my love for the sport began. 

How did you discover Athletic Brewing Company? 

A few years into my sobriety, a friend and I were running an ultra relay in the Florida Keys. He had an Athletic in hand and I asked, “What is this?” He said “You’ve never heard of Athletic Brewing?!” I took one sip and I was sold! I joined the Ambassador Program shortly after in 2020, which eventually led to the incredible opportunity to race on the first ever Team Athletic at Athletic Brewing IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside. 

What was your experience like being a part of Team Athletic? 

Prior to racing in Oceanside, I had never been to California. When I was selected for IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, I thought to myself - how is this girl in the flat Florida Keys going to train for elevation? But the experience was life-changing and I crossed the finish line with only 8-9 minutes to spare. 

After the finish, I knew I wanted to complete a full. A couple years later, I put my hat in the ring and was chosen for the Team Athletic roster for Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid. Knowing the history of the Lake Placid race being one of the toughest courses, I was fired up. Beyond my personal milestones, the best part has been the community. The friends I made through both of my Team Athletic experiences are still some of my biggest cheerleaders all these years later. 

What advice would you give to those who might be nervous about their first competition or someone taking on a challenge?

If it is important to you, it is important enough. It doesn’t have to matter to anyone else. So go after it, you know? What is the worst that can happen? If it doesn’t work out, at least you can say you went down trying. 

When it comes to competition day: You feel it. You want it. You envision it. If it’s that important to you, you will give it your all. 

When you aren’t training for your next competition, how do you like to spend your time?

I absolutely love being a mom. Between my husband and two sons, we are super active and enjoy the outdoors. We love exploring everything that the Florida Keys has to offer, including beach clean ups, a family 5K on Wednesdays, and going boating. 

I have also enjoyed traveling to help crew at ultra distance races for dear friends that are also runners. I went out to Tahoe last year and I am looking forward to crewing in Denali later this year!

What are you looking forward to in 2026? What is next? 

In mid-May, I’ll be lining up for my first solo 100-mile race here in the Florida Keys. This race has been on my radar since I discovered my love of running, and the timing couldn't be more perfect—race day marks exactly 500 days of my 'Mile a Day' run streak.

After the race I am really looking forward to being more present with my family and slowing down a bit. They are my biggest cheerleaders and have been there for me through everything, including all of my crazy endeavors. I’m looking forward to spending more time with them each day.

What is a goal that you haven’t achieved yet, but you are looking forward to?

There are a lot of different things that I am looking forward to in the future. At the end of the day, I really want to qualify for Kona. With the proper training and mindset, I know I can do it. One day I also hope to become race director for the 100 mile race in the Keys and host my own backyard ultra.

I am also considering moving away from my long-time career in construction to become a life or running coach. Growing up, I wasn’t always given the support I needed, and I want to be a light for kids that I didn’t have. Someone they can depend on when they are in need. I am a firm believer that one of the best gifts of life is being moved by movement, so being able to teach that and help others discover it would be such an honor. 

What is your favorite Athletic Brew?

Run Wild IPA. All day.