Shailesh Ingale

My first memories of doing physical activity are probably dreadful. In middle school we had to run 3/4s of a mile once a week in gym class and I was content to finish in 7 minutes. In college, I discovered running and weights as a way to destress and it's only escalated since then. I ran my first half- marathon at age 26, and then my first full marathon at age 30. Running is my personal therapy and living in Chicago, I feel so lucky to be able to clear my head along Lake Michigan twice a week.
 
Of course I'm a big sports fan too. When you hear that, you typically think of some ogre yelling at a TV. That's definitely not me. But I genuinely enjoy the drama and sheer skill being shown when I'm watching people compete.
 

My beloved sports teams

When I'm watching sports, here's who I'm cheering for.

Fighting Illini

My alma mater. Two degrees and six years of my life. There's nothing like seeing Champaign decked out on Orange and Blue on a game day.

Washington Commanders

Growing up outside DC during the Joe Gibbs era made this easy. The second quarter of Super Bowl XXII had me locked in for life.

Baltimore Orioles

Opening Day 1989. The TV was showing baseball instead of the Jetsons. The Orioles beat the Red Sox and they had a new fan.

Everton

I started watching the PL in 2019 and chose Everton semi-randomly. Little did I realize what a dysfunctional, yet loving family I'd just joined.

New York Knicks

In the early 90s everyone had to pick an NBA team. Following my love of Georgetown basketball, I picked Patrick Ewing and the Knicks.

Washington Capitals

I always joked that I generally followed hockey but didn't have a team. Then 2018 happened and that Stanley Cup just felt special.

"If you're not doing what you love, you're just wasting your time"
     - Billy Joel