How Frisbee Changed Everything | Eric Hall’s Story

Everyone’s journey begins somewhere. For Eric Hall, that journey began playing frisbee. Very few people can imagine how frisbee could change everything in a person’s life but Eric’s story did it.

Hall grew up with an athletic background, playing tennis and running track in high school, and competing in intramural sports in college. He also loved to swim.

From Smoker to Cyclist

But like many, time got away from him. By the summer of 2014, he was 31 years old, a heavy smoker, and more than 100 pounds overweight.

Then he had his come-to-his-senses moment.

“I was playing frisbee with my friends, and I was just gassed,” Hall recalls. “I was winded, hot, sweating, and feeling awful. That was the end of it. Like, literally, the next day I started making changes.

“I thought I could still be active, but then I played frisbee that one time and I thought ‘no dude, you actually can’t do this, you are in a much deeper hole than you thought you were.”

Hall altered his diet, pulled his old bike out of the garage, and started riding. He lost those 100 extra pounds and started running later in the year.

“I just wanted to feel better,” Hall said.

Racing Runs in the Blood

Growing up in Indianapolis, early in his life Hall became a fan of open wheel racing, and especially the Indianapolis 500. He remembers as a kid his family didn’t have enough money to go to the race, and the television broadcast was blacked out in Indianapolis. The family would go camping near Terre Haute or Fort Wayne, which have their own local stations and would show the race. Being in those areas they could pick up the signal on “rabbit ears” from their campsite.

Eric admits to having a “racing bug”, and getting out and racing in whatever form is something he very much relishes. There is enjoyment in competing in running, cycling and triathlons, which more than scratches his competitive itch.

From First 5K to the Podium

“My life has always revolved around racing, so this has been a natural transition,” Hall said. “I always dreamed of racing go-karts or whatever, and that’s why I was around IndyCar, because I just have this thing for racing. I did my first 5K (in the spring of 2015) and I thought ‘oh, this is what we are supposed to be doing’.”

He’s also had some success. He claims a half-marathon personal best of 1:29:06 and has been on the podium several times in local triathlon events. In 2024, he won the Cat5 Indiana cyclocross championship and was the Cat3 mountain bike series champion.

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The Primal Pull of Running

Despite all of his success in triathlons and cycling events, it always comes back to running. There is just something ‘primal’ about it that he enjoys. Because of some injuries and health issues, he struggled a bit in 2022-23, but since cycling season ended last fall he has been ramping up his mileage and is looking forward to a great year with his running while continuing his cycling and tri competitions.

“I always say that cycling is my main jam,” he said. “I’m a triathlete, and I lost all my weight on the bike, and rode my bike as a kid. But there is something about running where I’ve executed a good run or I’ve run up a hill and feet really strong, and nothing makes me feel as strong, human, and active, and fulfilling my natural objective.

“Humans were built to run. There is nothing on the bike that has ever made me feel like (after a great run). I’m looking forward to getting into racing again.”

From Athlete to Coach

Being a multisport athlete has been Hall’s passion, but now it’s also his job, too. Over time he has accumulated several certifications, and last May started his own coaching service.

In his work life, Hall discovered that he liked talking to people, making his workplace a better place, and being in a leadership and mentorship position. It gave him a drive to want to work with people, and his wife Katie who put the idea in his mind that he would make a good coach.

He spent some time working informally with some athletes, and decided to make the jump and work as a coach full-time. Hall now coaches several athletes, and considers himself very much a hands-on coach. He meets with his athletes weekly, makes himself available any time they need him, and goes to their races where he can act as support and gear and give them a cheering section.

The Power of Shared Journeys

He’s found it a rewarding experience, especially when he has a chance to take someone who didn’t think they could do something all the way through to accomplishing their goals. Whether it’s getting someone to get stronger in the pool, or throw down a big PR in a half-marathon, Hall enjoys accompanying people on a journey that results in their personal improvement.

Hall also believes his focus on positivity and his own personal journey makes a connection with people, too.

“I think my story helps with my athletes,” he said. “Their experience has been my experience. I was the fat, overweight smoker who went through everything, and I know I can help you get there. They don’t feel as intimidated talking to me.”

Looking Ahead: Bigger Goals, Faster Times

Eric lives on the north side of Indianapolis and does most of his training on the beautiful Monon Trail. This spring he is looking forward to competing in the 500 Festival Miler Series, leading up to one of his goal races, the Indy Mini Marathon on May 3.

Everything in your life can change in a moment even if it starts with tossing a frisbee. Eric Hall’s story is an example of how one change can lead to a lifetime of change.

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