Professional athletes are always looking for that extra edge, and 49ers offensive lineman Colton McKivitz might have found his secret weapon right here in San Francisco. This offseason, the 300-pound athlete decided to transform his fitness by running some of the city’s most challenging hills, specifically targeting the notoriously steep Kearny Street.

McKivitz’s commitment went beyond typical training regimens. He would drive from the South Bay specifically to tackle Telegraph Hill’s brutal inclines, sometimes running the same challenging route five times per week. The block between Broadway and Vallejo, with its punishing 30.3% grade, became his personal training ground.

“Running up that concrete, I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been,” McKivitz shared. His unconventional approach paid off - he cut fat and added eight pounds of muscle while developing significant mental resilience.

The lineman’s goals are ambitious. He’s boldly declared his intention to make the Pro Bowl this year, using his hill training as both physical and psychological preparation. With a contract year approaching and his current salary sitting around $4 million, McKivitz has significant motivation to prove his worth.

His training method echoes legendary 49ers player Jerry Rice, who was known for sprint training on steep terrain. By embracing San Francisco’s unique landscape, McKivitz is not just preparing for the upcoming season but connecting with the city’s athletic heritage.

The upcoming joint practice with the Denver Broncos will be McKivitz’s first major test. Facing a defense that ranked number one in the NFL last season, he’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate how his hill training translates to on-field performance.

As the 49ers prepare for another potentially breakthrough season, McKivitz represents the kind of dedicated, innovative athlete that keeps the team at the cutting edge of professional football. His commitment to pushing physical and mental boundaries might just be the breakthrough he needs to elevate his career to the next level.