The Low-Down on Jennifer
Growing up, Jen was always involved in sports, but never had an interest in running until her mid-20s. She took up the sport to stay fit and for the social aspect once organized sports were not readily available anymore. Soon after, Jen decided to train for a marathon. Crossing that finish line, she knew she was hooked! Jen has enjoyed the challenge of the marathon and half marathon distances ever since.
Over the last few years, working with running coaches, Jen has seen big improvements not only in her times but in her enjoyment of running. As she has gotten older, she now makes injury prevention and recovery a big focus of her daily training.
Jen got her start in triathlon in 2017 when a friend convinced her to join a women’s triathlon training program called Tri It For Life. It was such an amazing experience that she began mentoring for the program and joined the Board of Directors. Jen has completed sprint, Olympic, half iron, and full iron distance triathlons. She finds the most rewarding part about training and working with new athletes is encouraging them to reach their goals and seeing their excitement as they cross that finish line, accomplishing something they never dreamed possible!
What She Coaches:
Running
What are your favorite races or events:
The Chicago Marathon was probably my favorite race. I enjoyed running through an amazing city and the crowd support was spectacular! Since the race route went by downtown several times, my family “cheerleaders” were able to catch sight of me four times during the race. Training here in the Lowcountry, I appreciated that Chicago’s course was flat.
What was your defining moment as an athlete or coach?
A few years ago, I was trying to break 2 hours for a half marathon. My training suggested I was ready to achieve sub-1:55. As the race began, I let my excitement take over and ran the first few miles way too fast. I also saw someone I knew up ahead of me on the course and tried to keep up with them even though I knew they generally run faster than I do. The last three miles were a struggle for me, and I hobbled across the finish line in 1:59:20. My coach had told me not to start too fast, but I think it was something I needed to experience firsthand to truly understand the consequences. It’s a mistake I’ll never make again.
What are your favorite non-running activities?
When I’m not running or training for triathlons, I enjoy sewing, painting, gardening, golfing with my family, and my latest challenge is conquering the finicky art of baking French macarons.
