Jenny – Long Distance Running

• name: Jenny
• age: 46
• occupation: Mom & Running coach
• sport: Long distance running
• currently live: Lake Villa, IL
• workout favorites: sport bra, light running shorts, running tights and 6-7 pairs of running shoes a year

“Getting older doesn’t mean you have to get slower!!” At age 46, Jenny has her eyes set on qualifying for the 2012 Women’s Marathon Olympic trials. Her impressive running career began as a high school freshman when she was looking for an extracurricular activity.

Running proved to be “her thing” as she competed in both cross country and track at the University of Iowa where she led the team to their first big Cross Country Championship in 1982. At 19, while still in college, she made her marathon debut at the 1983 Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, where she won in a time of 2:33:51! She still holds the American Age Group Record for Females 19 and Under. In addition, some of Jenny’s proudest accomplishments are winning the 1996 Olympic Marathon trials (2:29:54) and setting the Women’s American Master’s Marathon Record in October 2003 (2:32:38) less than 2 years after giving birth to her daughter.

Jenny is a proud mother, wife and coach to both adult and youth runners. She definitely knows how to balance it all! She trains at least 6 times a week as well as bikes, swims and strength trains. On the forefront of her mind is her next race, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K which will be held in Chicago, IL on March 21st. She has a huge support system of training partners including her biggest fan, husband Miki. How does she keep her motivation to stay fit? “As I get older, it is extremely important for me to stay healthy and fit so that I have enough energy to keep up with my daughter, step-daughter, and husband. We lead a very active life-style and I don’t want to miss out on anything!!! Plus, I absolutely love running and never want to stop!” says Jenny.

Outside of running, she loves to read, do puzzles, garden and hang out with her family and friends. And, even world class runners need to indulge. Her weaknesses are Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, peas and her mom and dad’s home grown sweet corn.

Workout advice from Jenny:
Definition of Fitness: “Being fit” means to maintain a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, strength training, and cardiovascular fitness. It also includes being happy with who you are and having fun with family and friends.

Best workout tip: Have a “plan” going into the workout….if you are feeling tired or unmotivated, going in with a plan or a purpose for the workout (even if it is just an “easy” day) will keep you going.

***Good luck, Jenny, in your training and upcoming races! All of us here at Jockey® will be rooting for you!***