How I got started: Reviving the dream

In 1989 I watched the Ironman World Championship Triathlon. I told my Mom I was going to do the Ironman before I turned 30. And I did. One month before my 30th birthday I clocked in a 12:58 for my first Ironman in Wisconsin.

My next goal was now in view: Ironman Kona, the “Big Kahuna” of Ironman. I did Ironman Brazil, Ironman Florida, and Ironman Western Australia. Even though I continued to improve my time, I never qualified for Kona. I was one age-group slot off in Brazil! I wanted Kona, and I knew my time would come. As I was chasing the Ironman Kona dream, I started a business training others as a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach.

In 2008 my world changed. I lost my Dad and had two miscarriages. I was mad, frustrated, and annoyed. I didn’t want to train in my world of thoughts while sitting on the bike for 3–5 hours or going on a two-hour run.

Then I found CrossFit and, yes, I drank the Kool-Aid. It got me through so much in my life. I became a stronger athlete—mind and body. I participated in competitions and at CrossFit Regionals in 2010. It was exactly what I needed.

Also in 2010, I went back to school to get my Masters of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science. I now understood the science of it all. While I loved being in the lab, I also loved the real stuff outside. I learned how to better train myself and my clients for specific events and prepare their bodies to take a heavy stress load.

As I was growing my business, I’d still do triathlons for fun and would finish top in my age group without doing much training other than CrossFit and running. But something was missing…

In 2012, my husband qualified for Ironman-Kona. As I watched him at the start of the swim, I remembered my dream and realized it was time to chase it. I soon found that I enjoyed training again. I was wiser and stronger. The next year I clocked an 11:24 at Ironman-Florida. I was eight years older and almost 15 minutes faster.

In 2014 I’m signed up for both Ironman Coeur D'Alene and Ironman Florida. Will I qualify for Ironman Hawaii? I don't know, but it's my passion and my desire. It’s been in my heart since 1989, so I will train as hard as I can to get there.

Yet I am still building my business, JenRulon.com. I am a passionate triathlon coach who emphasizes strength in an athlete’s routine. I offer regular strength and conditioning classes through the week for endurance athletes as well as clinics and one-on-one coaching for triathletes. With so many different offerings it has been hard to stay on top of my schedule, to keep up with who is coming to what and when!