Jenifer “IRONJEN” Maggio is a passionate, multi-sport athlete. A mother of two boys (who aspire to race just like mom someday) and owner of mcreation Jen somehow finds the time to diligently train. And finally, an IRONMAN! Jen competed in her first Ironman in 2007.
How it all started: I first learned of “triathlon” in 1997. I was newly married, and my husband was traveling. I found myself watching the Ironman Championships on TV and thinking that it would be amazing to someday compete in an Ironman. Shortly thereafter I began working out more and more. During that time, I often thought that perhaps my “dream” was too big. I did my first triathlon 8 months later, and was hooked ever since!
I still love the sport today! I love the challenge of training for all 5 events! Swim, bike, run, transition and strength training. I’m working on the nutrition thing. I love surprising myself--that with proper conditioning my body can do what I’ve asked it to do.
On Juggling Family, Career and Training… I try and keep my training in perspective. It’s a hobby, albeit one that I am very passionate about. But my family and career come first. If I take my training too seriously, I get frustrated and that ‘s not good for me, or my family. I am disciplined, and sure it’s hard some days, but big goals require, big commitments.
Hometown: Bartlett, IL
Birthday: Aug 2, 1972
Occupation: Designer (Interior and Jewelry)
Biggest athletic accomplishment: Finishing Ironman Wisconsin in 2007 - the “dream”!
Favorite thing about training: Pushing my body farther than I think I can.
Least favorite thing about training: Fist drills in swimming.
Unusual training regimens: Icing my pelvis afer a long ride or run. I also like to treat myself after a long training day to my little frozen protein concoction—anything to keep me away from ice cream at night!
Biggest obstacle/challenge overcome to date: A case of Spinal Meningitis in 2006.
Superstitions and/or rituals for competition: I keep a towel in my transition from my very first tri season.
When you aren’t training: I’m spending time with my family & friends—and making jewelry.
One fact no one knows about you: I’m keeping it a secret!
Advice for aspiring athletes: Invest in a coach and stick to a weekly plan. A coach will keep you on target and—even with the workouts you don't like to do!
Athletic mentor: I don't have any-one in particular person, but I do respect my coach's discipline a great deal. Without Carla, I most certainly could not reach my goal!
Most Embarrassing multi-sport moment: I was looking for someone to ride/train with. I hooked up with a local bike shop for their weekly ride—all guys mind you. A short while into the ride, I fell trying to keep up.
Hi, I’m Wes, the primary blogger at IRONJEN.com. No, I’m not a weirdo or anything, (though some would leave that up for debate) I am IRONJEN (Jenifer’s) husband, gear boy, assistant, publicist, athlete chauffer, photographer, travel agent, etc. And, as far as this site is concerned, a blogger-by-proxy.
The concept for this site came about shortly before Jen’s “big” race of the season in 2006, The Ford Ironman 70.3. By big I mean her longest distance to date. The race was in Orlando, FL so her support group was limited to me. (How motivating is that?!) Being somewhat technically savvy and creatively inclined, I decided to put together a “race blog” for our friends and family back home. Just a little something to stay up to date on the action while we were away.
The blog essentially consisted of a few posts on our activities leading up to the race. Additionally, I included some links to spectator info, and some touristy stuff, like the weather in Orlando and our hotel’s website. I even included a link to send Jen a text message.
The part that really kept people in the loop though was the race day coverage and photos of the event. As an amateur sports and landscape photographer, and particularly one who appreciates triathlon, I shoot all of Jen’s races. As usual, I followed Jen from the start of the swim through her departure onto the bike course. Then given that the bike leg was a couple of hours long, I went back to our rental car, plugged in my laptop and using a cellular card, uploaded my images to the blog as a slideshow. Accompanying the images was a commentary on the first part of the race. The fans at home loved it! Finally, I posted once more that evening with more images and a post-race report.
IRONJEN.com follows the same idea, except this time in the form of it’s own dedicated website. It’s a race blog, a personal website, and a gathering place for “friends of Jen”. Jen insisted (and still does) that she does not have any fans and that I’ve wasted my time in creating this site. I however argue that the fact that you are reading this proves otherwise!
The motivation to produce this site is a tribute to the spirit and determination that Jenifer has about her. I’ve never met anyone who has shown more drive, determination and discipline than Jen. She is truly an inspiration to our two sons and I, and everyone she meets!
She didn’t ask for any of this, and in fact, hates being put on a pedestal—again that was not my intent. If however from this site, visitors draw parallels to their own lives and be inspired and motivated to achieve their personal best, then it has been a worthwhile effort.
Thank you sincerely for visiting IRONJEN.com, and please do so again to show your support for Jenifer. --Wes
The GEEK Stuff - About Gear Boy, er’ Wes and the technical stuff.
