Featured Member: Jennie Hartzheim

Tell us about yourself: 

I'm a lifelong Wisconsin Badger! I grew up in Beaver Dam, spent my college years moving around and trying out different UW campuses (my parents really appreciated my extended college career:) and recently moved back to LaCrosse after living & working at Beloit College for six years.

Currently, I work at UW-L as the First Year Experience coordinator (new student programs, student success, parent and family relations). Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, love to shop and to find a "bargain", craft projects (really good at starting, not always the best at finishing), and of course, being active.

How long have you been doing triathlons?

This is my second year.

How long have you been a Bluff Buster?

Two years

What is your triathlon background (How did you get started? Do you have a background in swim/bike/run, etc, have you done many?)

Virtually non-existent.  Growing up my main activities were figure skating and golf.  I don't remember the reason why, but I decided I wanted to run in the Twilight Beaver Chase (yes, that was the name and hopefully it gave you a good laugh.  The make you snort kind.) when I was 8 or 9, and pretty much couldn't make it the mile and was just about dead last.  My love for running is a somewhat new thing.  I have only been running about three years.  In fact, my first marathon (Chicago 2010) I did completely as a walker.

What is your favorite race distance?

Still trying to figure that out!

What are your triathlon goals for 2014?

Finish IM Wisconsin

What is an interesting fact about you?

I dressed up as the Republican elephant for Halloween when I was in the third grade.  I actually begged my mom to let this be my costume.

What is your favorite song or album to workout to?

I don't have a favorite.  It really depends on the day, my iPod has everything from Justin Bieber to Smashing Pumpkins.

What motivates you?

Thinking about how lucky I am that I have the ability to run, bike, swim, etc and that I know of many others (such as my mom) who would give anything to be able to do so.  Those moments that I really want to throw in the towel, because I not going as fast as I want to or feeling a bit lazy, I make myself do a reality check and that usually keeps me going.

What accomplishment (triathlon or non-triathlon related) are you most proud of?

Losing 153 pounds!  In 2006 I weighed 313 pounds and spent 5 1/2 years taking it off (it's been quite a journey). Every day that I am able to enjoy biking, running... even swimming, I celebrate is a reminder of all that I have accomplished and all that I hope to accomplish in the future.

What is your favorite workout?

The ones where I feel that I have had my butt kicked, but feel totally awesome at the same time!

What can’t you live without?

My programmable coffee maker.  It is seriously the best to come home from the gym in the morning and the coffee is freshly brewed and ready to go:)

What is one book that everyone should read?

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Cleaning the bathroom.