Health

Jennifer Chalmers of Albert Lea, Minnesota has always led an active lifestyle.  As a wife, mother of three young sons and health care professional, Jennifer must balance many facets of her life.  But since she began competing in triathlons four years ago, the phrase “on the go” has taken on new meaning for Jennifer.

A triathlon is an endurance event in which competitors swim in open water, bicycle and then run – without stopping between the three legs of the race.  The total time each athlete takes to complete the race determines the winner.  The triathlon first became an Olympic sport in 2000.  An Olympic distance triathlon consists of a 1.5 kilometer (1 mile) swim, 40 kilometer (25 mile) bike ride, and a 10 kilometer (6.25 mile) run.  “Sprint” triathlons are shorter in distance.  The most challenging triathlon of all is the “Ironman” which begins with a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2 mile full marathon.

Jennifer competed on a swim team as a child and in track and cross country throughout her high school and college years.  During their courtship, Jennifer and her husband Chris trained together to run a marathon.  “I used to run a lot,” says Jennifer.  “It was easy – put on your shoes and go.”

Over time, Jennifer began experiencing some running-related injuries.  She was attracted to triathlons as an alternative because it offered a variety of training with the swimming and bicycling being lower impact activities.

Although some triathletes utilize online coaches or train with a group, Jennifer generally trains alone.  Her training regimen averages 9-10 hours per week.  In preparing for a race, triathletes work through a “base” phase which is designed to build endurance, a “build” phase which focuses on speed and intensity, and a “tapering off” phase prior to the race to allow them to reach peak performance on race ay.  How does Jennifer find time in her busy schedule to train?  “Mornings are my time,” she replies.  “I usually train between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m.”

For Jennifer, the benefits of triathlon competition include stress relief and the satisfaction of pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.  She also enjoys the camaraderie of meeting new people and renewing old friendships – occasionally competing alongside former teammates form her college years at St. Olaf.  Jennifer has experienced success in her short time of competition, winning Olympic distance triathlons in St. Paul and Fairmont, Minnesota.  In August of 2009, she completed a 1/3 Ironman triathlon in Waseca.

Jennifer’s interest in triathlon competition has been passed along to the next generation.  Since 2005, her sons have participated in a triathlon with friends.  Her oldest son, Sam, completed his first triathlon at the age of 8 – the Miracle Kids Triathlon, which is a race that raises money for kids with cancer.  According to Jennifer, “Triathlon is a sport for all people!”

Jennifer’s passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle extends beyond her triathlon training.  Through her career as a physical therapist at the Albert Lea Medical Center, she works daily to help her patients improve their health.  She also has an interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the wider community, and spoke excitedly about Albert Lea’s participation in the AARP/Blue Zones City Health Makeover.

For anyone considering attempting a triathlon, Jennifer offers the following advice.  “Get The Triathlete’s Training Bible by Joe Friel and if possible, find an experienced triathlete who can be a mentor or training partner.”  And finally, “Embrace and enjoy the experience.”  For all of us, whether we aspire to complete a triathlon or just run the race of life, those are words of wisdom.