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closeBlock shows intestinal fortitude in difficult Ironman competition
Local Puyallup resident is getting ready to compete at Kona Ironman in Hawaii
Shaun Scott
Little did Jennifer Block know that a trip to the gym in 1999 would change her lifestyle forever.
“I just went to the gym and took my kids along with me. After that I started going to the gym all the time,” Block said.
Nearly a decade after that memorable visit to the gym, Block has fully immersed herself in the culture of physical fitness. Block earned first place in the 45-49 age group at an Ironman competition in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, on June 22, qualifying her for the Ironman World Triathlon Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this October. The triathlon this fall will consist of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run.
“I just have fun at every race. I have never been to Hawaii before so I’m pretty excited,” Block said. “I competed in my first Ironman five or six years ago and I always give it everything I’ve got.”
Block credited swimming coach Bill Haugen, nutritionist Stacy Clary, sports doctor Dan Perkins and her husband Jim Boswell for getting her to where she is today.
“It takes a lot of work. It’s not just about me, it’s about everybody,” Block said. “I couldn’t do as well as I’ve done without the support of so many different people.”
Block, who trains 20 hours per week, said she’s proud to represent women in a sport dominated by males.
“I think that less than 20 percent of triathlon athletes are women,” Block said. “It’s hard because training for this is like a full-time job. Competing in Ironman competitions is a whole different kind of lifestyle.”
Triathlon athletes aren’t competing against others as much as they’re competing against themselves. Block’s favorite event of the three is bike riding.
“I’m truly not a competitive person. These events are just all about fun,” Block said. “Over the years every venue is different and you meet a lot of people along the way that become good friends.”