April 2006 Athlete Profile- Jeff Juergens

I've been working with Jeff Juergens for 3 years now. He's a very accomplished swimmer. In fact, he's capable of a 50 min IM swim. His cycling is also quite strong and his running is getting there. This year, I feel he'll blast through that 10 hour IM barrier. He's an engineer for NASA, so you can imagine the detailed files and charts he sends me for feedback! Between his athletic accomplishments, and the fact that he's a heck of a nice guy, it's fitting that he is April's Athlete of the Month.

This Athlete Profile will not be given to just those who I coach.  Anyone who checks out this web site and is deserving can be selected.

1. Name

Jeff Juergens

2. How long have you been training for and racing triathlons?

Started training in the spring of 1997, the week after college swimming ended and did my first tri towards the end of that summer.  I did my first ½ Ironman the following summer and my first Ironman in 2000.

3. What is your favorite aspect of the sport?

The people.  I’ve met all kinds of great people I would have never met otherwise.  I like the training and the races but the people I’ve met keep me coming back for more.

4. What do you consider your biggest athletic achievement?

Swimming at Div. III NCAAs my junior year in college.  I spent most of high school with injuries and was never able to do much in high school swimming but making NCAAs made up for that.

5. What are your big goals for this season?

I want to set myself up with a good ½ in Muncie then qualify for Kona at Ironman Florida.  Going to Kona would be right on par for me as NCAAs was in college.

6. What’s your favorite meal?

Spaghetti & Meatballs.  Cheesecake ranks a close second though.

7. What’s your favorite movie?

One specific movie is tough to put down as a favorite but I tend to like mindless movies I don’t have to think much about.  Action movies and dumb comedies always work well for me.

8. Any other hobbies?

Working in my yard in the summer, working on my house, working on cars.

9. If you could visit one place this year, where would it be?

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia.

10. What’s your favorite workout?

Swimming in general is my favorite workout.  I always liked to swim with people who are faster than me and I really have to work to keep up.  I like the challenge.

11. Who’s your inspiration?

I don’t really have a specific person but I’m motivated by all the people I see who have much busier lives than me yet are able to excel at this sport.

12. Any other words of wisdom?

Life is too short not to enjoy it

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