Sponsored Athletes
2023 -24

Jen Heller

ULTRA RUNNER

I get asked why I love running a lot by non-runners. I run because I love the feelings it gives back to me. Before running I could not run a mile. I was not healthy and felt so sickly. After two brain surgeries, I let my disease become my identity. I wanted to change all of that. I saw someone posting about their races and said, “I want to do that too.” So I signed up for my first 5K and went after it. Ten years later, I'm training for my 4th one hundred mile race. Last year, I conquered my first travel race which was a 100 miler race in Texas. In 2021, I finished 100 miles at the Hennepin Hundred Race and the year prior was at a small event in Dixon, IL called Hindsight where I completed my first 100 miler.
Always thinking about that big smile with tears in my eyes when I completed my first mile. Oh how far I've come. Never say never. I don't feel like that sick, weak girl anymore. I am a strong woman who will throw weights in the gym and run that race to the end. Running was a huge part of this transformation. I am forever grateful for both running and the amazing running community that I have found. Running also helped prepare me for the next battle ahead.
During my running adventures, I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to my good health, I was able to recover much sooner than most. Running taught me to endure the pain to the finish. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The pain is temporary but that finish line is forever, never give up. Jen H Best lesson ever, thanks to running.
My goals for 2023 are to be better than last year's version of me. I am doing this by doing things differently by working with coaches to dial in my weak areas. I am in the gym 3 days a week, strength training along with building up the miles. I am my own competition. Goal beat 2022 Jen Heller. My “A” race is Dino Valley 100 in November and my “B” race is Schuetzen Nein 9 hour race in June.