Jodi (right) with her husband Brian.
Jodi Hunt, 35, Director of Marketing and Operations at Sun Country Sports Center, Gainesville, Florida
Why do you do exercise and stay active? I love to be active. I enjoy the adrenaline rush of participating in races (running or triathlons). I have that competitive drive which gives me a sick stomach the night before a race and can’t sleep, but then when I finish … I am picking out my next race.
How long have you been exercising? I have always been active. I was a competitive gymnast growing up. I competed in competitive cheer leading and track in high school and took a competitive hiatus in college. Then I did my first running race in 2002 and my first Triathlon in 2007.
Most fun aspect of staying active: The training! And getting to train with other people, great friends and my husband. It is something we really like to do together. I enjoy the social aspect of training even though the time commitment might be tough.
Most challenging aspect of staying active: The time that I must devote to my training.
Most rewarding aspect of exercising: Going through the finish line. There is nothing like it!
Who/what inspires you when you’re felling weak? Before a tough race a good friend gave me a pep talk and reminded me that we CAN do this. There are people out there that might have physical disabilities and would otherwise love to be able to do the things that we can do. We should be so grateful that we are able to do this. Whether I perform to my greatest potential or not, I am lucky that I have two legs and two arms and I am physically capable of training and racing.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: Just do it! It feels great when you accomplish something.
Your must-have equipment for exercising: GPS watch and a good headband. I cannot stand hair on my neck or forehead.
Favorite training song: Honestly, anything upbeat. I don’t make playlists, because I get bored with my own music. I either listen to the radio or Pandora. And I rotate between tons of channels because I get sick of listening to the same thing.
Favorite healthy food: Broccoli – cooked or raw. I love it!
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Pizza and chocolate, of course.
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience while competing: Having to go to the bathroom while racing. There is nothing glamorous or pretty about doing a triathlon while in full spandex. You are just gross… and adding this in just causes more problems.
