Q&A with Jeri “JMom” Howland

GU ATHLETE: Jeri “JMom” Howland
SPORT: Triathlon, running
BIRTHPLACE: White Plains, New York, 1956
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Corte Madera, California
WEBSITE: www.bungalowmunch.com

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Winning the Quadruple Dipsea two consecutive years.

Superstitions for training or competition?
Don’t lift weights for two weeks prior, eat pasta with pesto the night before, always shave legs for a race and never wear jewelry.

Funny racing/training story?
In Ironman Germany at Roth I wore a one-piece Zoot suit. I had a pretty serious stomach thing going in the run and there was NO place to pull over. I learned the hard way that once you take down your suit from the top down it’s all over. I got completely entangled in my heart rate monitor strap and my race belt. I was stuck for a few minutes trying to get my suit up while my “everything” was working against each other. The Germans loved it. At that same race I was invited to shower in the men’s section – I think? I don’t speak German but my sense was “come on in!” The men were hysterical to find me exiting from their bathhouse.

What’s the most shocking thing a spectator has ever said to you while you were racing?
“Lady, your booty is shakin!”

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Focus and humility.

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
I lived totally in the present, something kids today do too little of.

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Forever Young by Rod Stewart.

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
Sign up for another race!

If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
I would be Pina Colada!

If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
Coffee and half & half.

What’s the most creative way you’ve ever carried your GU?
In my hat on my head.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
Educational reform; “green” food packaging.

A few things people don’t know about you?
I am an identical twin (My sister is Barbara Peterson of XTERRA fame). I absolutely love to sleep in. I am afraid of the ocean.
I dream of doing the Everest 100 stage race!