50 marathons by 50? Local mom-grandma adds Ironman 70.3 to her birthday quest

ST. GEORGE – It has been said that Ironman triathlons are some of the hardest races on earth. And one St. George woman – wife, mother and grandmother – who is no stranger to marathons is about to find out.

Many know that the St. George Ironman has been cut down from the full Ironman length by about half, leaving the total distance of the race at around 70.3 miles. However, this cut does not mean that the race will be what anyone would refer to as a walk in the park.

When people think of Ironman competitors, the images that often come to mind are professionals in their mid-20s to early 30s, and ex-Navy SEALs. Yet, we have our fair share of locals participating who may not gain international fame from this race but are no less unique and impressive.

Jill McDonald is one such competitor. She is a native of St. George and has lived here all her life. At this point, she has completed 41 marathons and is on track to have 50 completed by the time she turns 50 in November. Some of the marathons she has run include: 15 St. George marathons, and three Boston marathons.

Jill McDonald and her husband Jody McDonald are the proud parents of three children, and grandparents to three with one on the way.

A far cry from the typical image of “grandma,” with all of her training Jill McDonald is likely in better shape than most people half her age

Jill McDonald
Jill McDonald

Although she has run many marathons, this is Jill McDonald’s first Ironman event.  The immensity of the competition does not come without apprehension.

“I am most nervous about the swimming,” Jill McDonald said. “With that many people in the water at the same time, it is pretty much a given that you are going to get kicked in the face and swallow water.”

Jill McDonald has practiced parts of the course as much as she can, and has driven it to see where the best places are to station loved ones for support. In a grueling event like this, support means everything.

She is a dedicated woman, both at home and in her love of running. Somehow Jill McDonald manages to keep it all in balance. Training for events like these is not easy, and neither is being a good mom. Yet after nearly 30 years of marriage, she still manages to push forward, being very attentive on all ends.

This race will be hard, but Jill McDonald will not be doing it alone. Her sister, Tiffany Graff, will also be competing alongside her, as she has done in many races before.

Jill McDonald’s daughter Kenzee will not be able to make it to the event on Saturday, but she had this to say about her mother:

“I know she is going to do fantastic like she always does in everything else. My mother stands as a pinnacle of inspiration and has always been a wonderful example of what a strong and determined woman can achieve.”

Races like these are often intimidating and uncertain. However, some things do seem certain, not just for Jill but for every local competitor: There will be loved ones watching, waiting, and cheering every step of the way. No matter what the outcome, people like Jill McDonald make their families, friends, and community proud.

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Twitter: @stgnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

 

 

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