One of the most incredible qualities of the sport of triathlon is that the athletes who compete in multi-sport races are often unassuming. It may not be immediately apparent that our co-worker, family friend or neighbor is training for these races — unless your neighbor hasn’t cut their grass in two weeks due to final preparation for Ironman Ohio.
Such is the case for the neighbors of Jeffery Trumm.
Trumm began to exchange his lawn care time for training time at the age of 40. He began with half marathon and later Spartan races with his wife, Louise Alabre Trumm.
Trumm’s passion for pushing his limits led him to complete his first triathlon at the age of 59. His journey into the world of endurance sports is a testament to his determination and love for challenging himself.
Jeff loves to travel for races, often accompanied by his supportive wife. Together, they explore new destinations and create lasting memories while participating in various events. The ability to plan races around visiting friends and family give the trips an additional purpose, and the new sights are easy on the eyes when the body is fighting for the finish.
Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health and adventure, Trumm finds joy in the rigorous training sessions that prepare him for races. Trumm’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something new and that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are within reach.
He tells us more about his journey to multi-sport — and away from lawn care — in the questions below.
BACKGROUND QUESTIONS
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Erie, then moved to Aberdeen, Washington, before age 1. I lived here most of my childhood but finished my last three years of high school in Erie.
Q: What was your high school/college athletic experience?
A: In high school I wrestled but changed in 11th grade to track, where I ran the 100m, 400m, relays and also did the long jump. The last event was mainly because the team needed a filler. I also played football, but only until 10th grade.
Q: Did your athletic background help you in triathlon?
A: Not really. I just think there was too long of a gap between my high school career and starting triathlons recently. I started running again when I was 40 with some half marathons. My first was the Philadelphia half marathon, followed shortly by the Hershey half marathon. My wife and I started doing Spartan races after that, and then we started getting into triathlons.
Q: Do you have an inspiration or someone who motivated you to begin triathlons?
A: My wife initiated the beginning. We got connected with David Bass, who provided us with great group workouts and the motivation to continue training. When my wife signed up for the Back Mountain Triathlon, that was my final motivator to also sign up.
Q: How many triathlons have you done?
A: Two sprint distance triathlons (0.5-mile swim/12.4-mile bike/3.1-mile run) and one Ironman 70.3 (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run). I guess I skipped right over an Olympic distance.
Q: What/where/how long was your first triathlon?
My first triathlon was the Back Mountain Triathlon in 2024, sprint distance. I really loved being back into competition, against others but more importantly myself. I’m looking forward to the Olympic distance of this race this year.
Q: What is your proudest moment in triathlon/endurance racing?
A: Qualifying for 70.3 World Championship for 2026. The race will be in Nice, France, next year. I’ll have a full year of training to prepare for this incredible experience.
Q: Married?
A: Yes. My wife also runs and races triathlon. Even if she’s not racing, I try to pick locations that would make a good trip for her. My 70.3 was in Sandusky, Ohio, where she met up with some of her friends. Triathlon gives us a lot of places to visit and explore. Races with my wife are some of my favorite memories.
Q: Kids?
Yes, two boys (26, 24). One is in Nebraska and one is in Colorado. I was not competing when they were young, but I do hope do get them involved and race all together one day.
FAVORITES
Q: Swim, bike or run?
A: Run. That’s how I started age 40 and up.
Q: Has your favorite changed?
A: No, I’ve just always been a runner.
Q: Favorite triathlon/endurance race or dream race location?
A: I don’t have a dream location at this time. Nice, France, definitely looking forward to. The race will be unknown, especially the feeling of the course. But visually there will be a lot to look at keep me distracted.
Q: Ideal pre-race and post-race meal?
A: Pre-race I’ll eat yams. Post-race, ice cream is always my go-to.
Q: What is your favorite type of workout when training for a race?
A: No favorites, just prefer the early morning workouts.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of triathlon or endurance racing?
A: It used to enjoy working in the yard but that changed since training. I gave up yard work for training. I would say traveling with my wife. We just got back from Croatia and Slovenia biking. Both of those countries were so beautiful.
Q: Do you have a mantra or a phrase that gets you through the tough parts of training/racing?
A: I think Sara Leskosky said this to me: “Believe in your training.” I focused on that phrase nervously standing in line waiting for the start of the swim last weekend. Water temperature was 76.8, no wet suit and first time swimming this length in open water without.
Q: Favorite race weather conditions?
A: Cool, no rain and overcast.
THIS OR THAT
Q: Garmin, Apple or no watch?
A: Garmin.
Q: Indoor or outdoor training?
A: Outdoor for everything.
Q: Flip turns or wall touch?
A: Wall touch.
Q: Coach, training plan or self-led workouts?
A: Training plan.
Q: Full kit or mixed-up pieces for race day?
A: Mix.
LOOKING AHEAD
Q: Do you have any goals for your triathlon career?
A: I’d like to do one 70.3 Ironman race every year for the next 10 years, as I approach 70 years old.
Q: How do you stay motivated through the offseason?
A: Working out with others helps a lot and following a plan. My wife will also encourage me after work to just go for a run or get on the stationary bike, stating you will be happy afterwards you did.
Q: Any advice for those racing for the first time this year?
A: Just have fun and enjoy.
Q: What does your race calendar look like this season?
A: So far this year I’ve done the Scranton Half Marathon, the Harveys Lake Run, the Francis Slocum Trail run, the Black Diamond 5k (Montage Mountain), Ironman 70.3 in Ohio. Yet to come is the Back Mountain Triathlon (Olympic), and a half marathon in Boulder, Colorado.