L-R: Optimist Member Bob Hundhausen, Ironman Competitor Mandi Jacquinot, Optimist President Terri Ellis

Our speaker on December 12, 2025 was Mandi Jacquinot who spoke about her love for running and competing in marathons and Ironman competitions. Originally from Decorah, IA, Mandi played volleyball and softball in High School but never considered herself an "athlete". She started running during her college years at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. After she graduated, she signed up for her first marathon, Grandma's Marathon, in Duluth, MN. She shared her story of how she drove to the finish line instead of the starting line and although it was a chaotic start, it ended with mint chocolate chip ice cream at the finish line and she's been hooked since. After competing in a dozen marathons, she qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2013. She finished in 3 hours, 32 minutes and an impressive 8:07 pace. It was a dream come true. As they were leaving the event, they heard a loud bang and found out about the bombing soon after.

Shortly after the Boston Marathon, she competed in her first Half Ironman and started training for the Ironman while she was pregnant with their third child. She logged 1000 miles while during her pregnancy and competed in her first Ironman in Louisville, KY eleven months after their youngest son was born. The Ironman is a grueling, long distance triathlon consisting of a 2.4 mile swim (typically in a lake), a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon run, totaling 140.6 miles. You must finish in 17 hours. It's known as one of the world's toughest one-day endurance challenges and requires months of dedicated training. To date, Mandi has competed in 15 Ironman competitions. At one point, she did five Ironmans and seven marathons in a 13-month period. Her most recent Ironman was in Kona, Hawaii in September where her Mom and daughter were there to cheer her on. She also watched an 80-year old finish who just started running in her 60's.

Mandi finds Ironman competitions and marathons exhausting but inspiring. She admits that she may be addicted to running but it keeps her happy and sane. She believes that doing hard things brings you joy and life is about balance and finding quality time for yourself. She finds a way to balance training, work, and motherhood. When asked how she resets, she replied with a smile "with carbs, Coke, and Tylenol."

What's next for Mandi? She focusing on the 50 States Marathon Club, a challenge pursued by dedicated runners who complete a marathon in each state. She has competed in 28 states so far with her latest one in Arkansas.