Ironman Competitor Jen Temperley Inspires Women Navigating Their 40s, 50s and Beyond

Embracing vitality.

  • Category
    Health, People
  • Written by
    Tanya Monaghan
  • Photographed by
    Rettig + Co

With a remarkable list of accomplishments and a profound dedication to rewriting the narrative around aging, Jennifer Temperley is on a mission to help women embrace all stages of life with confidence and vitality. For the past 20 years she has lived in the South Bay, a community she loves and finds warm and inviting.

“People are passionate about an active, healthful way of life—that makes living here special,” Jen says. “The South Bay inspires living your best life, making it the ideal place for raising a family and promoting the wellness principles that are close to my heart.”

Jen can often be seen running through the streets of Manhattan Beach at a pace that seems unfathomable to maintain for more than 100 meters, let alone miles on end. Jen is a “phenom” athlete and a fierce competitor who hasn’t allowed negativity about aging to creep into her mindset. Fitness has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.

“I was fully committed to gymnastics and swimming as a kid—driven by a competitive streak that constantly pushed my limits,” she shares. “I was so determined that I’d sleep in the splits to improve my flexibility and even went to bed in my swimsuit so I wasn’t late to swim practice. Being active is a fundamental part of who I am!”

Jen’s accomplishments in endurance sports are nothing short of impressive. Having qualified for the prestigious Kona Ironman World Championship in 2023, she conquered the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run with unwavering determination. This was yet another highlight in a career filled with outstanding achievements, including eight appearances at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and multiple podium finishes in various races around the globe.

“‘You are not too old, and it isn’t too late’ is a mantra I share often.”

Despite all that, Jen says that her greatest personal accomplishment is that at 50 years old, she recently beat the time she set at age 40. “It boils down to a decade of consistent care for my body—not pushing it to its limits day in and day out but listening to it,” she explains. “Over the years, my mindset has shifted significantly—I have prioritized how I fuel my body and made strength training a key component of my routine, not just an add-on. Moving away from strict dietary restrictions to fueling properly during and after long workouts has been a game changer—learning to let go of the guilt for missed workouts and instead tuning in to my body’s needs, specifically rest and recovery.”

Jen says she has learned that getting faster with age isn’t about adhering to more rules. “It’s about engaging in smarter, more connected training, understanding your body’s signals and focusing on long-term health. That is what really counts.”

As a Division 1 collegiate swimmer and a nationally ranked USAT All-American Triathlete for a decade, Jen has consistently pushed the boundaries of her physical capabilities. From conquering the Wildflower Triathlon with back-to-back victories to mastering the daunting Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (twice), navigating the treacherous waters of the Catalina Channel relay swim and embarking on the Rim2Rim Grand Canyon adventure, she is driven by her relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Recently, Jen was awarded the title All World Gold Athlete by Ironman, putting her in the top 2% for her age group. She is currently ranked seventh from the national governing body for the USA Triathlon for 2024 and received a silver medal, coming in second to an Olympian. 

Jen’s passion for fitness and wellness is matched only by her dedication to education and advocacy. Armed with certifications in precision nutrition, personal training and coaching, she empowers women to take control of their health and well-being through her Lean Into Life master class. 

With this program, she provides a transformative six-week journey designed to optimize hormonal health, enhance lean body mass and foster a resilient mindset. By leveraging her own experiences and expertise, Jen equips women with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the unique challenges of perimenopause and postmenopause with grace and confidence. 

“‘You are not too old, and it isn’t too late’ is a mantra I share often,” she says. “While the journey isn’t always smooth—far from being all sunshine and rainbows—I believe the right mix of knowledge and an open, curious mindset will lead to positive outcomes.” 

Whether it’s overcoming body composition challenges, reclaiming lost energy or cultivating a deeper appreciation for one’s body, Jen’s program offers a road map for women in the second half of their lives. It’s not just an online program; it’s a journey toward rediscovering health, confidence and a zest for life.

The way Jen explains it, aging happens to everyone but it’s our choice how we let it affect us. She encourages women to not succumb to the limitations imposed by society but instead join her in making this phase of life a time of growth, transformation and empowerment.


To learn more, visit flyhealthwellness.com.

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