Brand Stories

Wonder Woman

Jill Kuhn inspires thousands all over the world with her exploits competing in ultramarathons and triathlons and as Intenza’s First Global Brand Ambassador proves that every fitness journey begins with that first step.

Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes and at first glance, Jill Kuhn doesn’t fit the mold of an elite athlete, much less an ultramarathon runner.  But she is one.  This mom to four boys not only runs ultramarathons, she competes in Ironman triathlon competitions that require entrants to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, and run a marathon of 26.2 miles consecutively without a break.

Kuhn inspires thousands all over the world with her exploits competing in ultramarathons and triathlons and as Intenza’s First Global Brand Ambassador proves that every fitness journey begins with that first step.  To complete an ultramarathon is a feat that seems beyond the realm of human ability.  Running more than 100 miles in sometimes hazardous conditions takes extraordinary endurance and fortitude.  Her accomplishments are even more remarkable when you consider that she doesn’t have a background in athletics or fitness, and didn’t take up running until she was 37 years old.

“I just don't want to be told I can't do something. I was always kind of a scrawny girl, and I guess I wanted to prove something to myself and others.”

Jill’s impressive accomplishments have earned her a popular social media following under the moniker Iron Will Iron Jill and it was her inner strength and perseverance that caught the attention of Intenza.  Kuhn serves as an inspiration to others who struggle to stick to a fitness program and as the face of Intenza’s “TomorrowToday” campaign shows that when you take that first step in a fitness journey, you never know where it can lead.  “I know that others look at me like I'm an athlete, but I don't really have an athletic body,” she says.  “I have a nothing can stop me mentality.  And I want others to feel that way.  No matter what’s holding them back, they can accomplish these things too.  I want them to think: If she can do it, so can I.”

“I have a nothing can stop me mentality.”

As a stay—at—home—mom, Jill isn’t always able to train outdoors in race conditions so Intenza’s 550 Te2 is the perfect fit for her training and lifestyle.  “I think it’s the best product out there,” she says.  “I love my treadmill.  Intenza has advanced technology, so you can vary your training and pull up workouts from other programs.”  Besides making her workouts more versatile and compelling, Intenza gives Kuhn a better training experience when preparing for her extreme competitions.  “Often on treadmills you get a lot of bounce because the belt doesn’t run as smooth.  But with Intenza I get a smooth run that mimics running outdoors, so I feel that my treadmill training is like running outside.  That’s really important, because when I train for an ultramarathon, I’m spending a lot of time on the treadmill.”

Kuhn also loves Intenza’s green policies and commitment to sustainability.  The brand’s main manufacturing facility is 100% energy efficient.  “They’re really setting a standard for companies being green with their low carbon imprint, and their use of solar power and recycled materials,” says Kuhn, whose family has adopted green habits in their daily routine.  “I feel that Intenza shares a lot of my core values.  They’re a company that gives back and that’s important to me.”

The sense of accomplishment is what drives Jill and this is reflected in her public persona.  Driven to inspire others, she makes community outreach a priority to help others overcome obstacles to lead a more active life.  You don’t have to run an ultramarathon to be fit: just get yourself moving.  Kuhn believes you should start with small steps.  Literally.  “Go for a walk, skip the elevator, take the stairs every single time.  Make fitness a part of your daily routine.  Try to make healthy choices along the way.  Just do what you can even if it doesn’t seem like much.” #howfitnessshouldfeel