Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanine Watts.
Hi Jeanine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Jeanine Watts and lived in the Memphis area for over 50 years. I grew up in Whitehaven and graduated from Bishop Byrne High School. Working and volunteering has been my life over years. I have a very determined and giving heart that drives my daily activities. After high school, I immediately went to work for a ITT Lighting Fixture Division in Southaven while attending college at night to get my degree. A year later, I was married and on my way to a bright future. My future was taken by surprise when I unexpectantly delivered identical twin boys. I learned to adapt to the change quickly and I blossomed into a working mother while going to night school and raising two little ones. I got involved in fitness classes at the Whitehaven YMCA a few weeks after giving birth. I fell in love with exercise and all the options that were available to me. So I decided I wanted to teach classes parttime. A short 6 weeks later, I was back at my day job; going to college at night; teaching fitness classes on the weekend; and loving being a mom. A work life balance has always been important to me as a women. Women are strong minded, strong willed, giving individuals that take on challenges with a smile and a prayer.
I achieved a certificate in the fitness industry through the American Council of Exercise. At the same time, I took a job with a little company at the time, FEDEX. And finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Christian Brother University.
While at the Y, I taught a number of exercise classes from high low impact; cycle and kickboxing. One day one of my students asked me to run a 5K race with her. So I practiced for a couple of weeks then ran the race. Surprisingly, I won my age group and a new adventure began for me. I enjoy running which I did almost daily after the race. I started doing road races in the area. A great running race challenge always gave me the drive to keep pushing for the next opportunity. Some weekends, I would race Friday night, Saturdays and Sundays. I eventually got involved with long distance running. I decided to do the First Tennessee Marathon so I could try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I missed the qualifications by 1 minute and 35 seconds. Determination kicked in and I hired a running coach for a few months. I attempted the marathon a second time a year later and qualified for the Boston Marathon. I was privileged enough to get to run the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. Oh, that was a really treat to get to run that historic event.
As I continued to run, I still worked full with FedEx; got my Master’s Degree from Christian Brothers University; taught all types of fitness classes for the Y; and kept up with two boys and all their sports. In our household, you were always on the move. My boys participated and succeed in all types of activities from soccer, baseball, swim team, karate, basketball and Boy Scouts. The boys turned out to be just as determined as their mother. Eagle Scouts and Cross County College Scholarships were earned while keeping up with their mother. My husband support was the glue that kept us all going and achieving our dreams. I even got to race with my boys in the Gibson Guitar 5K where we won first place in the mother-son division and took home a beautiful Gibson Guitar Head trophy.
As my running career developed, a member from the YMCA approached me about giving the sport of triathlon a shot. I decided why not, I can run and I can bike. Swimming would be the challenge. Although, I swam on a swim team as a child, it is completely different than swimming in a lake. I practiced at the YMCA week after week trying to improve my swim. I signed up for the Memphis In May Olympic distance race. I showed up that morning to the race with a new wetsuit in hand and ready to go. Well, that didn’t go so well. After, about 1/3 of the way in the swim I pulled out of the race with a panic attack in the water. Yes sir, overwhelmed by the complexity of the swim. I got out of the lake but didn’t get out of the sport. More determined than every, I decided to try again. I completed by next triathlon a month later after alot of training and education. I have never looked back. I LOVE triathlons because of the diversity in the sport. I get to swim, bike and run all in one race. But it does take alot of practice and time. Doing all three sports has kept me from getting injured because of the different muscle groups. Over the years, I have completed over 200 plus triathlons (Olympic/Sprint distances); 17 half ironman; and 1 full ironman. I also participated in the World Championships of triathlons in St. George, Utah at the half ironman distance; Pontevedra, Spain (Olympic Distance); and last August in Townsville, Australia (Olympic and Sprint) distances. I placed 9 in the world in Australia. In addition, I completed over 600 running road races which included over 20 plus marathons and Boston Marathon twice. This year I will compete in the Boston Marathon again along with Hawaii Marathon.
As I stated before, I am always on the move. I continue to work for FedEx and climb the ladder of success. I started out in the Customer Service area but moved quickly through the company. I became an Managing Director of Finance and Accounting in the Supply Chain area for 20 plus years. I retired from the company after a great 35 year ride.
I also, continued to my fitness career at the Y where I helped open the Schilling Farms Y and was the Fitness Coordinator. I wanted to pass my learnings from running and triathlons on to the members so I started a Running Class and a Triathlon Training program for the members. I take great joy in watching members learn they can set goals and meet them. Over 8 years at the Schilling YMCA, I coached numerous athletes to complete their first running race or triathlon. I was lucky enough to hire a great support member, in Lesley Brainard to help me coach the triathletes. After a 6 week training program, each athlete got to complete in our Indoor Triathlon in March. The smiles and pride that those athletes left was unbelievable.
I became a member of a great group of triathletes in 2001, Memphis Thunder Racing. I have been with club since and watched athletes from beginner level to advance level reach and achieve their goals. Triathletes are a special group of people that are determined, caring and fun loving. We have forged life long friendship within the group and we are always willing to take on and help out new or existing triathletes.
Now, in retirement, I continue my fitness journey by training and racing in running races and triathlons. I am also working for Lifetime fitness as a Exclusive Group Fitness Instructor where I teach 7 to 10 classes weekly. Again, I expanded by fitness knowledge and instructions in the form of weight lifting; water aerobics; intense interval training and numerous of other classes. I have been with Lifetime 5 1/2 years and look forward to helping members meet their fitness goals or achieve that journey.
As I said, in the beginning, I balance determination and giving into a health and happy life. Over the years, I was able to volunteer for the American Stroke Associate as their Triathlon and Running Coach. I was blessed to work with hundreds of women to complete a marathon in Disney World, Nashville and Hawaii. In addition, I worked with several individuals to complete their first triathlons in Memphis and Las Vegas. Oh, what a joy to see those smiling faces at a finish line.
I also gave back to the running community by join the Memphis Running and Track Club Board and designing the MRTC Kids running program. I ran that program for 8 years. There is nothing better than seeing a 6 year old child, run and race and scream “I DID IT”. I am currently on the Memphis Thunder Racing Board of Directors where I have handled their Membership, Saturday Ride, Kid’s Triathlon Training and countless other duties as I volunteered. Passing on knowledge is always top of mind for me…if someone needs helps or pointers in running, triathlon or fitness, I am always available to pass on lessons that I have learned over the years.
While at FedEx, we had the opportunity over the years to work with FedEx Cares in various capacities which I took part in as a volunteer. I love to give back to community and FedEx so for 8 years I was the Lead Executive for FedExFamilyHouse Committee. I worked with countless FedEx employees to raise funds for the yearly operating expenses for the house. In my last years, I worked with the team to raise millions of dollars in funds for the second addition to the FedExFamilyHouse building. My heart was full watching individuals who had children at LeBonheur Hospital have a home to come to at night or during the day while child was being cared for at the hospital. The FedExFamilyHouse is a jewel in our community.
In the last two years, I have joined my church women’s organization, Madonna Circle, to support and help in the Memphis community. I have had the opportunity to work at food distribution; food kitchen; drive up food pickup; clothing distribution and countless other ways to serve the homeless.
Working and volunteer is a balancing act in life but it also fills your life with joy, love and sense of fulfillment.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest and most precious challenge was giving birth to identical twin boys with 4 hours notice. As a mom, you head to the hospital already to bring home your one baby and then you get two. Back about 40 years ago, they didn’t do ultrasounds like they do today. Since, my boys laid on top of each other in the womb, only one heartbeat was found during my pregnancy. Well, after going into labor, my doctor thought my baby might be beech so I went for a Xray. And was told I was having twins. I spend the next week, trying to come up with a second name and my husband was trying to find all the additional baby equipment. I brought home two beautiful boys that have brought me more pride and joy than a mother could ask for in her lifetime. In addition, I have 7 wonderful, delightful and extremely talented grandchild that bring me a full heart daily.
My running, triathlon and fitness careers has been evolving year over year. I am always excited to see what the newest challenge can be put in front of me to conquer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work career was at FedEx for 35 years. I started out in Customer Service as a secretary and moved up through the ranks until I achieved a Managing Director’s position in Supply Chain. Logistics is a very diverse world of alot of moving parts from warehouses; to parts; to airplanes; to trucks; to all the back office functions. Supply Chain interesting and a great learning experience because all the pieces of operating a company come together to achieve a customer’s needs.
My second career was in the fitness industry. After achieving a Certified Fitness Professional Degree from the America Council of Exercise, I was able to start exploring teaching options in the industry. Years ago, we were limited to high lo impact aerobics or step aerobics. In the 90’s, the industry expanded in cycle, kickboxing, interval training, high intense interval training and water aerobics. I pushed to learn all these modes of exercise and became fluent in teaching all of them. In the last 20 years, the industry has expanded again to add crossfit, weightlifting, slide disc, stability balls, bosu balls and cardio equipment. I once again expanded my education and learned to teach these classes.
The diversity in equipment and training options is great for individuals to stay focused on their goals and reach their goals in different ways. All these modes are in my tool box and used them daily to help friends, family, teammates, club members, and athletes reach for the stars.
Bachelor’s Degree – Business Administration – Christian Brothers University
Master’s Degree – Business Administration – Christian Brothers University
Certified Fitness Profession Degree – America Council of Exercise
CPR Trainer – American Red Cross
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
In high school, I was not athletic. I played recreational softball. In fact, in high school I was a majorette that twirled batons. I twirled two batons or fire batons. And I only set the field on fire once. Bishop Byrne High School had a great program for majorettes and I was privileged enough to participate for 4 years.
My mother made sure I was a well rounded individual. As my wedding approached, I made all 6 my bridesmaid dresses and helped my mother make my dress. Today, I still sew for the granddaughters. Making clothes and Halloween costumes always gave me time to unwind from a busy day. Finally, my aunt and mother gave me the talent of baking. I bake my family’s birthday cakes and a few wedding cakes for family members and friends.
