I have had no achievements in the fire service as yet, but things are about to change. Most all other physical and mental things I have put my mind to I have accomplished.

At a age of 34 I still run circles around many of the recruits and will continue to. My goals are to stay healthy and make use of my energy to be able to do the combat challenge and firefighter Olympics. By being in the world of fitness I am able to keep up with my kids and enjoy life

I feel that I am more confident and able to be more productive to my department. The stamina and energy that fitness gives, is not only a stress reliever for me but also a mind and body connection. So you are more in tune with your body and what it is telling you.

I eat about 6-7 times a day, nothing big but it is higher in carbohydrates than protein. I feel that all this hype about high protein diets has made a bad impact on carbohydrates. Carbs are your one main source of energy, some people do not understand that they may not be able to metabolize large amounts of protein (especially those just starting to exercise), and when they go on these diets their energy levels drop like driving an engine through a 2 feet deep puddle of mud. As for supplements I take animal pack multi vitamins and have been experimenting with some nitronix supplements and find that they give you an excellent pump and energy boost when working out hard. Remember after a hard work out nothing replenishes your system like carbs so you can refill your engine to fight fire again.

Name:Jeannine Horton
Firedepartment: Estero Fire Rescue
Age: 41
Position: Lieutenant
Sports: Firefighter Combat challenge
Hobbies: Kayaking, hiking, just being outdoors.

hotshotff@msn.com
      I have been in the fire service for almost 21 years. I have competed in the Firefighter combat Challenge for about 9 years now. My best time thus far is 3 minutes 45 seconds. I initally got into the challenge as a way to stay fit for the job. Since I was starting to get older I found it was no longer easy to perform at prior levels without training alot. I wanted to be able to maintain a long healthy career on the trucks. I have met some challenging setbacks with fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr virus and episodes of chronic fatigue. Competing in the challenge has helped me to overcome those set-backs and train my body at levels far above those which most who have experienced those debilitating illnesses would find attainable.

     I am better capable of performing my job today and can run circles around many of the younger firefighters. I am only 5'5 and have found now that I am older the extra weight carried with fire gear etc. puts a big strain on my system. The training I do helps to compensate for that and keeps my confidence in my ability to perform and take my body farther than it thinks it is capable under adverse conditions. I fell out of the firetruck going to a structure fire and injured my back. I thought that was a career ending moment. it was a real struggle after that.      

     I stuck with the relay and thought I had to give up individual competition in the challenge for ever. I engaged in a long rehab program called MEDX and begain to learn new ways of caring for my back. Although I have flare-ups every now and then from all those challenges, the intense training is really helping me to rise-above. I am now back into competing as an individual in the combat challenge. I am still working to achieve a sub 3 minute 30 second time in the challenge.

     My weakness is in my dietary habits. I do not do well when ohter s around me do not eat well. I am a sucker for chips, chocolate and those bad for you things. It is a struggle for me every day. I love to eat healthy, but am weak when junk is around.

      I try to stay away from most supplemnts. I take Betagain during precompetition periods and supplement with amino acids. I try to keep up with my daily vitamin supplements and electrolyte replacement. I have had some problems withcramping when taking creatine supplements and have to cycle on an off frequently. It must be those humid Florida summers where you sweat so badly just standing outside that a gallon of water a day is like a shot glass. I try to keep all medicines homeopathic incuding those for inflammation.