Settling Into a New Region: Jenn Jones

February 17, 2013

Julia Morris

“I have no expectations or idea on how it’s going to shake out. I don’t want to peak in the Open. I would like to finish top-45. My long-term goal is to go back to the Games.”


After last year’s Games season, Jenn Jones relocated from Washington, D.C. to Houston, Texas, and started working as a nurse.

Jones finished 28th at the Games in 2012. When she returned, she signed up to be a travel nurse — something she wanted to do since college. Her first assignment sent her to Houston in September. For the first time, she became a full-time nurse and a part-time CrossFitter. 

Now training at CrossFit EaDo, she competed in a local competition and placed fourth. She realized afterward that she needed more consistency and structure in her training to be successful in 2013. She called her longtime coach from District CrossFit, Andrew Killion, for help with programming.

“After a 12-hour shift, I try and do about an hour of programming, including a met-con and strength,” Jones says. “On my days off, I do two- or three-a-days.”

Since last year, Jones has been focusing on squatting and “maintaining my engine for longer durations.”

Initially, Jones was supposed to be in Houston for just three months, but requested a two-month extension. Now, almost six months later, she’s still in the Lone Star state. She says the choice to stay was simply due to consistency in training.

“I’m currently a floating nurse in Houston, due to the Game season,” she explains.

In January, Jones nervously took on another local competition with several other Games athletes.

“I didn’t know if this year was a good year or if I was behind,” she says.

Her nerves were calmed when she finished in the top 10 and PR’d her power clean at 210 lb.

Jones has made friends with fellow South Central athletes Leah Shullenberger and Chelsea Lewis. They have been giving her tips for being in a new region.

“I have no expectations or idea on how it’s going to shake out,” Jones admits. “I don’t want to peak in the Open. I would like to finish top-45. My long-term goal is to go back to the Games.”

After the 2013 season, Jones will resume her career as a travel nurse. Until then, she’ll live and train in Texas.

“It will be hard to get up and move now that I’ve established friends and found an awesome box.”