From Ironman to Self-Worth: She Finally Stopped Chasing Approval | Jen Rulon
What happens when you stop chasing approval—and start redefining who you are?
In this episode of Who’s On My Mind, I sit down with Jen Rulon — 15-time Ironman finisher, former marine animal trainer, TEDx speaker, and now a life coach helping women reinvent themselves in midlife.
Jen spent years pushing her limits — completing Ironman races, building a career at SeaWorld, and striving for validation.
But it wasn’t until she stepped away from it all in her late 40s that she began to truly understand self-worth, identity, and what it means to start over.
Now living in Costa Rica, she helps women navigate change, rebuild confidence, and create a life rooted in purpose.
This conversation is about letting go of external validation, finding your voice, and having the courage to reinvent your life — no matter your age.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
- Why external validation can quietly drive your life
- What it takes to complete 15 Ironmans — and why it’s not enough
- How to rebuild your identity after major life transitions
- The mindset behind resilience and reinvention
- How to find your voice and stop people-pleasing
- Why it’s never too late to start over
🌐 Connect with Jen Rulon
Website: https://jenrulon.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulon
Book: Self-Motivation Strategies for Women
https://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234
🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Who Is Jen Rulon
03:38 The Decision to Pursue Ironman
06:18 Where the Drive Came From
08:59 Chasing a Father’s Approval
11:36 Her First Ironman Experience
15:21 Realizing Self-Worth
17:05 The Meaning Behind the Butterflies
24:51 Struggles with Purpose
25:37 Walking Away from Ironman
28:29 Marriage and Identity
31:48 Lessons from SeaWorld
36:45 Trust and Communication with Animals
45:04 The Breaking Point
52:21 Quitting Alcohol
52:22 Moving to Costa Rica
53:52 Finding Her Voice
55:13 Coaching and Transformation
59:15 Daily Life in Costa Rica
01:01:53 Family Reflections
01:05:17 Courage to Start Over
🔍 Keywords
self worth, midlife reinvention, personal growth podcast, finding purpose, identity crisis, life transition, resilience mindset, confidence building, stop people pleasing, women empowerment, life coach, mindset shift
📢 Hashtags
#SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReinvention #Mindset #Resilience #Podcast
