Jillian Landry

When Jeff first started running in his early 30s, his goal was simple: complete a half marathon. From there, his curiosity and determination pushed him further — into marathons, triathlons, and eventually the world of ultrarunning. Today, he is in the midst of one of the sport’s most challenging feats: the Triple Crown of 200s.

This series includes the Tahoe 200, the Bigfoot 200, and the Moab 240, races that test both body and mind. Covering hundreds of miles over rugged terrain and extreme conditions, runners push through days with little rest. Jeff’s first Moab 240 took 112 hours, during which he slept less than four hours in total and even hallucinated during the last two nights. Fortunately, those hallucinations were more whimsical than frightening — tree branches seemed to come alive under his headlamp.

The journey through these races is about more than just movement. Sometimes Jeff runs alone, deep in thought or listening to music and podcasts. Other times, he’s with fellow runners or pacers, exchanging stories and forming bonds. His favorite moments are when his kids join him to pace sections of the race. “You get hours to really talk about life,” he says. “Even with my kids, I learn new things.”

Training for such massive challenges is a discipline in itself. Jeff devotes 15–18 hours each week to a combination of treadmill sessions, stair climbing, weightlifting, and evening walks around Lake Zurich with a 40-pound vest. He averages about 25,000 steps per day, focusing on building endurance rather than speed. “It’s 90% mental, and the other 10% is in your head,” he says with a smile.

Nutrition plays a critical role in success. During the races, Jeff consumes 250–300 calories per hour, using everything from sports gels and electrolyte mixes to candy bars. Aid stations can serve pizza, soup, bacon, pickle quesadillas, and more — but preferences shift quickly over the course of hundreds of miles. “What sounds great at one aid station can sound awful at the next,” Jeff says. Coca-Cola remains a reliable go-to for its sugar and caffeine — “like rocket fuel” for runners.

For Jeff, these efforts have a deeper purpose: raising awareness and support for Mi densidad importa, an organization dedicated to educating women about breast density and its impact on breast cancer risk. This mission has already made a tangible difference. After a presentation at his workplace, a colleague’s sister sought screening that led to the early detection of breast cancer. “Who knows? We might have saved her life,” Jeff reflects.

His friends and running community have been unwavering in their support, many volunteering to crew, pace, or coach him along the way. They celebrate his accomplishments while marveling at the distances he covers — sometimes joking that they wouldn’t even want to drive that far.

Moab will be Jeff’s last 200-mile race for now, but his running journey is far from over. In April, he’ll represent Orange Business Americas at the Paris Marathon, trading mountain trails for city streets. Whether in the wilds of Washington or the heart of Paris, Jeff runs with the same drive: to test his limits, inspire others, and make every mile count toward saving lives.