Have you guys checked out the inspirational stories over at Swim Bike Mom Stories? Have you submitted YOUR story yet?
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This is an old post…one from my very first tri. I look back at it as inspirational AND hilarious! It shows that anyone can do this!
I am a Mom of five kids. Eleven year old Triplets and two older, amazing stepdaughters! In January 2010 I had a choice of moving to CT or leaving a high level corporate job that I loved. I had been with the same company for 27 years. Since our life is in NC, the choice became clear. I would quit work.
Day two of not working I begin to wonder, “What am I going to do with all of this free time?” I can’t even tell you exactly why, but I decide that I will do a triathlon! I am a decent athlete, but no super star. I come from a family of superstar athletes. The kind where my siblings go to college on sport scholarships, win hundreds of trophies and are undeniably the BEST at every sport that they do! I think I have one trophy for Cheerleading! But none of them had done a triathlon! I decide that THIS is going to be what I do. Did I also mention that I was about to turn 50?
My first Sprint Triathlon was exciting and terrifying! After the race began thunderstorms broke out and the swim portion was canceled. Since that was my best part of the race, I was disappointed, but determined to stick it out! The whole time on my bike, riding in the rain, I kept saying to myself, “Don’t get hurt! Don’t get hurt!” and, “This is So Stupid!” But I finished the race…..and I was hooked! My one thought was that doing this would be so much more fun if I had friends doing it with me!
Over the course of the past 3 years I have now done 7 Sprint Triathlons! What makes me most proud is that the last race that I did in May I had twelve friends do the race with me! Seven of them were doing a triathlon for the first time! To see these ladies (almost all in their 40s and a few us in our 50s!) cross the finish line was just amazing! I was so thrilled to share the experience with them! A bunch of us are doing another race in October! I feel good about setting a good example for my kids, and also that I have maybe even inspired a few friends to believe that they can do this, too!
PS. At my last race my little kids were holding up signs that said, “Mom, you’re the best!” “You’re on a world record pace!” “Mom, you’re SO MUCH faster than last time!”….and my personal favorite, “Mom you look SO skinny!”
Hi Liz. This is fantastic! I have finally found balance btwn my corporate job (sounds similar to yours) and life; but I am placing so much more emphasis on my family and physical. Back to training, and talked with people at our local community Ed program last month about starting a kids Tri in our community as well as a Tri training/support group for us. “Older folks”. Hope to see something come of these. Would love to hear of your progress. GREAT DECISION!!!!!
Hi Liz,
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am doing my first sprint tri this October, the Ramblin’ Rose in Chapel Hill. Is this the one you’re participating in? I’m excited, but nervous. It’s definitely been a journey and I am a different person now. My friend is joining me for Chapel Hill and two others want to race in the Raleigh Ramblin’ Rose next year. It sounds like triathlons are addictive;).
Take Care,
Tiffany
Just finished my first tri – a sprint – at the tender age of 54. 1 year ago I weighed 60 lbs more and had never been a runner. My sister inspired me by running a 10k in July of last year, and I vowed to do it with her this year if she was doing it again (she was!). I realized that weight loss was going to be an important part of achieving that goal, so began working on my weight and doing a lot of walking, then gradually progressed to running using a couch to 10k program. I did a couple 5k’s along the way, and then ran the Wharf to Wharf race in Santa Cruz, CA, with my sister in July, meeting my personal goal of running the whole way! I knew I needed another challenge to keep me motivated and so signed up for a triathlon after reading your wonderful and inspiring book. Today’s race went well, with me beating my projected time by 7 minutes! I met my goals of finishing vertical, with a smile on my face, and staying in the saddle and running the whole way. I had an absolute blast although I had a “Swim Bike Klutz” moment and slipped in the rinsing tub and sprained my big toe. Powered through it. Saw some SBM gear on a participant and shared the “Just Keep Moving Forward” inspiration with many whom I passed. I’m so grateful for the ability to do this at my age, for the camaraderie of all my fellow competitors, and for your inspiration! I am a professional and have achieved many goals in my life, but few more satisfying than today. Thank you for bringing this sport to us “regular” women!