Women's Triathlon...My Race of Choice- by Sue Martin
If you’re a seasoned triathlete, you will love this race.
It’s well run, good competitors – the whole deal.
However, this story may not apply to you.
If you’re a BEGINNER, then here’s a race and a story
for you!
Why not sign up for the Women’s Triathlon?
In the spring of 2000, I did. I signed up, I trained and I completed
the race. I loved every minute of it and then proceeded to lose
fifty pounds in a year and do the race again, only 8 minutes
faster. I lost some more and did the longer race this past summer
and I wasn’t even the last person to finish!
My goals are different. I do the Women’s Triathlon because
it’s a great way to spend a morning and it’s a great
way to monitor your progress on whatever fitness goal you may
have set for yourself.
Am I a runner? Am I an athlete? I am now! I chug along slower
than most people walk but I’m out there. I love it. It
makes me feel alive! Having the women’s race each year
keeps me going to the gym and makes me want to get lighter so
the race is easier. That’s a healthy incentive!
Triathlons are for everyone….not just those emaciated athletes
you see on TV. We all pull out our bikes and whatever clothes
we can find and we’re out there! Women of all shapes, sizes,
ages and abilities are out feeling vibrant and alive!
The actual day of the race is so exciting. The volunteers and
organizers are thrilled to see beginners out racing. The women
on the course are fabulous and extremely enthusiastic. I’m
not a bad swimmer so I start out well and spend much of the race
cheering people on as they pass me offering support and praise
on the way by. We only compete against ourselves. At the end
of the day, you can proudly drive home and look at the other
drivers on the road and think to yourself "I just did a
triathlon, what did you accomplish today?"
Whether you come first, last or proudly in the middle, it’s
a great day and a fabulous accomplishment. I was the kid who
loved getting colds so that I didn’t have to participate
in Phys. Ed, now I’m a TRIATHLETE!
I may not look like
the stereotype but when I look in the mirror, I can see it! When
I’m having a slow workout throughout the winter, I think
of the glorious feeling of crossing the finish line to the cheers
of the crowd. I love telling people that I ‘do’ triathlons
because it’s something so many find so daunting.
Don’t
let it escape you! Catch the spirit and let it linger in you
all year long!
Sue Martin's Times
Milton 2000 Tri 1 1:02.53
Milton 2001 Tri 1 54:43
Milton 2002 Tri 2 1:56.02
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