We have an incredible team of athletes at Triathlon Training Team. Each member has a story and a path that brought them to the here and now, we are so excited to share their stories with you so you can get to know our team that much more. We will be featuring athletes every month so be sure to check back often. Maybe you’ll find someone that shares your same fears, loves the same distance as you, has similar obstacles making it difficult to commit to training. Whatever it is you are looking for, we are confidant you will find it at Triathlon Training Team and look forward to joining you are on your journey!
Today we are honored to feature Triathlon Training Team member: Heather
The thought of completing a triathlon really started to emerge shortly after I took up running back in 2009. Being an extremist, of course I placed an Ironman 140.6 near the top of my bucket list. I had some experience cycling, having completed Aids Lifecycle, cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles while training for half and full marathons. Yet, it wasn’t until a recovery period following the New York Marathon, unable to run, that my partner Donna suggested I take up swimming. So with her help, I set my eyes on swimming which fueled my desire to participate in a triathlons.
I truly enjoy pushing my heart, mind, and body to their limits through these three disciplines. Triathlons provide an arena where I can constantly challenge and improve who I am as an athlete. I am stronger than I have ever been! Love it!
I believe the 70.3 races are my favorite distance because they are extremely challenging and they require that hard core dedication to perform as a strong endurance athlete. Also, the training is very manageable and fits with my life as a teacher. However, I completed my first full Ironman in Whistler this summer-could it be my new favorite distance? We shall see…..
My goals for the 2018 season are to continue to allow my body to heal and build back up slowly to improve my times in the 70.3 distance. So, I have signed up for Wildflower in May and have my eyes set on Coeur d’ Alene 70.3 in the Summer. Argentina, 140.6 is a possible dream for 2018 if my body stays strong!
A bucket list race would be South Africa!
Every time I cross a finish line, my heart rolls through joy, shock, disbelief, contentment, pride, and back to joy regardless of the race distance.
My biggest obstacle has been keeping my OLD body healthy through all the training. I have struggled recently with achilles tendonitis and sprained ankles and it is very difficult for me to slow down long enough to heal. Oh how I wish I would have joined the sport at an earlier age!
I have my top three favorite memories. My 47th birthday ride with the team up to Crystal Lake was absolutely amazing! Second, crossing the finish line in Whistler after 15 1/2 hours, from the darkness and into the light was life changing. Lastly, and so dear my heart, watching my student Hugo compete in his first triathlon!
I guess the question would be…who do you attribute to your success? Or who helped you accomplish your triathlon dreams? I could NEVER have done this alone…it takes a village. Donna has supported me through EVERYTHING….the good, the bad, and the super ugly! I would not be competing today without Diego and his love, guidance, and patience! Triathlon Training Team is truly a blessing and they have carried me up so many hills, pushing me to get stronger. Last but not least, I have the most amazing friends who cheer me on from home. Love you and thank you!
