My focused attention to the sport of triathlon all began with an email from a friend inviting me to join her for the Utah Summer Games Triathlon. At the time (March 2007), I was nearly one year out from having my first child and still felt like I was in the “recovering” stage getting adjusted to the new lifestyle and the added weight that had so sneakily attached itself to my midsection. There was no way I could be ready for a triathlon in just a few short months. My life felt a little out of my control. I told her that maybe I would join her at another event later in the year if I could find some motivation and lose some weight.
As the days past I thought more and more about this “triathlon” thing. It really did sound like a great way to get active again and to gain a feeling of accomplishment. After semi-making up my mind that I did want to start training for a triathlon, I stumbled upon the Utah Mama’s booth at the Salt Lake Marathon Wellness Expo. I grabbed a handout and the nice lady there told me all about these ladies from Utah Mama's that decided to train for a triathlon. She also told me about the website and online blog where I could go to find out more.
I returned home that day to anxiously explore the website and find out all about these courageous moms that decided to start the endeavor of training for a triathlon. Some were starting out a little more in shape than others but they made the commitment to do it. It was great to be able to go to the blog every few days and read about their latest training sessions but especially their struggles and finding time to get their workouts in and juggle kids at the same time. This showed me how human they were and that they were moms just like me. There was now a light at the end of the tunnel that told me that I really could do it.
Since I didn’t know much about the mechanics of a triathlon I decided to volunteer for the Women’s Tri in Bountiful. And as a bonus, this was the race that the Utah Mamas would be in. Cool!!! Little did I know that I would not only learn more of the “how to” of tri but I would find the true inspiration that I needed to commit myself to training and “tri”ing.
I showed up in Bountiful bright and early Saturday morning. I put on my snazzy turquoise volunteer t-shirt and went to man the entrance of the transition site. All of the athletes were preparing their transition area and getting mentally ready. I remembered hearing that the tri this year had record registration. I kept looking at all those women, knowing that 50% or more were first-time triathletes, and saying to myself, “I can’t believe that this many ladies are going to do this triathlon . . . how incredible!”
My race assignment was on the run course. I stood there for quite a while in anticipation for the first runner to come by. Could people actually swim, bike, and still have the will to complete the run? Finally, the first runner came. She was a dark-haired athletic lady and she didn’t even look tired! There was not another runner for another minute or so after her. I was amazed at her agility and speed. There were many more ladies to cross my path throughout the race. Some were walking, some were running, and some looked like they were REALLY ready to see the finish line. Despite all their feelings of exhaustion and pain, each lady pushed on and endured. They were determined in mind no matter what physical level they were on. There was no question that they indeed believed in themselves.
Near the end of the race there was a sweet lady who’s family was waiting for her around the last bend of the run before the stretch to the finish line. Grandma, grandpa, husband, and two sons. As she finally came walking around the corner I could see the look of pure exhaustion on her face. Her family cheered her on and her two small sons grabbed her by the hands and walked with her the rest of the way to the finish line. I think I actually got a tear or two in my eyes. It was so inspiring! Every woman there that day inspired me. When I left to go home I felt like I was on top of the world. I felt like I could do anything I wanted. I had such a feeling of empowerment. Thanks to the Utah Mamas and all of the other ladies who participated in the tri that day. You did more for me that day than you’ll ever know!
