How old are you?
53
Where do you live?
Colorado Springs, CO
Website
https://donna-lovelace.remax.com
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I was super athletic through high school Gymnastics, track and field and dance. I decided to pursue a dance career in LA after graduating high school. I started a family at the young age of 24 and did not have really any solid athletic activity until I was age 48.
When my second son was born I was diagnosed at the age of 30 with a degenerative disc disease and an autoimmune disorder. I was still living in my native state of CA, in Sonoma County. Soon after we all moved to Denver because that is where my ex husband grew up and he wanted to move back to his state and pursue a career as a firefighter.
I was so busy acclimating to a new state and making sure my kids had a nice upbringing in our new state and all of my needs and fitness goals (which honestly, I didn’t think I was able to do with my diagnosis) took a back seat to having a home life.
At 48 and having my youngest graduating high school, I was starting to notice body changes that I did not like! SO I joined Lifetime Fitness in Parker CO. and hired a personal trainer. He at that time was also a triathlon coach.. Somehow I was “roped” into joining Lifetime’s triathlon team and did my first Sprint distance after only six weeks of learning from scratch how to swim, bike (never owned or clipped into a road bike before) and run. The running was and still is my biggest challenge because of my 36 degree curve and degenerative discs. I managed to swim open water, bike and run the full distance even though I did not even know the basics of what to wear, transition, or anything! After that first triathlon, I was hooked!
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy the challenges brought to me daily. Every time I PR on a route that I did before, feel stronger on any swim, bike or run that I had previously accomplished or moving up in the “pack” on my team rides, I feel empowered to face the challenges in my real life issues. And I assure you, at 53 and being single in the workforce is a challenge.
I have a coach and she is one of the most inspiring people in my life because of all of her accomplishments in sport and career along with HUGE physical challenges that she has had in the most recent years. She makes me accountable which I LOVE and really cares about my progress. I have SO much to learn in every discipline and THAT is what excites me to be a sponge and improve. I suppose I am very competitive ( so I have been told) so improving is always number one on my list.
However, the reason why I stay in this sport is because of the people I have met and continue to meet. I would say that I stick around and endure the pain daily just so I can be around others who do the same. At our age (age groupers) we do not take ourselves seriously and joke around. But most of all, we support one another and become close having the same sort of life in common, I would say that 75% is social interaction and 25% is the training are the reasons I stay in this sport. It is my happy place and I am so grateful for it. Covid and not training with my groups has been a serious mental challenge for me and I am guessing everyone as well.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
As mentioned above ( I don’t want to bore you LOL) My back.. my Doctors and Neurologists all cannot believe I do what I do. However, they keep telling me to continue what I am doing (they do not like me running though) because it is keeping me from having the dreadful spine fusing surgery and buying me time until they maybe can find a better treatment.
Don’t get me wrong.. I train in pain daily. The pain is never not there. Some days the pain in my L4 L5 is so severe, I have to stop in mid session. That is now just something I have to accept and not let it upset me. I have to give my mind and body grace and really work on not being frustrated.
However, when I DO see able bodied folks complaining about things and just sitting on the couch, I am likely to tell them my story. I get out of bed and DO SOMETHING outside!, Even though my pain is there, I wake up at 5:30 and DO it. Everyone has their challenges in their life and this is mine. I accept it. I honor it, and respect it. Live everyday to your max.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
Gosh. I can honestly tell you that I refer to triathlon training at least 3 times a week when a personal issue or life ( adulting) issue comes along. I say to myself that I am stronger than I am giving myself credit for and “you can do this”
What is your “why?”
My “why”is: After seeing my mother die of cancer at 73 and seeing her not live out any dreams. She lived her life for others and was a saint. So at my mid life age of 53 I do not want regrets. I want to attack life as hard as can and live my daily life with as much activity as I can. To have fun doing it is key. So, in a nutshell. Have fun facing the challenges of my life and going for it!
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I LOVE my Garmin 945. I LOVE my bike, my kits. They are fun and sexy!
Do you have a favorite race or event?
I honestly do better in shorter distances because of my back but my biggest challenge ahead of me is finishing a 70.3 sub Seven. I would be thrilled to have that under me.
What’s next?
Keep training and seeing my team and friends as Covid clears up. Learning everyday to improve from others expertise so I can get faster.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I LOVE to cook and EAT. Always thinking about my next meal. lol. I love to take care of others through my cooking and nourish them. I love entertaining and laughing.. always laughing and eating.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t wait! Just go for it!!