What is your history with sports and athletics?
I played some sports when I was younger, but I was never an athlete. I was focused on school and eventually, my job.
After I got divorced, I took a year to get my life back together. During that time, I focused on my health and mental well-being. A girlfriend of mine dared me to sign up for a local sprint triathlon that was 6 weeks away. Not sure what I was thinking, but I’m not one to turn down a dare!
So I joined the gym and I started swimming again. It took me 45 minutes to swim 500 yards and I had to bust out every stroke I knew how to do. It was pretty bad, but I kept at it.
I bought a 2nd hand bike and it really is what they say. You never forget how to ride. My first ride was just a mile, but from the smile on my face, you would have thought I had a century ride!
The running was, and continues to this day, to the hardest thing.
But for 6 weeks, I trained 6 days a week and I conquered my 1st triathlon. I fell in love with the sport.
I continued my training and really jumped off the ledge when I signed up for the 70.3 half Ironman race in Augusta in September 2019. I went down for camp in August and participated in Gatorfest so I could ride the bike course.
Race day came, and I don’t care what anyone says – there is nothing like having your mom there to cheer you on!
I saw an alligator on the swim, survived the bike, and completed the run. My watch said the temperature was 104 on the run. It was brutal, but it was awesome! I finished with 11 minutes to spare at cutoff.
I couldn’t wait to come back again in 2020 and do it all over again. Then Covid hit.
I kept at my training to keep mine and body together and signed up for my first full distance Ironman race in November 2021.
I’m going back to Augusta again, but it will be my “practice race.” If anyone would have told me a year ago that I’d be doing a 70.3 as a practice race, I would have died laughing.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Being able to eat! I get to eat all the time and everything I want! Nutrition is the 4th discipline of triathlon so I am conscious of what I’m putting in as fuel, but I don’t have to sweat the piece of cake or a cold beer.
What I really love though is the consistency of training. Race day is cool but the day to day of getting in my training and keeping myself accountable makes me feel good and accomplished, no matter what else is happening.
The Tri community is awesome. I’ve made so many new friends and have really been pushed out of my comfort zone.
And of course, bragging rights!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
The biggest challenge is mental. I’m too tired, I’m too busy, I’m sore.
I had to change my mindset from “I’m too busy” to “this is a priority, and as such, I’m going to do it.”
I also work a very corporate management job so it requires a lot of early mornings to get my workouts in.
Probably one of the coolest things that came out of this time of my life is when I started training my 1st 70.3, I had just started dating someone new and I was really worried that the time commitment to training would have a negative impact on our relationship. The opposite happened. He jumped head first in, bought a bike so we could ride together and is my biggest cheerleader!!!
Has your participation in sports helped you overcome any major life issues?
I have always been overweight. I’ll never be a skinny girl but I am strong and I have a ton of endurance. I am so comfortable in my body now that I don’t let a few extra pounds stop me.
What is your “why?”
My “why” is because complacency is a killer. I want to push myself forward and always be a better version of myself. Progress is often not seen until the last 10 %, but I love that 90% push
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Esmerelda – she’s my road bike! We have thousands of miles together and I discovered that I’d your cycling kit and shoes match your bike, you go faster!!
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Gatorfest in Augusta. The people are just the nicest!
What’s next?
I really hoping to hit the Low Country Splash in Charleston this year, Ironman Florida in November 2021, and in 2022, I’d like to do IMCHOO and maybe a trail ultramarathon.
Any fun facts about yourself?
- I have 3 siblings and of the 4 kids, I was the least athletic growing up!
- I am a long distance hiker and I love dragging my boyfriend and his friends out for long hiking miles!
- I love craft beer! And with all the training, I can indulge 🙂
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
- Start slow but don’t stop!
- Pay your $ and sign up for a race. It will help.
- Keep yourself accountable.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
Cross training is important. In addition to swimming, biking, and running, I also
trail run, hike, do a bunch of overnight backpacking trips, and do some weightlifting with my boyfriend. I involve my friends in different activities to encourage them to be active but it also helps keep my training fresh.
I adore you!!! I will all ways be cheering you on in spirit!! I am so proud of you Lisa!!! I wish people knew you the way i do….you’re an inspiration to me!!
Lisa you are an inspiration and I love hearing about your adventures and cheering you on. Race on my friend, race on!
So proud of you, Sis!!