How old are you?
50
Where are you from?
Milwaukee, WI USA
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I was a high school athlete that discovered running/triathlon 20 years ago. I started running as part of a weight loss program. My cousin asked me to run a local 5k and I was hooked.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I have gained so much from being involved with triathlon. I have made a ton of wonderful friends. I’m a 50 yr old woman who likes her body. Not just because my jeans fit (which is awesome) but I can do anything I want (within reason of course. Still can’t jump over a building. :-)). I know that I can handle anything as long as I can use exercise to help me.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
There have been so many obstacles. For years, I was a single mom with little kids and a full-time job. So I trained at 5 am on a treadmill in my basement and a baby monitor in the kid’s room. When they got older, I’d bike/run to baseball games.
When I trained for my first Ironman, my hashtag was #noexcuses. I found creative ways to train and parent.
18 months ago, I herniated 2 discs in my back. My doctor told me I’d have to give up long-distance events. Instead, I went to Physical Therapy and never skipped my exercises. Then I hired a personal trainer to further strengthen my back/core. This September, I finished my second Ironman and I did it 31 minutes faster than my last one. #noexcuses. Just hard work.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
I went through a very difficult and drawn-out divorce. I never would have made it through without exercise and my triathlon club.
What is your “why?”
My “why” is multiple reasons. Because I want to keep feeling good (inside and out). Because my daughter is watching and she sees that fit/strong/healthy is more important than superficial beauty. Because both my kids see that hard work pays off. Set a goal and work for it.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
My support system!!! No way I would have finished 2 Ironman and 4 marathons without my support team and training partners.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Ironman Wisconsin is amazing. Great venue and awesome community
Door County (Wisconsin) half Ironman is beautiful!!
What’s next?
The athletic bucket list includes:
-marathon swim (10K open water swim
-ultramarathon
-make it to age group nationals in triathlon
Any fun facts about yourself?
I was convinced to do my first triathlon because I attempted to run a half marathon and I hated it!! So I thought triathlon would be easier….turns out running longer distance is easier when you know what you’re doing (like having a nutrition plan and the right shoes….newbie mistakes)
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just start and be consistent. If you want to do races/events, join the local triathlon/running/swimming club. The friendships are great and they will teach you things and help you succeed.
You’re not “too fat”, “too slow”, “too old” to join the club. Go, meet the other slow/fat/old people in the group, you’ll be glad you did
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
We are all busy. You have to make exercise a priority. Every night, before I go to bed, I know exactly when, where and what exercise I will be doing the next day. I set the clothes out, I know the route I’m taking, etc. That way I have #noexcuses
Kelly, I really did not know your story but am so happy for you AND inspired
I feel frustrated because exercising has been tough to prioritize for many reasons and as a result I have gained weight. Ugh!!
Not sure if I am still considered midlife (61) but I know I need to make a plan and a schedule now!!!!! Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely inspirational, Kelly. Proud of you.
You even trained while you were running a Ragnar relay because we weren’t enough!!