I first started playing hockey when I was 6. I went on to play baseball, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, basketball, triathlon, and ultra running.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I’ve played team sports, but I enjoy individual sports more because I’m in control of the outcome. I love the feeling of accomplishment from putting in time and effort.
I am incredibly thankful for triathlon. I am accomplishing things I never thought possible, improving my mental toughness and my physical ability. I’ve made friends from around the world.
My greatest accomplishment was qualifying for, and crossing the finish line at Ultraman World Championships in 2019. I was able to do this through Ultraman Canada four months prior.
Twice a month, Tim runs with a tire that he nicknamed, "Shadow." He has been doing this for 13+ years and his longest run with it is 22.32 km!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
My biggest challenge was, and still is, funding these incredible experiences. I have some sponsors that help, which I am thankful and grateful for.
I have been blessed with being injury free to this point. I have been smart with increasing distance and time. My wife and kids have been incredibly understanding with my training. It takes communication, planning and sacrifice for things to fall into place. My wife knows that rest and recovery is just as important as the training itself, which helps A LOT.
What is your “why?”
My why is something that I sometimes have a hard time articulating to some people. Some don’t understand and that’s okay, It’s for me live, not make them understand.
I have an inner fire that wants to push my limits to see where my mind and body will take me. I want to prove to myself that whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve. On my deathbed I want to be able to say I gave everything I had, and not have regrets that “I could’ve,” or “I should’ve.” I am able bodied, with no limitations.
I see two lines. Start lines, finish lines. The goal is to cross both. What you do in between is up to you.
Future goals are to do a double anvil, triple anvil, and run more ultramarathons.
Long term goals are to continue racing ultra distance events, whether it’s running or triathlon.
I also want to ride across Canada raising money/awareness for kids charities.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I ran my first ultramarathon (50 miles/80.46 km) when I was 17. I was told I was the youngest in Canada to complete an ultramarathon. I set a Canadian record for fastest 50 miles, age 21 years and younger with a time of 7 hrs 58 min.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Whatever you do, do it with passion, then it won’t feel like work or a job. Do it because you enjoy the challenge.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
My Dad was always giving me good advice. He said, “work hard, put in the time and effort and do it consistently. The right people will notice.”
When I was 9 years old, my Mom passed away on May 17, 1981. Five months later, my Dad and I were watching Kona Ironman on TV. I said to him, “How cool it would be to race there,” and he said to me, “Someday Tim, someday.” Not knowing where Kona is, what a triathlon was or the distances involved.
In 2004, my Dad was sick in the hospital. I said to him he has to fight, he has to come watch me race. His response to me was the same phrase he said to me 23 years earlier “Someday Tim, someday.”
After my race, Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, my wife and I were looking for a beach to walk on. Something told me to go down this road that led to a beach path. There was no beach access, so we walked along a path. We talked about my race, (she crewed for me), I thanked her for being by my side in the race, and in life. She said, “Did you see that?” I looked towards where she pointed. This is what we saw. Of all the names in the world, Al was in a heart, for us to see. Al was the name of my father. I know we were lead there for a reason. My parents were with me every step of the way. This was him letting me know. I shed lots of tears, I thanked him for keeping me safe during the race, let him know he was right about him saying, “Someday Tim, someday.”
I was never into sports when I was young. I started doing classes at the YMCA in my early 40’s, then started doing 5K races, advanced to 10Ks, Half marathons, 25Ks and full marathons. I decided to dabble in triathlon and it started much the same as running. Sprint, Olympic, half Ironman to full Ironman.
I got started because I was really obese. I am 5’7″ and I was 275 pounds. I was horrified when I went to an amusement park and couldn’t fit into a ride. I decided at 42 years old something needed to change. I joined the gym and eventually a local running group, which led to a complete life change.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I really enjoy the journey. I have made some of the best friends in my life. It was interesting because during my transformation, I actually lost most of my friends. People were uncomfortable being around me while I was making different life choices.
When I joined a training group at Fleet Feet, I met my people. They were all so encouraging and had the same mindset. Being with them pushed me to do so many things that I didn’t think were even possible. It completely changed my entire existence in a very positive way. My biggest accomplishment is really completing every race, but finishing my full Ironman was huge.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have had a few struggles. I had the new runner aches and pains with IT band issues, battled arthritis in my feet and two shoulder surgeries and the worst, plantar fasciitis. I figured out quickly how to remain in shape and still do my best to stay in good health.
As my workouts got longer and harder while I was training for a full Ironman, it was tough on my family. Most didn’t understand and I got a lot of grief about being late for dinner or falling asleep before dinner. I was made to feel pretty guilty a lot. My family was there at my first major finish at the CDA 70.3 and they finally got it. They understood what I went through and how amazing it was. It made it all worth it and now they are my biggest cheerleaders and actually get on me if they see me slacking a bit.
What is your “why?”
What drives me is the sheer joy I get out of it. Some days are hard and it feels like I want to toss my bike over a hill and never look back. But I love the accomplishment, how it makes me feel to do hard things. The friends I have made and the thrill of the finish. There is such a huge sense of accomplishment at this age. I love how fit I feel; I may not be all muscle and crazy thin, but I can run circles around younger people and I love that.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I currently wear Mizuno Horizonstability running shoes for long distance and On Cloud Flyer for shorter runs. I actually like my old CycleOps trainer that is not a smart trainer. I have a smart trainer but I prefer it old school.
What’s next?
I am currently training for Penticton full Ironman, hoping that happens if the vaccine works. I’m a little worried if we can’t travel to Canada, so it makes motivation a little difficult. Then 3 weeks later, Maple Valley 70.3! My short term goal is trying to stay fit while gyms are closed.
Any fun facts about yourself?
Fun fact about me.. I have a Ducktorate degree from Disney University. I worked as a zookeeper at the Phoenix Zoo, too! I love this sport so much, I now work at the same Fleet Feet that got this started for me; I love helping people get started just like they did for me.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t be afraid, you are stronger than you think. This community of people are incredibly supportive and no matter how fast or slow, it only matters that you try. A mile is a mile, no matter how long it takes to get there!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
There is nothing more satisfying than doing things you never thought possible. It is possible, in spite of pain, injuries or even family struggles; it is worth every second when you cross that finish line or even cheering your friends at their finish! I went from 275 lbs and sedentary to 145 lbs and an Ironman!
I played various sports at school and went on to play a few sports while in the South African Navy but after a few major obstacles in my life I gave up everything except golf which ended up being more of a drinking game than a sport.
During 2016/2017 at age 42 and weighing around 120kg I suffered three minor heart attacks and my doctor told me that if I don’t change my life around drastically I won’t live to see the age of 45.
In the last 3 years I have done exactly that and have become a double Ironman South Africa Tour Series medal recipient and an inspirational (hopefully) charity athlete.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Through Ironman training and events, I have shown others that ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they just shift the focus of why they do it from themselves to others.
In the beginning I was unable to walk along the beachfront without stopping to rest and recover, to meet my son on the red carpet in his first IronKids event and cheer him over the finish line.
This year my whole family (including my mom-in-law) is involved in events throughout the year and we are actively involved in fundraising for charities that are very dear to me and which mean a huge amount to all of them.
An Ironman journey is just that – a journey – and there is a starting point and a destination and the road that we travel between these two points is what makes us who we are and determines the reasons for us taking this journey in the first place.
We also need to have fun along the way!
I said three years ago that if I was able to inspire or motivate just one person to be better then I would be happy with what I have achieved and to date I have done so much more.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
With all the health issues I had when I started it was an immense effort to just climb on a bike, walk around the block or do anything other than sit on the steps of the swimming pool.
The first thing I had to do was join an organisation (team and charity) who would hold me accountable for the effort I had put in so that if I didn’t stick to the program I would be letting them down instead of myself.
I also had various challenges when it came to equipment because I had nothing when I started and relied completely on hand-me-downs and clothing, shoes and even a bike that people had lying around who were willing to take a chance on me and help me out.
My family became my greatest asset and supported every kilometre of my journey because they could see the different person that I was becoming despite my endless complaining and need for extended periods of rest and recovery.
They started making alternate suggestions to events when I was at my limit and got themselves involved in my story because it was a story that they wanted to be a part of and share with me now that they could see I might be around for a while.
What is your “why?”
This journey is not done yet and my road has taken a whole new turn to include so much more than what I initially intended.
I continually remind myself that even though I am reaping the rewards health-wise, this journey and what I do is not about me!
I am so honored to be associated with Smile Foundation, ironman4thekidz and Ironman for Nature, and to be able to help others in a way that, despite the time constraints, fits into my new lifestyle.
I am exploring new options, finding new obstacles, making new friends, building new relationships, crossing new borders and covering new ground and I am so excited to share this journey with anyone and everyone in the hopes that someone realizes they are able to do so much more or be so much more than what they think when they are stuck in a hole that life has dug them into – especially in the times we find ourselves in currently in 2020.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
In the last couple of months because of my charity efforts through our hard lockdown period I have been thoroughly blessed with Venture Sport International loaning me a #CORE carbon tt-bike with #SALTcarbon wheels to aid me in getting faster and stronger on the bike leg of my races.
I have also partnered up with HOKA ONE ONE and 32Gi Sports Nutrition who give me discounted rates so that I am able to sustain my level of training and participation without it affecting my work life.
I have gotten myself a coach at Aspire#LiveFit who understands the effort that charity work, a full time job, a large family and training/competing takes and who is flexible enough to help me reach the goals that I have set for myself.
What’s next?
As a charity athlete I rely entirely on the generosity of others, whether it be through direct donations to the charities or through sponsorship of equipment or race fees, to keep me doing what I do.
I am privileged to get my entry fees for all Big O Sports Events sponsored by my company which gives me a new dimension to my training (which now incorporates trail running) which I thoroughly enjoy as it brings me close to nature and allows me share the experience with my family.
But will this all one day get me to Kona?
My family and I dream of travelling one day and me competing (them supporting) in an international race but financially I am not even at the point of a smart trainer in order to do the IronmanVR Rouvy courses yet so I still have a very long way to go before I can even think along these lines.
For now my goals are all related to the charities I support!
Any fun facts about yourself?
I do my best to have as much fun as possible and do as many new events as I can so please feel free to follow me on social media or make donations to my various charities:
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Stop making excuses and start!
If I was to list all the reason why I wasn’t able to start on this journey I would probably not be alive to tell my story.
Get your family involved, join a charity/team/club if you can – friends let you down unfortunately but family sticks with you and supports you and being a part of a group that shares your passion will ultimately get you where you need to be.
I started running in 2012. I weighed 125kg at that time and I just thought, it’s time to change. I cut out snacks and stopped overeating. I started walking half an hour a day with 1 minute intervals. After 3 months I was able to jog 10 km in 1 hour and 10 minutes. 6 months after that I ran a half marathon in 1 hour an d 50 minutes. And already lost 27 kg. At this point I lost 48 kg. My personal best for marathon is now 2 hours and 56 minutes
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I feel super-fit and much more confident. My work goes better and I made a whole bunch of new friends. I even got in contact again with two nephews (they were already athletes) who I did not speak for years due to family issues.
I am most proud of my first sub-3 hour marathon. My mom and dad were at the finish line, along with a bunch of friends and family. I felt really proud because I worked very hard for it and the conditions that day were tough due to the weather.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
My mother died in the summer of 2019. I couldn’t train for four months. I had no motivation and I could not go deep in a work out. I cried a lot during workouts. From October through November, I got the feeling back and from then on, I smiled again because I know how proud she is of me.
What is your “why?”
I love the feeling of training. To train with friends and knowing every time I set a goal I know I get a little better at it.
What is your favorite gear or equipment?
My bike is my favorite I think, but I love my running shoes the most.
What’s next?
I signed up and trained for the (full) Ironman in Barcelona 2020, but due to the pandemic it’s delayed until 2021.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Set an achievable goal and work for it. Don’t be a shamed of anything. Any good athlete will respect you whether you are a beginner or a pro. No matter what your pace-speed or what you look like. Go for it!
I started out with a bit of running after having my third child in 2009 to lose weight and get fit. I was very overweight and not happy with myself. I joined a slimming club to help. In 2012, a family member had a life changing accident and I decided to run the Dublin City marathon to raise money for the hospital that helped him. I continued with the running, improving my fitness and losing a lot of weight in the process. While I loved running, I wanted to challenge myself a bit more so I joined a triathlon club in 2014 and I was hooked.
I’ve completed numerous sprint and Olympic distance triathlons as well as duathlons and an Ironman 70.3. On the back of the triathlon club I hired a personal trainer who worked specifically on building strength and introduced me to adventure racing.
I’ve become a healthier, happier person and feel the best I’ve ever felt.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
There’s the obvious aspect of meeting like minded people, but for me, I love the feeling of training and pushing myself a little harder each time. I’m no where near the fastest person, as I say I’m a “back-packer.” I used to have a fear of coming last in a race , but slowly I realized that no matter how long it takes, as long as I can cross the finish line knowing I’ve given it everything, that’s all that matters. While I’ve loved all the races, my highlight was in 2019 when I travelled to San Francisco to take part in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. Without a doubt, my biggest achievement and most memorable race.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I’ve thankfully not come up against too many obstacles during the last few years, as I have a wonderful husband who has supported me from my first hair-brained idea. The long hours of training, disappearing for weekends away racing he’s supported me 100%.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
It has to be my bike. I purchased a Kuota Kaiman in February last year from a local bike shop run by two friends – best investment ever.
What’s next?
Who knows to be honest. I would love to complete a full Ironman distance race and only last week I competed 200k on the bike for charity and would love to look at a longer distance bike. Definitely when Covid restrictions are lifted I’ll be back to adventure racing as well.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I never cycled a bike before 2014. My friends found it hilarious that I wanted to do a triathlon when I did not know how to cycle.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just do it! Take the leap and give it a go. Don’t worry if you don’t look like “an athlete“ or can’t run or cycle too far or too fast. As long as you are giving it your all and most of all, enjoying it. A piece of advice I was given by a book is that if a race scares the life out of you and if it makes you nervous, it’s worth doing.
As an overweight, middle-aged bored woman, I just suddenly had the urge to go out for a run one very cold and wintery January day in 2017. I just had a sudden desire to almost run away. I just kinda ran and never stopped. I began by running in the dark in the early hours of the day and away from commuter roads. Hidden. I believed I was too big to run. Too big, boobed and wobbly arsed to allow witness to what I was doing. And I wasn’t doing it to lose weight or change my body shape. I was doing it for me. It made me feel good.
Eventually as my fitness levels increased I forgot to run only in the dark and I stuck my middle finger up to the rude commuters who drove past me shouting out less than encouraging comments (there is a particular breed of people who hate to see a fatty better themselves).
By September, I had run my first Half Marathon (which I absolutely loved!!) and secured a charity place to run the London Marathon in April 2018.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I love the structure it gives to my days and the way it makes me feel strong and capable of anything as long as I put the work in.
For me it is now way beyond having the motivation to workout. It’s just part of me For the first time in my life I am confident in my less-than-perfect skin and that is so liberating after years of such low self esteem.
The friends I have made and continue to make, are the absolute best and the people who get me the most. My life is so much richer for having these characters pushing and encouraging me.
My greatest accomplishment? That’s a tricky one, but currently stands as getting my marathon time down from 5:58 to 5.01 in 3 years. I’m still chipping away at that one
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have a son with high functioning autism and initially it was tricky leaving him at home while I went out to run for hours on end. However, marathon training meant I had to let go of him a little and stop over-mothering. So I taught him to cook basic meals (spag bol kinda thing). He became more independent and is a regular runner now himself. Now aged 19 he has left home and is studying at university.
I work as a full-time teacher so time for me is limited but training is so important to me that I plan social events around what I need to do. Sometimes I feel selfish but I feel that at 50 years old I have a duty to myself to do what makes me feel alive.
What is your “why?”
I love feeling like a badass. I love people saying I’m crazy. I love hearing from others who say I’ve inspired them to start to run.
I taught myself to cycle in March during the lockdown in the UK and so, obviously (!) I’m now signed up with a triathlon coach (from Tri-Energy) with goals of a Full Ironman in 2022. This is thanks to the seeds planted by my marathon ‘sisters’ Karley, Natasha and Carolyn who are also embarking on this quest.
I have learnt that if the thought of a challenge makes my heartbeat faster and scares me that’s a good indicator that I need to say yes to it!!
What keeps me going???
The mantra‘I haven’t come this far to only come this far.’
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
My treadmill.
I was lucky enough that a friend gave me an old treadmill that was collecting dust in her garage the week before the UK went into covid lockdown—- and that has been a godsend!
Being a teacher working throughout this covid pandemic I’ve had to self-isolate a number of times. That treadmill has saved me! I always hated treadmills in the past but my coach gives me excellent speed workouts to do on it.
I’m by nature a very lazy runner who is happy to plod along. I wouldn’t do speed work outside without ‘cheating’ and slowing down. But you can’t do that on the treadmill can you?!! It’s also made me realize that I can keep pushing the pace and not give up.
What’s next?
I’m an aspiring triathlete who’s a little (more like a lot!!) terrified at the thought of competing in a triathlon!!
I’ve signed up for a standard distance event in May 2021 and half Ironman distance 3 weeks after. The ultimate goal that I am currently training most days for is a full Ironman in 2022. Yes it’ll be hard but I can do hard. 16.59 hours of discomfort and pain to be able to call myself an Ironman!! Too bloody right!!
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’m a special school teacher who works with children with the most complex of needs. Whenever I’ve completed a race I take my medal in for them to try on. My current dream is to include them in an adapted triathlon with finishers tee shirts and proper medals.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Focus on the little progresses you make. Decide what’s important to you (pace or distance) and don’t be swayed by others opinions.
I have a huge dislike of being asked for data and numbers from some people (how far did you run? What speed did you do??) so I just shrug my shoulders and say I don’t know (which is rubbish as I always know! But I’m only in competition with myself and not anyone else)
Also, if your knees are hurting, it’s 99.9% down to weak glutes!! Do your strengthening work and do not shy away from getting a good physiotherapist onboard (I have a running specialist and he’s been part of my ‘team’ since I signed up to my first marathon)
I have no aptitude for sports. I passed gym in high school because I at least tried, but I tended to be among the last chosen for teams. In college, I felt vindicated when I became the reigning female badminton champ (the athletic students were signed up for volleyball and soccer) and found I was remarkably tenacious in self defense class.
Like many female college students, I crash dieted and over-exercised, taking up running in the early morning dark. It wasn’t until I was 27 that I ran my first 5K, not realizing the faster runners go to the front. I learned very quickly that I had to hustle! After that, races and regular runs became something I did–usually a solitary venture. It wasn’t until 2015 that I ran my first 10K, and after that, I was sold on 5 and 10Ks.
In 2019, I purchased a Runner’s World magazine for a train ride back to NY from DC. An inspiring story about a woman who decided to run a marathon to beat her depression spoke to me. I emptied my bank account of my last $80 for an entry fee (I was in a manic phase) and signed up to run the only local half around. I downloaded a training program, stuck to it religiously for ten weeks and finished 3rd female in my age category. In a few more weeks, I ran another 10K and won second woman overall (small field) and made 2nd woman again the following week (another small field). That Thanksgiving, I finished 11th out of 269 females 40-49 in DC’s Trot for Hunger. After that, well, I had to run a marathon, which happened virtually in 2020.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Being called an athlete!
Though I run and lift every day, I don’t consider myself an athlete. I am someone who has found a great deal of satisfaction in the endorphins, and I love the structure it brings to my day.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I am a runner with social anxiety who runs in a tiny hamlet. Running in the daytime when I see all of my neighbors is a huge challenge. (I typically run in the earliest hours of the day–mostly because I’m a morning person.) Thank goodness I’m usually distracted by my regiment or feeling a runner’s high by the time I have to shout “hello” to one of my neighbors.
And dogs. Lots of unleashed dogs here. I typically do all of my runs (even the half marathons) on a 3/4-mile track to avoid dogs.
Ten or more years ago when I was running through the worst of my depression and eating disorders, I would injure myself frequently, simply because I was unhealthy and literally unbalanced: I tore muscles, bruised things, fell a lot. It was a hard-learned lesson in learning how not to deal with injuries and pain.
What is your “why?”
“I should stick to small goals.” “Small goals,” my psychiatrist assented.
I’ve recently had to accept typical life things–the job, the house, the 401K, the partner and children–are not in the cards. That’s real life with severe anxiety and bipolar disorder. I think in the athletic world, we’re hit with messages to “dream big” and “meet every challenge,” which feels different from accepting small life goals, which include a sub-3:50 marathon next year and an ultra.
To cope, I give myself what I call my Forward Program or FWD (Fitness Workday). From 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., I have a full day of fitness tasks to complete, much like I would have tasks to complete on the job. I love it, because like every worker, I don’t want to put in the 1 p.m. chore or that last duty before the end of the day, but getting it all in each and every day gives me a purpose (stability) with pay (fitness) and a great long-term health benefits program (I’m just plum healthy). Then from 5 p.m. on, I have the evening to myself, much like I would if I were working.
What is you favorite gear or equipment?
As you can imagine, I’m on a really, really, really tight budget, but I did treat myself to a refurbished Garmin Forerunner in July to track my marathon training progress, which was a game changer.In 2007, a friend gave me slap bracelet reflectors. I still use them for every outdoor run.
My sister gave me her old 5lb weights, and I’m proof you don’t need more than some light free weights to build muscle–just tenacity. And a spin class I took in 2019 helped me master hills. I’d love a spin bike.
What’s next?
Next year a sub-3:50 marathon, an ultra, and a pipe dream of a BQ. Small goals–except for maybe that last one. A bigger challenge would be for me to run these in an in-person race.
Another goal is to stay on social media. I try to strike a balance between not harping on anxiety and bipolar disorder, which can be irritating and not ALL of who I am, while not avoiding them. I want to be someone who can use the word “psychiatrist” without stirring up discomfort in anyone reading my daily post, which, honestly, is usually me after a run looking sweaty and saying “Have a good day!” The only way to talk about mental health is to actually talk about it. I accept there are going to be posts when I am down or blusteringly full of myself, because that’s how these disorders present themselves.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’ve had some interesting jobs: a high school English teacher in the South Bronx, an academic journals editor, a contemplative nun (you might not have guessed it from my “running words”), a medical scribe, a nanny to a congressman (well, a congressman’s baby), a children’s tour guide at the National Zoo, and this past summer I studied to be a phlebotomist. I was also on CBS Sunday Morning in 2007 in the same segment as Tony Shalhoub as the “real life” example of someone with severe anxiety =D
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Go and run, then figure out what you’ll need. In my experience, ninety-five percent is run-and-learn. Go ahead and feel stupid–because no matter your size, your clothes, your equipment, your shoes, your route, your pace rate–which I never even bothered to learn what’s good or bad until this year–you’re out there running.
I remember telling someone at age 26, “I ran two miles today!” I had no idea that this was less distance than a children’s fun run, which is probably why this person stared at me not knowing if I was crowing or complaining. She raised her eyebrows and politely said, “Oh.”
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
Aging has helped tremendously. The older I get, the less I worry about appearances, the better runner I become. Who knew that my best running year (2020) would come in the same year I began to go gray?
For the first 35 years of my life, I was lazy. My idea of an athletic competition was how fast could I take out a bag of Doritos. And I was GOOD at that! So over my adult life, I slowly got fatter and unhealthier. But I just had no desire to do anything about it.
When I was 34, I had a cancer scare. A spot was found on my gall bladder and the doctors weren’t sure what it was. Since it wasn’t bothering me at the time, the decision was made to leave it alone and check back on it in 6 months. So I waited. And when they looked at it again, it was determined to be a benign polyp as it was getting smaller. On the follow up, my doctor stated that I got some good news. I said oh yeah, I was cancer free and happy. He then smiled and asked why my blood pressure was so high. And the game was over.
You see, I’ve had high blood pressure for pretty much my whole life, but I was never diagnosed with it as I always had a way to talk myself and the medical staff out of it. For instance, when a nurse or doctor would comment on it, I would say things like, “I’m in a lot of pain right now!” “I haven’t been drinking much as my temperature is so high and I’m just not thirsty.” “Doc, there is a sign on your building that says ‘Cancer Center.’ Yeah, I’m a little nervous right now!” And yes, those are all actual things I have told medical staff. How high was my blood pressure? I don’t know the numbers because I truly didn’t want to know but one time I had a nurse tell me this: “OK, I’ve never done this before, but here’s what we’re going to do: you are going to lie down, drink some water and do some breathing exercises while I do some paperwork. In a few minutes I am going to take your blood pressure again and if I get the same numbers, I’m calling 911.” Yeah, it was that bad.
So back to my follow up with the doctor. He had me cornered and he knew it. And this time, I knew it too. I was just going to have to accept my fate that my life was going to be dependent on a pill now. You see, I am not one to take medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. Now, don’t get me wrong here, when the doctor says you have strep and you need to take this antibiotic, I take it. But with this, it felt like I was going to have to take a pill for the rest of my life just to keep me alive and I wasn’t too happy with it. So I slumped my shoulders and told my doctor that he had me as I had no excuse this time. He then said some magic words that I will never forget. He said, “Either you do something about the blood pressure or I will.” I was confused. Very confused! There was something I could do about high blood pressure? He then said, “Lose some weight and the blood pressure will come down.” That was the punch in the face that opened my eyes and woke me up.
Now I would love to tell you how much I weighed when I started, but I didn’t own a scale at the time and I didn’t want to own one. I knew I was fat and I didn’t need a scale to remind of it. But I was at least 260 pounds of pure American fat. Now granted my eyes were open and I had a very specific reason to get healthy, but there was a voice inside my head telling me I would fail. Why? Because I already had. Twice. Yup, I had tried to lose weight two times before, but I didn’t succeed. This time, I told myself, it would be different. The last two times I just started exercising and playing with my diet. No real goals in mind, no progress tracking, no way for me to determine what’s working and what isn’t.
This time, I would have a 2 step plan.
Step 1: Get my diet under control.
Step 2: Start and stick to an exercise program.
With my diet, I finally came to terms that I have a food addiction. I love food! Like, I could eat all day if given the chance. So I had to tame the cravings. But first I had to figure out what I was eating and how much. So I started tracking everything in MyFitnessPal. And when I say everything, I do mean every little bite of food I ingested, I tracked. I did this for a month to give me a baseline.
Then I made changes. I made small ones at first, like replacing potato chips with carrot sticks. My snacks would be fresh fruit instead of junk food. I drank only water (except for coffee in the morning because I REALLY don’t want to go to jail for homicide). And then I learned what portion sizes were. That part blew my mind! For instance, one serving of beef is the size of a deck of playing cards. Now, imagine the size of a New York strip steak from Texas Roadhouse! That’s three or four servings plus the extra calories from the seasonings and butter they use! The next step was my alcohol consumption. Now, I was never an alcoholic, but I did enjoy a good drink. Still do. The difference was that at that time, I was easily consuming three or four drinks a day and most of that was beer. Beer is very high in calories (and yes, the beer I drink is high in calories as my wife LOVES to label me a “Beer Snob”). So for a whole month, I cut alcohol out of my life. No big loss for me, but it was just extra calories that I didn’t need.
So I had my plan. Yes, I got hungry. Yes, I did cheat here and there and eat some junk food. And when I did, I would feel bad and then do better next time. Luckily those slips didn’t happen often, and I was able to stick pretty close to my food plan. I made adjustments to my plan along the way, too. For instance, I spaced my eating throughout the day so that I was usually eating something about every two hours. Even today I still do this. This allows me to better handle those hunger pangs when they hit. By making these changes and sticking to my plan, I was able to lose 30 pounds.
Now I would love to say that the 30 pounds was just on diet alone, but the truth is that I was doing a little bit of exercising in there, but not much. You see, I looked at the exercise portion as well and while I decided that it was step 2, I knew that I would need to warm my body up. You will never see a major league baseball player step straight out onto the mound and throw 90 mile per hour fastballs right off the bat. This is because he knows that he has to warm up his arm, first. So along that same reasoning, I knew that I needed to warm up my body. How?
Simple, by walking. I started walking. When I go to the office, I now parked at the back of the lot just so I would have to walk further. I started walking laps around the parking lot at lunch. In the winter, I would walk laps around the office, inside. I stopped using escalators and used the stairs all the time. If I was only going up to a second or third floor, I would bypass elevators and use the stairs as well. I walked everywhere I could and every chance I got. By my logic, when I started running (yes, running was a part of my exercise plan) my body would be ready and I would kill it. Oh how wrong I was!
After I lost 30 pounds I decided it was time to move to step 2 and start exercising. I downloaded a Couch to 5k program (the one I used was by RunDouble and I will recommend it to EVERYONE!) and decided that I was going to run a 5k even if it killed me! This program is a run/walk interval where a nice lady in my headphones tells me when to walk and run. She never says how fast to run, just run, so you can set your own pace. Well at the end of day 1 of week 1 I had moved my body a total of 1.6 miles and felt like I was going to die. No kidding. I felt horrible. I thought this was the stupidest thing I had ever done! Luckily the next day was a rest day and believe me, I took a rest day! By the second day, my body felt pretty good and it was time to run again. This was the exact same layout as the first day. So I did it again. And again I went 1.6 miles and again I felt bad. But not as bad. Sure I was tired and sweating like a pig, but I felt better than I did last time. And this pattern tended to repeat itself throughout this program. Each week the run intervals got a little longer and the walk intervals got shorter. Until finally, you get to a week where the lady tells you to run and then 30 minutes later she tells you that you are done.
Now 30 minutes at a 10 minute per mile pace is 3 miles. A 5k is 3.1 miles. So if you can get your pace just below 10:00 minutes per mile, you can do a 5k in 30 minutes. And that is just what I did. Now I would love to tell you that I had no setbacks, but that would be a lie. The 12 week program took me about 20 weeks. My wife and I took a vacation to Las Vegas in there and while we did run a couple of times while on vacation, we also overindulged ourselves. There was also a time period where I caught the flu so that set me back as well. But I got right back on, worked myself up to the point when I fell off and then kept on pushing. I completed my 5k and then I started completing them faster. I then decided it was time to up my game again!
At this point, I was down over 65 pounds. My lowest weight was 180 before I started gaining weight. And this didn’t bother me at all. I was still losing fat because my clothes were getting loser, but I was also gaining muscle weight. See muscle is more dense than fat weight. Despite that fact, I was now running 10k’s (after completing RunDouble’s 5k to 10k trainer) and was looking at completing a half marathon.
Today I don’t weight myself very often, maybe once a week or so. My weight fluctuates around 190 depending on where I am with my training. But I continue to push my physical and mental boundaries. I have completed more 5k’s and 10k’s than I care to count. I have completed about two dozen half marathons and two marathons. I had a friend talk me into the dark side where I have taken up triathlon. I have about 10 sprint distance triathlons, 4 Olympic distance triathlons and 1 half IRONMAN under my belt. And yes, I have my sights on a full IRONMAN distance triathlon, but Covid19 has delayed that dream for a little bit.
But not too long.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy a sense of accomplishment and wonder. I enjoy when I push my body to something new whether it’s a new distance or an old distance at a new time. Those personal records (PR’s) are an amazing feeling and getting that feeling is almost like a drug addiction. The wonder part is that when I do achieve something new, I wonder what else my body can do. I got so used to just being the fat guy that crossing the finish line at any race and even earning awards for it was nothing more than a fantasy.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
There will always be challenges and obstacles. Some of those challenges we put on ourselves and sometimes others put them on us. I had one happen two years ago. I thought I had the flu, so I took it easy, stayed in bed, drank lots of fluids, all the stuff you should do with the flu. But after 5 days, I was still spiking a fever of 103. So I told my wive when the doctor’s office opens in the morning I would go back. Well that night was hell.
Every joint, every muscle, every cell in my body started screaming out in pain. Every time I moved it felt like a wave of pain would wash across my body. Which just caused me to move which just caused more pain. Long story short, I ended up in the hospital. They thought is might be appendicitis, but the surgeon assigned to me looked at the time line and my symptoms and ordered a lumbar puncture (like a spinal tap only they do it in the nerve cluster at the base of the spine) and sure enough my appendix was fine.
It turns out I had meningitis. What they didn’t know was if it was viral or bacterial. Luckily it was viral and after a few days of pain medications and sleep, I felt better. But I wasn’t out of the woods just yet. You see a side effect of a lumbar puncture is a spinal headache. This occurs due to a pressure imbalance from the fluid around your brain and in your spine. The only remedy is to lie down and let the pressure equalize. And let me tell you, THEY HURT!!!! So I spent a total of 5 days on bed rest with what I thought was the flu, 5 days in the hospital, 5 days of bed rest at home then another week just getting some strength up to go for a walk. It felt like I was starting over with my training. But I took it slow and built my endurance back up. Eventually I was back to racing and setting PR’s once again.
What is your “Why?”
I have a lot of “why’s.” My health, being a good role model for my kids, being healthy for my wife, being healthy to save us money, enjoying the feeling of doing the impossible.
What’s next?
I want to get my marathon time under 5 hours and complete a full IRONMAN. I was hoping to do the IRONMAN in 2021, but with Covid19 canceling and postponing so many races in 2020, it is looking like I won’t get my shot until 2022. But that just gives me more time to train for it!
Any fun facts about yourself?
I married my high school sweetheart and we have three beautiful children together.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
You will fail. We all fail. But that’s the funny thing about us humans: we learn more from our failures then we do from our successes. So when you fail, look deep at why you failed, then learn from it and try again. Only this time, do things different so you can succeed.
As a child growing up, I participated in baseball, martial arts, bowling, BMX racing and track and field. I really loved sprints and going fast from point A to point B. I held the 100m dash record for 12 years.
After school, I hadn’t done much until I hit the highest weight in my life at 33 years old while I was working for the railroad. When I realized I had gained so much weight, I told my wife I wanted to sign up for Ironman Muncie 70.3 and she encouraged me to do it. From there, I was fully committed and I trained very hard for the next 9 months (even with a job change to the best steel mill in the world in the middle of it). While training, I participated in a couple of sprint triathlons. After my first sprint at a local race, I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. I made several connections within the triathlon community and have been featured as Toyota’s USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Week.
I enjoy the competition, as well as spreading the word of the healthy lifestyle that triathlon can bring you.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Yes, I have had times that I have felt so demotivated, but my family and team continued to push and encourage me. I jumped into triathlon in what is one of the most competitive age groups not knowing what it was and I fell in love with it.
What is your “Why?”
My “why” is 100% my family. I want to continue my healthy lifestyle and be here for many years to come and show them by example.
What is your favorite gear or equipment?
I would have to say my favorite gear is my Innerforce gear. Without being comfortable I couldn’t race as well as I do. My favorite piece of equipment is definitely my Scott Plasma 10. Biking has always been my strong suit.
What’s next?
As I prepare for the 2021 season I am focusing on getting bigger, stronger, and faster for the USAT Age Group Nationals Championships and Ironman Muncie 70.3 where I want to finish top 20 in my age group.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I have been a Volunteer firefighter/EMT for going on 13 years and my family and I love Disney World.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and try something new outside of your comfort zone. I did and it was the best thing I have done for my health. Remember you never know until you TRI!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I just want to thank my wife Jolene and children Marshall, Jackson, and Katie for giving me the opportunity to train, race and enjoy the sport I love.
Born to a sports loving father and mother, I was raised playing every stick and ball sport, but was best at swimming. I played all the way through High School, but soon after I gave up sports for racing. First, motocross and then a 15 year career in drag racing where I, again, was good, but not the top tier. After that, I played competitive softball all the way up to National Championship tournament level.
Injury and family sidelined me. I went stagnant and got up to 240 lbs and knew I had to do something or waste away. Enter the Biggest Loser Triathlon (BLTri) Special. You see, I knew about Ironman, but thought I could never do it. 140.6 miles of swimming, biking and running…and I hated running.
The “BLTri” was an Olympic distance…I didn’t know there were shorter distances. I called a friend that raced Ironman and she told me about a beginner mini sprint that was 3 months away, how it worked and what I needed. I borrowed a bike, bought some goggles and running shoes and started training with no clue for what I was doing.
Well by the race I had swam 400 yards (twice), biked the 12 miles (1 time) and barely could run the 2.2 miles. The race was 104 beginners and and off I went. I had to stop in the swim to catch my breath, blacked out in the 1st transition, got my bearings and hit the bike, then the super slow run.
I finished 54th but the point in my life I knew I wanted to do this sport is when at the finish line they announced “John Slocum you are a triathlete.” That was 11 years, 85 triathlons, 8 half marathons, dozens of century rides, endurance swims and 2 full 140.6 Ironman and 9 half ironman races later.
Oh and that mini sprint that I finished 51st in? 3 years later I came back and won it.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy being healthy, helping new athletes through my coaching company and the occasional winning effort. I have 10 wins in 85 races.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
In racing the biggest obstacles was before I hired a coach and learned how to swim, bike and run. I bought the wrong equipment, trained with incorrect form and didn’t understand the importance of a training plan. This is why I became a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach to help others avoid these pitfalls
What is you “Why?”
My why is because I love the energy at the start of a race and the challenge that I know I will be experiencing when I’m racing or coaching at a race.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Great question. My Felt iA custom build Tri bike named Ignatshia Anastasia (IggiAnn for short). Alto Cycling wheels and Garmin 935 triathlon watch.
What’s next?
On December 5th, I will be competing in my 10th 70.3 distance race at Daytona Speedway, where I hope to again qualify for the Challenge World Championships.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I was born on April 1st
I enjoy streaming movies as much as racing.
I love to cook.
I have qualified for 4 World Championships and 8 strait National Championships, but have not been financially able to attend any of them. I’m a working class athlete.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Seek out a qualified coach, if not for full time coaching at least for consultation and some lessons. I didn’t do this and spent a summer off with a bum knee.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I once exited transition from swim to bike in an ITU World Cup race (the company that puts on the Olympic Triathlon) and had a flat tire. I borrowed a wheel off a display bike at the expo and continued with a mission to show how fast one can ride the course. Finishing the bike after passing dozens of competitors, I thought I was spent, but after taking a few steps of running knew I had “it” that day and ran all the way to the win in the 55 to 59 age group…and qualify for the world championships.
Like all kids growing up in the 70s and 80s, I was always playing something outside with friends. I spent a lot of time in the pool but I was never on a swim team. I played organized hockey from age 6 to 15, then a year of Junior C at age 20. I always loved riding bicycles and playing road hockey.
I got started in triathlon at age 22 due to watching my late uncle complete one after a triple bypass and thought if he can do it, so can I. I was very successful and almost lead from start to finish in my first race, only to get passed by a veteran triathlete in the final mile of the run.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Triathlon has given me a purpose and despite my age, I am always trying to improve and through smart training have found that it is possible even into your 50s. I do enjoy the friendships that I’ve made especially with the older athletes I know with the same mindset. I do enjoy the training very much and hours of just me and my thoughts gives me peace that my busy mind needs.
There are many, many proud moments including being provincial champion, qualifying for worlds a few times at the 70.3 distance, completing a grueling Epic Dartmouth (IM distance race with a 1/2 distance run) on 4 weeks training, finishing two one year and three the next, qualifying for Boston many times, personal besting a 1/2 marathon (1.24 ) at age 48, and personal besting an IM swim (57.30) at age 52. But if I was to pick just one it would be tying a personal best of 4.30 at 70.3 Maine at age 51.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Like any athlete that races for decades I’ve had my fair share of injuries, mostly running related but a few nasty bike crashes but age has made me patient so I know in time it’ll pass. My main obstacle is also my biggest gift. I’m a lobster fisherman and we work long hours through the winter and spring and it’s impossible to train during this time but I do get June to November off mostly (it takes months to prepare for the next season) and that allows me to train as desired.
I’ve been very fortunate to have a very understanding wife and children (now grown) who understood how I value my training time but we still did all the regular family things like travel and camping and I would squeeze in trading around their schedule. Recovery goes hand in hand with my job as you can’t fish and train so it gives my body a much needed break.
What is your “Why?”
My why is probably my lifelong search for perfection despite age. I am always looking to put that perfect race together. What keeps me going is having that competitive drive to do my best and see if I can defy age and keep my speed. Unfortunately the run has slipped a little but I am coming off my best season of swimming and biking to date.
What is your favorite training equipment or gear?
I would have to say as a child I fell in love with the bicycle from the first time I rode one. I had the training wheels off within hours, so my favorite piece of equipment is easily my Argon E 118 Next TT bike. After years of riding Cervelos this one was a game changer.
What’s next?
Really I’ve accomplished more than I ever expected to but my future goal in to qualify for Kona but the IM run has always been my Achilles heel. I’m qualified to run Boston in the future and had planned on finally giving it a go despite it taking place during our lobster season which is why I’ve never gone.
Any fun facts about yourself?
Me and my wife love to travel and have only done so over the last decade or so as putting our 2 boys through school was our main focus for a few years. We really love Europe and have been a few times.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
For new triathletes my best advice is not to be overwhelmed with all the fancy equipment and clothing and think you need to spend a fortune. You are the most important part, the engine, all that other stuff can be helpful but not necessary to do well. Also for newbies just starting out, find a local veteran triathlete for help and ask lots of questions. There’s so much to learn doing three sports. My number one piece of advice is to not worry about what someone else is doing.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
As far as other things, I’ve always been up for challenges that weren’t any official event but just personal challenges. I’ve ran a few 50ks just to see if I could do it, had a friend doing a 15.5 k swim for charity and decided last minute to swim it with her and just this summer did a 400k Zwift ride and a 300 irl in the same week just for a challenge and I am soon contemplating doing a 24 Zwift ride.
As a teenager I trained in karate and fitness. My fitness training continued on and off in my 20s and 30s.
However, from 2016 to the end of 2017 I had very sedentary life and had poor eating habits. I often consumed quick processed carbs such as cakes, biscuits, milk chocolate, bread, pizza, etc. In these 2 years, I gained 20 kilos (44 lbs) and increased my weight from 103 kg (227 lbs) to 123 kg (271 lbs). This excessive weight led to insulin resistance (Type II diabetes) and my blood sugar levels were at the upper limit. I also had difficult time climbing stairs or tying my shoes.
At the end of December, 2017 I learned about the ketogenic diet and started a keto meal plan. The keto diet is based on keeping insulin levels low and stable by avoiding the consumption of carbohydrates. Low insulin levels lead to increased glycogen levels and glycogen has opposite effect compared to insulin since it leads to burning of fatty acids to be used for energy when there is a lack of carbs.
By following the keto diet I started losing between 2 kg (4 lbs) and 3 kg (6 lbs) per month and in 1 year and 8 months I managed to lose 39 kilos (85 lbs) and my weight was 84 kg (185 lbs) in August, 2019.
At that time I became interested in triathlon since I was inspired by some incredible Ironman triathlete stories. I bought a bike and started cycling. In September, 2019 I also added running to my training and in October I started taking swimming lessons. In February, 2020 I met one of the best Bulgarian long distance running coaches who wrote me a running training plan and thus my running started improving well.
In October, 2019 I ran for the first time in my life 10 km and in October, 2020 I ran a full marathon at the Sofia marathon for 4 hours and 4 minutes.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy most the increased energy levels I have and the opportunity to meet with other athletes, train and compete with them and thus make new friends.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
So far I have been injury free and my biggest obstacle was a bike accident in the beginning of May, 2020 when I fell from my TT bike and ended up in the emergency unit with 2 stitches on my chin. It took me about 10 days to recover and the most difficult part was not being able to train in the first week. After that I started slowly with biking and then running.
What is your “Why?”
My reasons to train are to be healthy, to always try to become a better version of myself and to meet new and interesting athletes and friends.
This year I signed for my first Ironman – Olympic distance in Porec, Croatia which was postponed to May 2021. In the meantime I competed in the Republican Triathlon Championship of Bulgaria, in the Lion Heart Ultra Cross Triathlon, in 2 duathlons, 3 marathons and 2 cycling contests.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am happily divorced with a seven year old and a ten year old son.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Ask coaches or more experienced athletes for training plans and advice. Be persistent.
I was born a blue baby in 1959. I had a double congenital heart defect and my chances of making my teens were slim . In 1966 I had open heart surgery, my body being coupled to my father’s heart and lungs as the bypass machine had not been perfected. I lived a normal life, watching rather than participating in sports.
In 2013 I had further open heart surgery for a triple bypass and this was soon followed by more heart attacks and cardiac procedures. To give thanks to those that conspired to save my life, I decided I would raise funds for the BHF by walking the 60 miles from London to Brighton. I began training on Jan 1st, 2017 and in July that year I attempted the walk. I got to mile 40 before collapsing and being blue lighted by ambulance to Brighton A&E. I recovered and walked the last mile. I entered again in 2018 but to strengthen my legs and get fitter, it was suggested by a friend that I should join a Couch to 5k running program. I joined the Ealing Eagles and in November 2017 I graduated having completed my first ever continuous 5k. I have not looked back since. On a footnote, I had sepsis in 2018 so could not do the walk and so I still owe the BHF 20 miles.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The exhilaration of finishing an event regardless of what position I finish in, which is invariably last. My proudest moments are when I ran my first continuous 5k in 2017 and running and finishing the Ealing Half Marathon in 2019. Running is great for decluttering the brain because all I can think about is staying alive and making it to the next tree or lamp post.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Every day is a challenge. I am just thankful that I wake up in the mornings and running is helping me with that. Having heart disease, AFIB, diabetes, hypothyroidism and being on betablockers, which slows the heart rate down, doesn’t help, but I adapt and overcome.
What is your “Why?”
Running has extended my life. I will continue to do so until my legs will carry me no more.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
Easy: After run latte and carrot cake and a chat with the other runners.
What’s next?
I am training for the Boston marathon, 2022. That’s Boston, Lincolnshire. The Uk’s flattest. I would like to run a 50k Ultra but we’ll see.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am a certified Beginners run leader. I once took a Beginners group on a 5.5k parkrun! I got lost. They were not impressed. Neither was the tail-walker when they realised that they had finished before we had.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Get gait analysis and choose trainers that are comfortable. Run faster and you run alone, run slower and we run together. Have fun.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
A run is a run regardless of pace or distance. There is no such thing as a slow runner, we are just runners. Besides, a person finishing at the rear gets to enjoy the event longer.
Ever since I was a very small child I was a natural runner. My father was a runner and would enter me into races. I wouldn’t train, he’d just plop me on the start line and off I’d go and do very well. Also as a child, I loved playing soccer. In high school I ran track (3000m and 3200relay) , XC, basketball, and when I was in 10/11th grade I no longer enjoyed running so I switched to tennis and soccer. I played soccer in college and only ran minimally in the summer to keep in shape for the fall soccer season.
After graduating college, I did have a spurt of about 6 months where I ran regularly and snagged a 10k PR in a road race during this time, but I didn’t continue running (I can’t remember why!) I on and off played coed soccer as an adult, but it wasn’t until I was 43 that I started jogging regularly to get myself in shape for playing soccer with my much younger teammates. After a few years of just running to run I became to get very interested in all of the training science that didn’t exist when I was a young runner! Eventually I started following a lot of women’s running accounts, and finally inspired by someone I followed on Instagram running a 3:30 marathon I suddenly had an a-HA moment…I wanted to do that! And I was ready to put in the work to see if I, too, could hit a 3:30 marathon in my lifetime. I immediately hired a coach and got to work! This was December of 2018. I ran my first race, a half marathon, that spring (1:42), another half that fall (1:39) and to my own amazement I ran my first marathon in Feb 2020 and ran a 3:23!! Just this past weekend I ran my third half marathon and had a breakthrough performance, running 1:30. I’m still going strong and excited about what the future holds.
MaryBeth and her husband Matt
MaryBeth and Matt's three dogs
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I’ve always been very competitive. I’m not going to lie, I like “winning.” In this case, I mean winning against the clock. I don’t feel competitive with other women runners….I feel empowered by them! But I have tunnel vision on reaching new PRs. I know that’s not the most healthy of mindsets, but I’ve always been that way and it is what it is! I personally don’t run for fitness, I run as a sport. Running fast makes me feel very empowered and proud of my body’s abilities, especially at my age.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have a lingering poorly healed hamstring strain left over from soccer, and despite plenty of PT I just haven’t been able to resolve it. It flares up in longer runs and workouts/races. I also have high hamstring insertion inflammation in that same leg, which I assume is secondary to the mid-hammy strain. I really hope that I’ll be able to get past these issues, because they are somewhat of a limiting factor in my racing. It’s frustrating but I know overall other people have a lot more challenges, so I just think about it as part of the sport.
What is your “why?”
My sense of competition is my “why.” I am rewarded by my performance in the sport, so I’m a shameless PR chaser. I know this isn’t the most healthy of “why’s” but it is what it is! At some point I’ll stop improving (hopefully not soon) and there is a good chance when that happens that I’ll move onto something else in life vs. just running to run. But who knows, maybe I’ll surprise myself!
What is your favorite training gear or equipment?
I like my R8 roller, because I can do it casually while watching TV versus having to be fully engaged in a typical rolling session! But I’d say my favorite gear has to be my Nike Vaporflies because they help me run fast in races! (Especially compared to the Hoka Bondis that I wear for training, which are one of the most heavy training shoes out there). All part of the race day magic.
What’s next?
Hopefully a lot more PRs!! I qualified for Boston 2021 but know that will not be happening, so I’m trying to find a smaller/safer full marathon in early spring before temps rise too much. I just got a big half marathon PR of 1:30.54 and I signed up for the Mesa Marathon in February. I know it’s a long shot to not be cancelled, but I have to have something to work towards!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Start slow! Don’t run as much or as fast as you think you can, because muscles/ligaments take a much longer time than your lungs to adapt. You may think you’re fine for a period of time until it’s too late and you find yourself injured. Aside from that if you’ve established a solid base and routine and have aspirations of reaching your potential, hiring a coach is so beneficial.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
My father has advanced Parkinson’s Disease, and one time a few years ago he had a rare moment of self-reflection, and told me “If there was anything I regret in my life, it’s that I can’t run anymore.” This broke my heart. I also try to keep it in mind when I’m so PR-focused, thinking maybe I should just be grateful I can run at all. Then I remember I got my fierce sense of competition from my parents. Some mottos growing up…”Don’t come home if you don’t win.” and “You didn’t try hard enough if you didn’t puke.” To #kiddingnotkidding. So I know my father is proud that I’m running at all, but prouder that I’m running fast!
Your dad is incredibly resilient, strong and inspiring! Can you please tell us more about him?
My dad was a runner his whole life. You could still say he is a runner if being a runner is a mindset. Tragically, he now battles advanced stage Parkinson’s Disease. Three summers ago he had a major setback and after a hospital stay was wheelchair bound for two months.
The experts say that Parkinson’s patients that end up in a wheelchair will never walk again, but not this guy…My father has the spirit of the athlete that he always was and always will be. Rather than accept the prognosis, he came to the logical conclusion..he decided that he’d participate in that fall’s annual 1 mile Turkey Trot!
The 41 year old from Marina del Rey, California, set the world record at the NJ Trail Series race.
“Running has brought me so much joy and purpose, and I have the utmost appreciation for how it has enriched my life,” she said. “As I’ve progressed into ultramarathons, my respect for the perseverance, commitment, and camaraderie that we all share as we take on the unknown and push ourselves past our perceived limits is beyond words. It is both inspiring and humbling, and it’s ironic how moments of sheer exhaustion can actually make us feel the most alive, says Lizak.”
Mario’s family sacrificed everything, as they migrated from Guatemala and Mexico, to seek better opportunity for their children in the United States. At first, the only roof over their heads was the tiny automobile shop that his father opened to support the family. Through hard work and dedication, they were finally able to accomplish their dream of buying a home, but many challenges still loomed ahead.
A difficult family divorce left his father and brothers nearly homeless and constantly on the move to find a warm meal and a place to sleep. In order to support his father and younger brother, Mario enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University, working tirelessly to further his education, establish a career and provide financial stability.
One September afternoon, Mario’s life would change forever. He received an unexpected and tragic phone call. His father was dying. Final moments at his side were spent recounting their memories, hopes and dreams. Mario promised he would become the man his father wanted him to be.
Unfortunately, his father’s passing left a large hole in his heart and led to a downward spiral of drugs, alcohol, depression and jail. Eventually, he understood the gravity of his promise and decided to change his life – to be the man his father wanted him to be.
How did you change your life?
It all started over a year ago when I was depressed and to combat my insecurities I signed up for my first marathon while being completely out of shape.
At this time I was casually getting blacked out drunk 3 times a week. I had just gotten out of jail for a DUI, I went to drug & alcohol rehab for 18 weeks, started seeing a mental health therapist, and experienced a heart breaking abandonment from my ex of nearly 3 years – all of this was experienced at the same time. I was living alone with no drivers license in a camper that was converted into a tiny home in the middle of no where. Let me be honest with you – I fucking hated my life. I felt like a loser, pathetic and alone.
The first picture was about 14 months ago and 30 pounds heavier. I had just gotten out of serving jail time for my DUI and was so stressed out. I had just started lifting and had not even signed up for my first marathon yet. I was so tempted to give in on my sobriety only after a couple of weeks of being on probation. I even cracked open a White Claw this same day and stared at it for a good 10 minutes while my friends tried convincing me to not give in. I was thinking of all the ways I could try to cheat out of my drug and alcohol test. Thank God I didn’t, I might have gone back to jail to serve the remaining year of my sentence that was suspended. If I had gone back to jail I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today.
What I’m saying here is that it all starts with one good decision. My decision that day happened to be to not take a sip of that alcohol. Day by day, decision after decision, you will start to carve out the best version of yourself out of your own marble sculpture. This is only after a year of working on myself diligently with the help of amazing friends, mental health therapy, and the will power that was slowly built over time.
Before the marathon even took place I still felt like I wasn’t good enough as a person in general. So I signed up for a half Ironman with zero swimming and cycling experience just 3 months before the race. I biked 18 miles every day to hit the gym to swim in a pool. I ran almost every other day. I dropped 30 pounds. I started reading books and listening to podcasts. I spent a lot of time reflecting on myself while being coached by my mental therapist to find my peace. My best friend Taylor flew out with me to California and drove us around so that I could compete in my first Ironman.
I almost didn’t complete the swim in time, but I still managed to complete the course. I finished strong and it was the best feeling I ever experienced. I felt like I reconquered myself as a person. I didn’t think I was going to sign up for full Ironman anytime soon after that, but I did. I wasn’t sure how it would transpire but I believed. I believed so much that I reached out to a charity and shared my vision and they wanted to back me up without a question.
Today I’m still sober and a sponsored Ironman athlete raising awareness for Hearts of Empowerment. By the grace of God I was given a second chance to live this life with purpose and meaning. I made a promise to myself from then on that I would help bring others to this light.
I share this story again and again because I hope to inspire someone who might be experiencing some hardships in their life. I want you to know it is possible to come out on top. Hold on for your life like your life depends on it because it really does. Be persistent. Stay consistent. Work diligently until your dreams begin to manifest. When you achieve your dreams be the light for others who are still in the dark so that they too can find their way.
Mario recently volunteered with Hearts of Empowerment to deliver groceries to families negatively affected by COVID-19.
Mario says, “As I laid out my family name while finalizing the design of my trisuit for Ironman, I couldn’t help but think of how proud my father would be to see the man and athlete I am today.
He trained me for first 1 mile race when I was 8. Here I am almost 20 years later taking on a 140.6 mile triathlon. He taught me the importance of physical and mental strength. He always showed up to my track meets in high school to proudly cheer on for me and I would do anything to physically hear his voice as I take on one of the hardest races in the world.”
I’ve always practiced sport. I was a swimmer when I was a teenager and then a runner. Lately I’ve started to bike ride to get ready for a triathlon.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I love to push my limits, it makes me feel alive. I love the way my body responds to training. I love the pain that comes after the training and of course I love to stay in nature, breathe the air, the sun and the wind.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have four kids, so for a few years I stopped exercising. But then I set a goal to have something to be motivated. That was to run the NYC marathon for my 40th birthday. I made it and never stopped practicing since then.
What is your “why?”
The joyful feeling I have right after the training and the stress of everyday leaving my body.
What’s next?
I’d like to do an Olympic triathlon as soon as possible.
I have always turned to exercise to deal with the stresses of life.
Of course, when the kids were young and busy and I was working full time, exercise took a backseat. As our family matured (and me along with it!) I had a little more free time. I was also beginning my midlife crisis. A crisis in the form of hot flashes, empty nesting and retirement. I found myself lonely, isolated and on fire.
That was the year I signed up for my first half marathon-prior to that, I had never run farther than 4 miles! I started rock climbing, yoga and would soon add kickboxing and paddle boarding to the mix.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Fitness saved my sanity! Working out gives me clarity and manages my stress. Thanks to blogging, and social media, I have been lucky enough to connect with others who are either going through similar stages of life or (as in the case of climbing) met young people who keep me feeling connected to my kids’ generation. I am very grateful for the time I have of spent at the crag with my kids
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Getting older has been my biggest challenge! Injuries take forever to heal when you are an older athlete I find that minor issues that used to take a couple weeks, just hang on for months! I am also not great at taking those rest days.
What is your “why?”
I am happiest when I am moving around. I do read, cook and occasionally write, but each day needs to have a workout session. I think I am able to focus on those other activities when I have moved around first! It may just be a a walk around the block but it does need to happen.
What’s next?
My hubby and I have been doing more “fitcations.” When we plan a trip there has to be an exercise component. For example, we went to Greece last fall for the first time. We went for a yoga retreat and were able to add a few days of climbing. Yes, we did some sightseeing (we did a bike tour of Athens ) but that was not the focus of the vacation. Some of our friends were not impressed by our lack of cultural investigation! Once Covid is over and travel is an option again, we will be out exploring again.
Any fun facts about yourself?
One fun fact about our family is that our son is an AMGA trained alpine and rock guide. He got me into the sport and we have had some amazing adventures together. Our next big goal is to do some big wall climbing and we will see if mother and son can survive on a portaledge together!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
My advice is find something you truly love to do! Don’t stop looking until you find those activities that make you happy. And don’t focus on weight loss!! Perhaps getting healthier is a goal and that’s great, but don’t choose a sport because you think it is what others have done to reach a health goal. If you love what you are doing and look forward to it, then the rest will come in time
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this discussion! Midlife is a wonderful time to reconnect with yourself. You have earned the right to do what makes you happy. It is never too late to try new things or do something you have always wished you had done. Get our there and grab it
Amazon is entering the fitness tracker market with the launch of a wrist band that measures activity, sleep and other health metrics. A key point of differentiation from competitors such as Apple and FitBit, Amazon’s device will analyze body fat percentage and monitor emotional health.
The device measures body fat percentage through full-body selfies that users submit to the app, which create a “3D body model.” It will also tell you how your body fat compares with other people of the same sex and age, as well as letting you visualize what you would look like with more or less body fat.
The second interesting feature is the emotional health monitor. The device measures the tone of your voice to determine how energetic and positive you sound.
The Halo Band costs $99.99 and the optional service (for more advanced features) costs $3.99 per month. Amazon is launching an introductory price of $64.99 that includes six months of the service free for Amazon Prime members.
From an early age I’ve always enjoyed swimming. I used to compete in swimming gala’s at a young age and I’ve continued to enjoy swimming. Four years ago in March 2016, I gave up smoking and started running.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy being part of the running community in my local area and have made a lot of friends through a running club I attend. My physical health has improved immensely since I started running. Now I have muscles in my legs that I never had before. Running helps my mental health and running makes me feel stronger physically and emotionally.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I did marathon training at the start of this year. Sadly, the marathon was cancelled because of covid 19, but training for a marathon is challenging and it literally takes over your life.
What is your “why?”
I love the feeling running gives me. I can switch off from everything when I’m running while listening to music. I feel so good when I’m running and afterwards. I even enjoy the satisfaction after a tough hilly run.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I always wear Brooks running trainers. I like the stability they give my feet when I run.
What’s next?
In 2021, I hope that races are still on and I complete my first half-marathon sub-5 hours. My dream is to do an ultra marathon before or when I’m 50.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
I absolutely recommend anyone to start running. I started with Couch to 5K and I’ve never looked back.
I never played sports growing up. I started running about six months after graduating from college. I wanted to get in shape after stressful years in school so I started working out at a gym and then started running about a mile around a park near my house everyday. I kept wondering why I was not getting faster despite running a mile over and over again.
I ended up doing Barre classes for a while and then CrossFit which oddly brought me back to running again. Some CrossFit workouts involved running and I was frustrated at how slow I was and wanted to get faster. My husband started writing me training plans for running by incorporating speed work and I was getting faster for sure!
I then decided to sign up for a half marathon with a sub 2 hour goal in January of 2019. I ran a 1:50 and loved it and have been hooked on running ever since! I ended 2019 with 4 half marathons, 2 marathons, as well as a 10K and some 5Ks. I took 10 minutes off my marathon PR in about 4 months and I’m hoping I can keep taking time off that! Despite having much less opportunity to race this year, I’m excited for what’s ahead and I hope I can continue to improve for when races do return!
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I struggle with even calling myself an athlete since I never played sports growing up and have never thought of myself as one. But now I guess I’ll try to think of myself as one! I would say I enjoy the meaning that training and running brings to my life.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I had a peroneal tendon injury that was diagnosed the first day of being furloughed from my job due to Covid. I had to wear a walking boot and couldn’t run for about a month.
I’ve still been dealing with it even six months later although it is almost completely recovered now. I struggled with not being able to run especially when not working and being by myself for much of the “quarantine.” I also had a lot of family issues happening at the same time, but in a weird way I’m grateful for my injury because it allowed me to focus on these family issues for that time which was really needed.
What is your “why?”
I run because I love it. Yes it helps keep me in shape and is good for me health wise but there are many other forms of exercise that do that as well. Running is my favorite. Nothing else has ever made me feel so challenged and yet completely free at the same time. It is a stress reliever and a life saver for me.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I have tried tons of shoes! Right now I’m loving Brooks because they have made my tendon injury feel the best as of right now. I also love Hyperice Hypervolt massage gun and for clothing I’m a big Lululemon fan for their quality, style, and comfort.
What’s next?
I have an in-person half marathon coming up next month that I’m super excited about! And possibly an in-person marathon this November or December as well.
In the video clip below, Diego Mentriga can be seen taking the lead when fellow triathlete James Teagle goes the wrong way. However, he quickly stops and waits for his competitor to finish before him. He is a class act and a strong example of true sportsmanship.
When Spanish triathlete Diego Méntriga noticed that British triathlete James Teagle went the wrong way before finish line of Santander Triathlon,Mentriga waited for him so he could take what he says is his deserved 3rd place.“He was in front of me the whole time.He deserved it.” pic.twitter.com/5Mo52QZ3rJ
“Seeing how he was wrong, unconsciously I stopped. He deserved it,” Mentriga said after the race. “When I saw that he had missed the route, I just stopped. James deserved this medal. He didn’t notice the signs or they were misaligned. I don’t know, but the second time I would have acted the same.”
I have never ever been good or interested in sports, even as a child, I dreaded physical education. I genuinely think we have an issue in the UK with the relationship between physical education and sport, particularly amongst girls. Teachers and providers need to rethink it to get and keep girls engaged. Sorry got off topic.
Anyway, always a larger child, larger teenager, until I reached 20 and I lost 3 stone (42 lbs), all with diet and no exercise…a yoyo dieter!
About 18 months ago, my weight got out of hand again. My clothing was not fitting and the latest diet was not working. My husband and I travel a lot and this time last year I was in Seattle USA and I couldn’t keep up, I was breathless. This made me rethink, is being fitter more important than my dress size and weight? I still ask myself the same question each day, but I’m slowly believing in myself that, yes, I’d rather be fitter, keep up, be healthier.
My goals are now……can I run 9km straight next time? Can I push my spin class to 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes? Much better targets than weight and dress size.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I don’t think of myself as one. I find it weird when I say I am a runner……I say I RUN. My aim is always to improve myself and not try and beat someone else. I like the feeling after a run or a spinning class, I focus on that feeling a lot when I don’t want to go. I have made lots of new Instagram contacts from this, but what I love is popping a little Instagram story on and family and friends cheer me on. I’ve inspired some, which is nice to hear. My biggest achievement so far would be my 8km run last week….longest I’ve ever run. I have a 10km race booked for November, too!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Motivation. I struggle motivating myself particularly during the pandemic. I’ve struggled with my mental health a few times and have been really tearful. I do snap out of it, as I get to the point of forcing myself to go and visualizing that feeling you get after.
What is your “why?”
Why……for me this has to be about me, you have to care about yourself. But it’s also about getting older and keeping well and fit for as long as possible. Of course it’s still about my body shape, but I’m not sure I want to go into the next stage of sorting that yet…..strength and weights aren’t my bag….but maybe at some point because I know it needs doing.
What’s next?
I’ll never be a natural fitness queen or sports woman…..but I set little challenges like my 10km in November.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I used to be a slimming club (support group that encourages weight loss) leader!!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Do it for you. Keep looking for something you like (ish) doing. I like spinning and running is ok…..I hate the gym. Dont force yourself to do something because your friend does or you think that’s the answer. Loads of online stuff I’ve enjoyed, some of it free. But yourself some nice work out gear and trainers…..not stupid money though (I got a 30pound pair of trainers and a gym set from a supermarket range )but something you really like….I hated sports wear now I’m obsessed.
Dan King, 61, of Boulder, Colorado, ran the mile in 4:49:08 on August 29th at the South Carolina TrackFest. This tops the previous world record, set by Tony McManus of New Zealand in 2012, who ran the mile in 4:51.85.
Mr. King was interviewed by Runner’s World, and he said, “I felt fantastic at that pace. I’d lose all sorts of people if it was a slower race with a kick. But if I go all out at a pace I can sustain for one mile, and run evenly, I’m fast at that distance.”
Like most athletes, he struggled with injuries for years, which severely limited the amount of high intensity training he could undergo. At age 40, he had severe plantar fasciitis, which continued until he was 58 and had a Tenex procedure.
His training is structured on an eight day running schedule, with vigorous cross-training mixed in-between. His cross-training workouts include cycling, elliptical, strength training and deep-water running. Every fourth day he does a hard run. For example, Monday he’ll cross-train, Tuesday easy run, Wednesday cross-train and Thursday hard run. His easy runs are between 5.5 and 7 miles. His hard workouts are usually 300 meter intervals with a jog/walk in between reps.
When he turned 50 years old, King switched to a whole food plant-based diet. “I had a physical and bloodwork when I turned 50 just as I was making the dietary transition. My total cholesterol at the time was 180, and my blood pressure was OK, but not great. Three months later I had to get another physical to support an insurance policy. My cholesterol was down by almost 50 points and my blood pressure went into the ‘best category.’ I was pretty surprised by how much my values on all those things changed.”
In training, he uses the Hoka Carbon X shoes, which have a carbon fibre plate. He says this helps take the pressure off his big toes that have arthritis.
During the TrackFest race, he used Nike Dragonfly ZoomX shoes to break the world record.
King says, “My one piece of advice is expand your thinking about what it means to be a masters athlete as opposed to a masters runner,’ he said. ‘You have to train really hard, but you don’t have to run a ton of miles each week. Don’t lose sight of your own capacity to run at a high level even if you’re not willing or interested in being a 60 mile per week runner.”
I was on a swim team as a child, lived in Lake Tahoe and participated in many different sports. I was on a run one day when I decided to rededicate myself to sports.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Due to mental illness, sports are central to the health of my mind and body.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I had a stroke six years ago and I am three years sober.
What is your why?
My number one goal is to create a career so that my wife can retire.
What’s next?
I would like to speak to audiences about my story and to inspire people to want to achieve all they can without fear.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am back in college this semester after three years off.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Find what you love and pursue it like you belong.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I was under three pounds at birth.
You can read more about Shawn in his book, Escaping the Fog, which is available for sale on Amazon.
A study conducted by the International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Sciences, tested 10 runners who implemented nasal-only breathing for six months while exercising. The study found that the runners’ respiratory rate (breaths per minute) and ratio of oxygen intake to carbon dioxide output decreased during nasal breathing compared with mouth breathing.
Researchers point out that the lower breath rate used during nasal breathing allows more time for oxygen to get to the bloodstream, suggesting that you can produce the same work and oxygenation (VO2 Max) while breathing through your nose as you can with your mouth. When you breathe slowly and deeply through your nose, you extract more oxygen with each breath.
To read the full article from U.S. News click here.
The original race was scheduled for April. It was subsequently postponed to October, until last month when officials decided to cancel the race completely. Now, more than 45,000 people from 81 countries signed up to run the virtual race on Sunday, October 4th.
Athletes will be able to run the 26.2 mile distance on their own course. They will still receive a race number, t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.
“The response has been amazing and the spirit of the London Marathon will shine brightly across the globe on Sunday 4 October,” Hugh Brasher, Event Director for the Virgin Money London Marathon, said in a statement.
“We believe it is the biggest virtual marathon ever staged. It is also the most inclusive race in our history with runners having 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 miles.
“We hope that millions will be raised for charities by our participants and we look forward to sharing their stories.”
I grew up playing team sports, no endurance sports until I was 25. I was going through a divorce and my best friend realized how heavy and unhealthy he had become. He signed up for a marathon and I laughed and told him if you’re running a marathon I’ll run it with you. He called my bluff and in 2006 we ran the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. I was hooked. Several marathons and triathlons since then, including a half ironman.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Setting goals that are seemingly impossible and crushing them, there’s no better feeling! Also, when I’m running a lot or exercising a lot in general I feel like I can eat way more food and I love food lol.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have been lucky to not suffer any serious injuries, a stress fracture in my foot has been my worst. My wife began fighting cancer in 2018 right after I ran my first 50k and started training for a 50 miler. She fought fearlessly for almost 2 years and lost her battle in January, 2020. During that 2 years I didn’t workout at all, then I came back strong in 2020, more motivated than ever because it’s what she would have wanted me to be doing, for me and for our 2 little girls.
What is your “why?”
My biggest driving factor is mental health. I have a family history of anxiety, alcoholism, e.t.c… Working out and accomplishing goals regularly keeps me far away from those diseases and keeps me motivated in itself. The physical condition is a happy side effect for me. Long runs or bike rides really reset my mind, help me solve problems, increase creative thinking and simply make me feel good, motivated, unstoppable.
What’s next?
Because of Covid these plans have been pushed back, but in 2021 I want to run another marathon and a full ironman.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I was once a professional bowler and still have aspirations of winning a national title on tv.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just start. 1 pushup is better than 0 and makes tomorrow’s 1 pushup easier. Same thing with walking 1 mile. People have a tendency to focus on the end goal, which feels so far away and so difficult to reach, it can be overwhelming. Focus on that 1 pushup, that 1 mile, that’s your goal. You won’t ever be better tomorrow without taking that tiny step today. It’s good to set long term goals, but focus on the short term in order to accomplish the long term.
The virtual platform will allow marathon runners to connect, inspire and celebrate their performances. The AbbottWMM Global Run Club will include a variety of running challenges staged in tandem with the five virtual AbbottWMM races taking place from September to November.
Runners will be able to compare their performances with their peers on challenge leaderboards and grab exclusive AbbottWMM Global Run Club medals for their efforts. Additionally, runners can access a library of running related tips and advice.
“We are delighted to launch the AbbottWMM Global Run Club today and provide another innovative way to connect our global community of runners,” says Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. “Whether it’s a support tool for your marathon training, challenging yourself to get back into running, or aiming to set a new personal best, the Global Run Club is the perfect complement to the ongoing work of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. We will have a lot to offer every level of runner, wherever in the world they may be.”
Here is the schedule of events, which runs from September to November.
For more information or to sign up, please visit the AbbottWMM Global Run Club by clicking here.
It’s based on a scale that ranges from 0 to 100. High GI (>70) foods are characterized by quick absorption rates and large fluctuations on blood sugar levels. Low GI (<55) foods are characterized by slow absorption rates and a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
Less than 55 are “low” (mostly complex carbohydrates)
55 <–> 70 are “medium”
More than 70 are “high” (mostly simple carbohydrates)
The general consensus is that high GI foods should be avoided because they spike blood sugar levels, igniting the overproduction of insulin, the process that stores excess glucose as fat. The index has several flaws, however.
1. The index only lists single foods. When we combine several foods to prepare a meal, it lowers the value of the Glycemic Index.
2. Food preparation (boiling, frying, baking, etc.) alters the value of the Glycemic Index.
3. The Glycemic Index is not a one size fits all; people have different individual blood glucose responses and individual results may vary.
4. Foods that are considered unhealthy have low GI values (i.e. ice cream, cake, chocolate).
In July, employees from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System participated in a pilot program to test the viability of wearable fitness devices as tools for tracking early signs of Covid-19.
The idea is that slight changes in heart rate, sleep pattern and physical activity levels are subtle indications of an infection. If these changes are observed, it could motivate people to get tested before major symptoms of the virus appear.
The benefits to communities are that it could help them spot outbreaks earlier, alert people who are asymptomatic, but contagious and assist local officials with increasing testing and tracing protocols.
I’ve been active all my life! I started doing gymnastics at age 5, played six or eight sports growing up and competed in soccer and gymnastics until at age 17 I tore my ACL… then I turned to dance and performance. After college, I worked out in a gym every day and loved trying every new activity under the sun… After a divorce, I got back into dancing at age 43, started competing in ballroom and working as a professional dancer and that extended to training and working professionally as a stunt performer… I learned everything from skydiving to high falls to air ram to taekwondo and wire work from age 43-48!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
At age 17 I tore my ACL, which meant I couldn’t compete that year… but after surgery and rehab, I returned to being just as active if not more so! The only other challenge I’ve had is being double the age of most of my counterparts in the dance and stunt industry – but I love keeping up with them and surprising everyone with what I can do!
What is your “why?”
As I get older I’m much more aware of the passage of time…. I know that I won’t be able to be as active as I am forever. That drives me to push myself to new heights in everything athletic while I still can! I don’t want to have any regrets later in life… I want to get to the end of my life having done everything I ever wanted to do.
What’s next?
I’m working on getting my M1 motorcycle license, I want to try hang gliding and get my B license in skydiving and run a 10k…
Any fun facts about yourself?
I’m also an English professor – my students think it’s fun all the things I can do 🙂 and I love to travel – I’ve been to 35 countries and hope to see many more!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Say yes to everything! Try everything once to see what you like to do! And keep pushing yourself – you’ll be amazed what you can accomplish!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
My father died when I was 16, and I was devastated…. but I vowed from that time on never to take life for granted…
NOCCO stands for No Carbs Company, which is a Swedish fitness company that launched in 2014. The award-winning BCAA drink is available in the U.S. on Amazon.
Each drink contains 3000mg to 5000mg of branched-chain amino acids, green tea extract, caffeine and six vitamins: niacin, vitamin b6, folic acid, biotin, vitamin D and vitamin B12. All products are carbonated, sugar-free and low calorie.
Amy in 2017 at 270 lbs. Her first triathlon lower right and second triathlon upper right.
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I have never really been an athlete. I played soccer as a middle/high school student. I threw the javelin, shot put, and discus in high school. I was on the swim team for two seasons as a youngster. I took gymnastics lessons as a youngster. During my senior year of high school, I was struggling with some stressful situations and started eating to numb that pain. That is when I stopped moving my body. I steadily gained weight, reaching my highest in 2002 at 311 lbs.
I was never really a natural athlete. I always did okay but always had to push myself. I recently had an underwater swim evaluation done to see what I needed to do to fix my swim stroke. The coach said to me “Wow, if all my swimmers had an ounce of your work ethic and commitment.” I pretty much was swimming all wrong but I was going at it with gusto!
Amy practicing open water swimming.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy being able to move. I didn’t move for so long so now to be able to run, swim, bike, and walk are wonderful and I very much enjoy all these activities. We go for hikes and sometimes I can talk my hubby into renting a kayak. I still don’t really have a lot of athletic ability but I work hard, push myself and set goals for myself to achieve. I had weight loss surgery in 2002 and lost 110 lbs, but I never fixed the mental side of weight so I ended up gaining about 80 lbs of that back. In my mid 30’s I started with walking, then I joined a gym and found water aerobics. One day I was looking over at the lap lanes watching people go back and forth and remembered that I had been on a swim team many moons ago. The one day, while virtually nobody else was at the pool, I sneaked over to the lap lane to see if I could swim. I swam a few laps and then went home to take a nap! I started to see the benefit of moving my body and started with tiny steps. Had a few bumps along the way (neck surgery) and a couple of periods of deep depression. In 2017, I had a major cancer scare that scared me into facing my weight issues. More on that later!
My progression with cycling. Started on a granny cruiser (far right), then over to a hybrid. Still not fast enough. Switched to a road bike and clipless. Started riding about 3 miles a day (on my granny cruiser), now riding 25 a day (road bike). Just took some classes in track cycling too but the pics all make me look like the size of an ant. Track cycling is a whole new scary world (one gear, no brakes and really high concrete walls)!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Being 311 lbs is a huge obstacle. My body hurt all the time, I physically couldn’t do much. I honestly felt like my body was so broken and messed up that I would never be able to be better. I fought these thoughts and feelings for decades. I also have major eating issues: carb addiction, binge eating, extreme overeating. I was stuck in a continual cycle of self-sabotage that I just couldn’t break free from. Again, I felt like I was doomed to just be this way. I have since been working with a food coach and she has taught me much about that mental side of eating and weight.
My other major obstacle is finances. I seem to want the athletic life that I can’t afford! That gets me frustrated sometimes.
My family (husband and sons) are very supportive of me. I seriously have the best husband on the planet!
I did hire a coach to train me for my first triathlon and he taught me much! Since then, I have been on my own. Covid certainly derailed many of my plans as both my races were cancelled this year. Had a momentary blip of depression about that and finally got my behind moving forward again! My biggest weakness is strength training/conditioning. I feel like I never have a good plan for that.
When I started running, I would run about 3 minutes total. I am not up to over an hour. Still not fast, but moving. Favorite saying is “Forward is a pace” Meredith Atwood. Actual races…before my first tri, almost done first tri, almost done 2nd tri, Halloween 5K
What is your “Why?”
My why…I come from severe childhood trauma – much abuse within my biological family was taken from my parents at age 4, in foster homes for several years. I was eventually adopted at age 8. Went through a name change as a 7-year-old, identity was lost from the trauma. I had packaged up my trauma into a nice little box and shoved it in the back of my closet for decades. I worked so hard to not be what I had come from that I had spent almost no time in figuring out who I was. In fact, as a child, my adoptive parents were told that my chance of having a ‘normal’ functioning adult life was very low. They said I would probably be heavily medicated and possibly institutionalized because of all the trauma I had suffered. My parents never accepted that diagnosis for me. They did their best to help me be a success in life. In my mid 30’s, I ended up in intensive therapy and things started to slowly change for me. In 2017, I had a cancer scare that really woke me up. I had to have a hysterectomy because I was having all sorts of health issues. My dr sat me down and told me that I needed to get my weight issues under control because if I didn’t, the food, weight, and eating was going to kill me. I came home, cried for 3 days, but knew this dr was absolutely right! I started out slowly, trying to figure out what to do to tackle the weight. The more I dug, read, and tried to understand, the deeper I got into a radical type of eating. I’ve gone through many different types of eating plans but finally have landed the plane on a lean protein, low carb, lots of veggies plan. That seems to be the magic combo for my body because I am about 58 lbs from my goal weight. My why is because I have to. I have to continue to overcome trauma, heal, and push myself to be stronger. I continually work at being kind to myself yet push myself to grow into what I am meant to be in this life. Still trying to carve out what I am meant to be doing – maybe a new career. I am feeling led to pursue something to give back.
What’s next?
To date, I have completed 2 sprint triathlons and lots of shorter runs (5K and 8K runs). I am currently doing a lot of road cycling and recently started taking classes on track cycling. That’s a whole new world! Talk about fear – 1 bike, no brakes, no gears, and driving up concrete walls – but I am loving it as much as I fear it! Career-wise – I am still trying to figure out what I am to be doing. I spent over 20 years in the world of finance, got out of that 5 years ago. I currently homeschool my 2 teenage boys, work part-time and love to exercise.
Finish line of 1st triathlon with my oldest son. I had a huge UGLY cry! I was so amazed I actually finished it! I had accomplished this goal I set for myself. This is my favorite pic!
Me with my boys on Lake Michigan (Summer 2019). I trained all through our camping trip. Found places to run, swim and bike. I was determined and focused!
My bestie and I started a support group at our church for women who have been through sexual trauma. She and I can both speak to the struggles involved with this. I am feeling led to do something related to this. Continually working on my own healing in this area (and other areas of trauma) while seeking God’s will for my life.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am super quirky! I love Christian hard rock/heavy metal but at the same time love Broadway musicals! I have a purple belt in Tai Kwon Do. I have a crazy sense of adventure. If I had my own way, we’d be living in our trailer, traveling the country and seeing the world. I am discovering that I am a true wild spirit. I love the outdoors, like to play in rain puddles, walk on the beach and study history. I love all things British – I even drive an amazingly cute Mini named Phoebe! I love French Bulldogs (any smooshy faced dog) and would have an entire pack of them if my hubby would let me! I am a total sucker for underdog movies and books. I am also a voracious reader and obsessed with documentaries! I can also be super impulsive like when I decided I was done with hair and shaved my head. Totally loved and rocked that look for almost 2 years. Having a shaved head sure comes in handy for triathlons! Just a hint to other ladies struggling with long hair – just buzz it off!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just take one step at a time. It doesn’t matter how big or small your body is, you can move. The more you do, the better and easier it gets. Fear is something we allow to keep us stuck! It must be faced and embraced to overcome it. Ask questions, you won’t learn anything unless you ask. Celebrate the scale victories as the weight comes off, but you need to embrace the many, many non-scale victories. People who have never struggled with weight don’t get how amazing it is to discover bones in your body. I love my collar bones, ankle bones and my bony knees! They were hidden for far too many years!
This next statement is me in the nutshell and I mean it with all my heart – if anyone ever needs someone to chat with about getting started, I am the one! I will gladly walk alongside anyone who needs help, even if it’s just a buddy who will listen. I will cheer you on as you train and accomplish. I can encourage you to set goals and achieve those goals! Like I said earlier, I am always fighting for the underdog because I am one!
Last but not least…my rock, my husband Matt. We’ve been married for 24 years and I seriously have been blessed with the best man possible! He has loved me at 311 lbs and loves me now (a whole lot lighter/smaller)! He doesn’t want to ride with me as much because he claims I now kick his butt on the bike. I now can run faster than he walks and he doesn’t swim at all! He has been my training assistant all the way from counting laps, hollering at me to sprint faster in the pool, paying for all my bike upgrades, and doing 5K’s with me. He won’t run any further than that because he claims he will die!
My hubby bought me this so I could sit on it during triathlon transitions. I LOVE the phrase on it! From Home Depot!
Any other comments you’d like to share?
Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate the chance to share a bit of my story.
Garmin said the investigation is ongoing and the company is planning a multi-day maintenance window to address the cyber attack, which includes taking down its website, disabling the Garmin Connect app, disconnecting aviation database services and halting some production lines in Asia. It’s unclear whether or not any customer information was compromised.
A ransomware attack is designed to encrypt its victims’ computers and demand a ransom to open them up again.
Garmin customers have been unable to sync their devices to Garmin’s servers since Thursday. In addition, pilots have been unable to download Garmin’s aviation database to their Garmin airplane navigational systems.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the 2020 editions of the IRONMAN World Championship and the IRONMAN 70.3 World championship have been canceled.
The majority of qualifying events were postponed and could not take place in 2020, which impacted the ability of athletes to qualify for the races. The continuation of existing travel restrictions worldwide was another major factor that led to the cancelation of this year’s championship events.
New Dates
IRONMAN World Championship: October 9, 2021 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship: September 17/18, 2021 in St. George, Utah
Here is a statement from Andrew Messick, the President & CEO for The IRONMAN Group.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel the 2020 editions of the IRONMAN World Championship and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. While we were hopeful that we could welcome our athletes, their families, and supporters to these events in early 2021, the continued impact of the pandemic makes this impossible. It is tough to make this decision in July, but it will provide the necessary clarity for our athletes, host cities and partners,” said Andrew Messick, President & Chief Executive Officer for The IRONMAN Group. “It is disappointing not to be able to provide our racing community with the opportunity to compete in the IRONMAN World Championship for the first time in our 43 year history and our IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship for the first time since inception in 2006. We will endure, however, and look forward to the day when we will again assemble the greatest professional and age-group triathletes in the world and crown world champions.”
Anyone who qualified for the 2020 editions of the World Championship events will be contacted directly and will have the opportunity to race in 2021 or 2022.
In 2007, a friend gave me slap bracelet reflectors. I still use them for every outdoor run.
I find that minor issues that used to take a couple weeks, just hang on for months! I am also not great at taking those rest days. 
) but that was not the focus of the vacation. Some of our friends were not impressed by our lack of cultural investigation! Once Covid is over and travel is an option again, we will be out exploring again.
