 Life is full of firsts. We've all had our share, but some of us occasionally find ourselves facing many firsts in a very small amount of time. If we are fortunate, they are good firsts. I am two months into training for my first triathlon with the Amaiza Fitness Women's Training Group, and I have had so many terrific new experiences. It started, of course, when I signed up for the race in January. When I clicked that submit button on the race website, I think my heart skipped a beat. I could not believe I was going to do this! Since then, I bought my first bike (since childhood, that is) and took my first ride on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. I did my first "brick," an 80-minute bike ride followed by a 20-minute run. I did my first group swim, waking up at 4:40 AM for the first time since having a newborn. I got my first swim cap, which made me feel like a real swimmer and made my hair colorist happy. I went for a bike fitting and had all kinds of angles on my arms and legs measured and re-measured. I spent an entire morning cycling with friends while my kids were at school; I used to run errands. I rode 21 miles roundtrip with my family for Mother's Day lunch, and you can bet I had never done that before. I also did my first pull-up, my first double under with a jump rope, and swam my fastest 50 yards. Of course, I also had my first near miss with a squirrel while on a bike (I don't have to tell you that it is worse than in a car). And, I ran right by a snake on the trail during that first brick. |
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"Growing up, I was always active in several sports, but with a busy career and family, I put my own fitness on hold. That was until I met Laurie. I started training with Laurie a year ago in an outdoor fitness group. I joined the group because I knew I needed to do something when my 4 year old could out run me. After two months of the outdoor group, I added on a strength training group as well. Laurie was making getting healthy and fit exciting and fun again. I then decided to join the triathlon group. I hadn’t ridden a bike in over 10 years and never considered myself a runner, but the idea that I could be a multi-sport athlete again was intriguing. Going into the triathlon group, I had hopes of completing just one triathlon during the year. However, with the coaching, dedication and motivation that Laurie provided me, I was not only able to finish one triathlon in my first year, but three of them. I have found a new sport that I love, gotten in shape again, and can now stay up with my kids. Laurie is an amazing coach who is always there for you every step of the way. Her dedication to seeing you not only meet your goals but to exceed them is truly inspiring. I am thankful that I have Laurie on this journey and look forward to working with her to exceed my new goals."
Kristen S. |
"Thanks again for everything. You are amaizing that you can always find something positive to say, that you NEVER compare me to anyone else, not even by mistake, and it's just awesome to be working on this with you. Truly the most supportive person ever."
Jenny C |
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"What an entirely positive experience this has been for me! It was great working out with a group of women that were so driven. I think positive energy flowed from this group and it was really catching! Couldn't have done this w/o you or the group! Keep doing this Laurie, b/c you change lives in such a phenomenal way!"
Jeanine F
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"I never dreamed in a million years that I could do a triathlon. When I started, I could barely swim a lap, bike more then a few miles, or even run a mile. By working with Laurie, I was given the support, motivation, and encouragement to succeed. Despite my doubts in myself, she always strived for my excellence and pushed me to succeed. Less than 3 months later, I finished my first triathlon,and am probably in some of the best shape of my life. Thank you Laurie for giving me the gift of not only my health, but friendship."
Jennifer D. |
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What Does Kindness, Compassion & Teamwork have to do with Triathlons? |
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If you ever considered being a triathlete you probably thought it was an individual sport that you would have to train hard and commit to in order to accomplish your goals. You may have thought you would hire a personal trainer or you may have decided to “go it alone.” For many years I have been running on my own and have enjoyed the solace of my runs. There were times I thought it would be nice to run with others but the groups I had run with in the past had a real sense of “elitism” and that was something I didn’t have the time or patience to be around. In 2008, I decided to start training for triathlons and I continued to do all my training alone. However, in 2009 I decided it was time to consider hiring a trainer. By chance, I came across a trainer that was exactly what I needed. She had recently started a triathlon team but I wasn’t so sure a team was where I wanted to be. I was so used to training on my own and to be around an entire team of triathletes wasn’t necessarily what I was looking for.
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