I am going to try and make a long story short. I injured my foot when I was 12 and had surgery to repair it. I went on with my life and I was a good athlete as a teenager. I got married and had 7 children, yes, seven. Through that time as all mothers know it is hard to stay active, but I did. I took my kids in wagons, sleds, backpacks, (I always had someone in a backpack), I was certified for group exercise classes and would teach with a child on my back and a couple of them watching.

About 9 yrs ago my husband was killed in a car accident. I went back to work full time as a hair dresser and that is when my body fell apart. Standing all that time my foot really started to hurt which caused me to walk differently, which in turn caused serious back pain. I decided to have another surgery to try and correct the problem. Well, unfortunately I couldn't take the time off because of my finances to let my foot heal. Things got worse. By this point I was getting very depressed, eating more and drinking more. I gained 30 pounds on a 5'3" body with a bad foot, worn out knees and now a bad back! From my husbands death to this point it had been about 5 yrs. I was at such a low point in my life that I have a hard time going back there just to write this. My car was repossessed and I was wondering when I was going to lose my house, things were pretty grave.

So, I left work one day and listened to the phone messages. An old friend from school had left a message asking if I wanted to get together for coffee. My intuition told me that this was a social call and it intrigued me. I called him back. I was feeling so badly about myself at that time that I kind of put him off. I told him I really didn't have time till next week and in our conversation he picked up on the fact that I didn't have to work the next day, so he asked me if I could have coffee the next day. I told him I had a doctors appointment for my foot, (I was in a boot at the time), He offered to take me and that is how Rick and I started, me depressed, over weight and in a boot!

So, I ended up marrying Rick, but first I had one more surgery. This time I stopped working, stayed off my foot and let it heal. I was still over weight, out of shape and not feeling very good about myself. Rick bought me a "comfort bike". I wasn't happy that I was at the point in my life but I knew I had to do something. I thought I was never going to be able to hike again and I just couldn't imagine it. It was the worst feeling. Well, slowly over the course of 2 yrs I got to the point where I was hiking with Rick and keeping up pretty well. For the last 2 yrs Rick and I have been very active. We climb our local mountain a lot, snowboard and strength train together.We bought road bikes and started cycling, I loved it.

Then I decided to do a sprint Triathlon. Rick was worried. He didn't want me to hurt myself and put myself backwards. I didn't. I started training in April 2010. I listened to my body when it told me to take it easy and pushed when I knew I could. Last Sunday Sept 12th 2010 I did it! It felt so good. As soon as I was in the water I knew I would be doing this again. It was like I was just swimming with friends, biking with friends and running with friends. I sprinted to the end! I did it!!! I came in 224 out of 611 woman. I am strong, confident and happy. I have plenty of room for improvement and I have to say that I have got the "Tri bug"! I used Triathanewbie.com for training help and what a help it was! Thank you guys, what a blast!!!!

Terry C. from Florida

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We wanted to thank your for sharing your experience with us. Your courage and bravery in overcoming your personal tragedy is amazing! We wish you, Rick and your kids the best as they move with you through you new triathlon journey. May it be fulfilling and rewarding for all of you in every possible way!

Be well.
~Julie

TriathaNewbie.com Staff

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