Race Coverage

Almost Perfect!

Thursday, 16 November 2017 23:10

By Anne Wagner (ywcampls.org/our_voices)

Pretty Close to Perfection

I don't believe in perfection. But I have to say the experience of the YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon came pretty close to perfect. And for me it was a culmination of a year and a half of living life differently, as well as a catapult into a lifetime of prioritizing health, empowering others and building community.

Could I Complete a Triathlon?

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would train for and complete a triathlon. I never considered myself an athlete and had not been able to find a positive, fun way of incorporating regular exercise into my life. For much of my life I've struggled with self-esteem and weight maintenance, and after having my first child I struggled with postpartum depression....

Encouraging, Supportive Community

Luckily for me, I have always been surrounded by amazing, encouraging women. I found support in my sister and some very dear friends who helped me find community and fun in caring for myself and cheering for each other. I then went looking for more ways of doing that; and I found it in the YWCA's Women's Triathlon. Training for the race gave me purpose and excitement. Going to the training clinics held by YWCA was so helpful and the instructors were informative and positive.

Race Day Mix of Anxiety and Excitement

Driving to the course on race day was emotional! I felt excited, nervous, happy and scared. I sat in my car and took some deep breaths. All the fears I had, quickly washed away as I biked to the staging area. Other racers rode alongside me and welcomed me with smiles and friendly greetings. The volunteers and staff were helpful, efficient and knowledgeable. I could feel an incredibly positive energy coming from the powerful women preparing to race.

By Anne Wagner (ywcampls.org/our_voices)

As we gathered on the beach before race start, and the anthem played, I looked at all the women there, seeing females of all ages, races, sizes and abilities was truly inspiring. I cried tears of joy as I thought about my own journey and what the stories of the others might be.   READ MORE