FEATURES

By Jody Quesnell

 

Four years ago, I was done competing in triathlons.  I had had enough. After 15+ years of delightfully competing I was tired. I wanted gin and tonics instead of gatorade, a mocha with whip cream instead of a bike ride. It did not help that I landed in the hospital after a terrible infection manifested by a mucky lake swim, Fearing the infection was serious enough to take my life, I decided if and when I recovered I would get my goals realigned and finish some things I have always wanted to do. In that was the desire to be a USAT coach. I had been a teacher for 19 years in Minneapolis School and decided I could use my talents to teach willing and excited adults about the world of triathlons.  These “students” have taught me to love the sport again.

 

First, take a 40-some athlete who turned to me in hopes of learning about the sport. He had recently lost more than 50 lbs and always dreamt of doing a triathlon, but was too scared.  He did not know... how to swim, had no bike and never ran more than a few miles. I recognized he had  fierce will  and that was all I needed to get started in coaching him., Just do it! I said, just keep moving forward and we will get there together. I detailed careful plans, He worked hard.  With  dedication and determination, he not only completes triathlons, he is in the best shape of his life and qualified for Nationals. He is unrecognizable both in attitude and body from where he was 3 years ago.  Together we  learned hard work, determination and, with someone in you corner, one can completely turn a life  around.

 

Look through magazines and literature and read all about how biologically  we are supposed resign ourselves to slowing down as we age, giving in to a bulging wasteline and big butts.( this is Jerry’s column so I can say butt, right?)  A 47 year old woman , Cheryl ZItur, hired me to coach her. She had many strengths and placed well in her age group.  I kept expectations high for her, I demanded hard work and intervals that very few women can hit,  longer miles on the bike and a very structured plan that required dedication and careful attention to how her body felt. She completed her assignments with all her heart and as a result of these efforts, runs, bike, and swims faster than she ever has in her life. Cheryl will be competing for Team USA in Worlds at Edmonton. She has won multiple age group wins and 2 overall titles at age 49! She has reinforced  to me that you can break barriers of aging with hard work and smart planning. She continues to prove to me that triathletes can continue strive and improve and not give in to the belief that we must always slow down as we age. 

I have coached athletes to tackle the oceans of Alcatraz, the mountains of Idaho, the grueling competition of Nationals  and the most challenging course, balancing training with all the challenges life has to offer: work, family, injuries and fatigue. Along with my athletes, I have shared the joy of accomplishments and the fear of defeat.  I have stood at the sidelines cheering these athletes while hearing bystanders say “ If only I could do a triathlon one day” or It would be my dream to FINISH a race like this.” 

 

After coaching these hard working, grateful and proud athletes and repeatedly listening to clients, bystanders and friends only dream of finishing a tri,  I rediscovered that finishing a triathlon was not chore or exhausting journey, but now a privilege. It is a privilege to be able to hit high speeds on the bike with the wind on my back.  It is a privilege to be able push yourself until you feel like you might burst, only to find out your run was pretty darn good, it is a privilege to swim beautiful, summer lakes with the crisp blue waves under a blue sky.  It is a privilege to be strong and healthy in order to finish such a feat. So, I’ll put down my mocha and head out for a ride in the morning! I want back in!

 

Jody Quesnell - USAT LEVEL 1 Coach