Meet Mary!
Mary is training for her first 70.3 this fall! She started running at age 40 and started competing in triathlons at age 57. Since then, she has completed numerous running events and triathlons, making the podium for many. Mary gets her workouts in early! On more than one occasion, my wake up call has been the Training Peaks notification of Mary’s completed workout and I absolutely LOVE it!
Mary started training with me in May after recovering from an injury last winter. Since then, she has made considerable progress. She never misses a workout and is always eager to learn how to improve in every aspect of triathlon. Since May, Mary has made huge improvements in both speed and power on the bike and her speed on the run. She has little to no pain from her previous injury and has not developed any further injuries. She has also gained knowledge on how and why we do certain workouts which has led her to do her workouts more effectively.
Getting nervous butterflies is Mary’s biggest hurdle. However, she pushes through EVERY SINGLE TIME with a can-do attitude. She gets those butterflies to fly in formation and crushes each one of her workouts. She is extremely positive of this race season, even if her upcoming 70.3 gets cancelled. She knows the gains she has made and knows the gains she will continue to make as she continues her training.
Absolutely THRILLED she chose AME to share in her journey!
What got you into triathlon and endurance events?
I was a runner for a long time. I watched Tri the Wildwoods one day while out on a run. I thought I wonder if I could do that? My friends at 10th street gym always talked about triathlons, so I mentioned it to them. They were very influential in helping me train all winter for my first triathlon the following summer. My first triathlon was in Stone Harbor the summer of 2015 at the age of 57!
What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event is Tri the Wildwoods. I guess because its in my own backyard and I love everything about that race, the spectators, the volunteers and of course the after party!
What about triathlon brings you the most joy?
The thing about the sport of Triathlon that makes me keep coming back is the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and the wonderful friends I have met along the way. Triathletes truly look out and take care of one another.
Pick your pain, the biggest calf cramp of your life in the middle of a choppy ocean swim or realizing you forgot to fill your water bottles as you’re running into transition from the swim?
Cramp in the middle of the ocean!
Favorite post-race meal?
My favorite post race meal is a Philly soft pretzel and a cold beer!
What’s one thing you want people to know about you?
Well, the one thing I think most people that know me in this sport is that I really push myself, despite my nerves. I am also very good at finding humor in most situations, which I'm sure has helped me not only with nervous jitters but in so many other areas of my life. I have a strong will and determination. That’s what has made me a triathlete.
I couldn’t agree more Mary, you are an athlete to look up to! I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line at that 70.3!
Always #AMEhigh folks and ROCK that amazing smile!