Meet Elaine!
Elaine started triathlon in 2018. She had trained and participated in several events over the years and developed a love for the sport and the camaraderie of the sport. She decided this was the year she wanted to buckle down, set bigger race goals and hire a coach! She put her mind to it and has absolutely DOMINATED her goals this year! She has crushed race distances she had never completed, participating in her first Olympic tri this year. She has made gains in volume and distance on the bike she had never completed, covering 50+ miles on the bike on multiple occasions. She has made gains in speed, placing in her age group for many events and even setting PRs. She has pushed through her fears of open water swimming and covered distances she had not yet covered. And last, but certainly not least, she has put in the effort, time and training all season long to accomplish these goals.
She is not done yet. She is ready to go and has signed up for her first 70.3 next year! She continues to push through off-season training and recently completed an underwater swim analysis so we can nail down her swimming mechanics, which is where she wants to focus most. She has gone through many battles over the last several years that could easily knock anyone off their feet and keep them down. But not Elaine. She pushes forward with a positive attitude and uses this sport as a release and way to help her overcome obstacles.
Extremely proud of Elaine and her HUGE accomplishments this year. I cannot wait to watch her continue to crush every single goal she sets in front of her. Absolutely THRILLED she chose AME to share in her journey!
Q & A with Elaine:
What got you into triathlon and endurance events?
After the tragic death of my son Sean, I felt that I needed to do something that would keep me balanced and somewhat focused. Even though I have a husband, children, and grandchildren, I still needed something that would challenge me mentally and physically. During this transition in my life I reached out to my friend Valarie who is one of the founders of the Wild Harbor Tri Club and she took me under her wing and helped me along in the world of triathlon. Well, here I am three years later and training for a Half Ironman.
What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event so far is the Jersey Genesis Triathlon. I really like this because it is a small event, and it is a lake swim. I prefer to swim in a lake instead of the Ocean or Bay.
What about triathlon brings you the most joy?
The people in the world of triathlon are great. They all support each other, and it makes for a more enjoyable event. Also, I feel accomplished after I complete my goal of finishing.
Pick your pain, a long and steep uphill finish at the end of a triathlon or forgetting your sunglasses in transition for the bike portion of your upcoming 70.3?
Forgetting my sunglasses.
What is your favorite part of training?
My favorite part of training is getting outside in all types of weather and the way that I feel mentally when I am finished with my workout. I also like the way I look and feel physically but to me that is just a bonus.
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I am a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and a Great Grandmother. I look forward to training because it gives me something to strive for and it keeps me focused and balanced. I never thought that I could ever do a triathlon because it just seemed so out of reach to me at first, but with perseverance and will, I was able complete not only a triathlon but an Olympic Triathlon as well. After my son passed away I had a choice to make, I could either live or I could exist…..I chose to live because God has blessed me with so much and I don’t want to waste it!