Meet Amy!
Amy has been training and racing in running events for over 20 years. In 2019, she completed her first triathlon and open water swim in Tri the Wildwoods, a local favorite. Collectively through the years, she has completed over a dozen endurance events!
Amy joined the AME team in June of this year, just prior to her biggest event of the year, New Jersey State olympic distance triathlon. While she did not finish the swim, her remarkable resilience and solid headspace carried her through the remainder of the event to finish the bike and the run. Just after this event, Amy cut a tendon in her hand that required surgery and put her out of commission for several weeks of training. Through this time, she began to dedicate and focus her efforts on a more well-balanced and mindful nutrition strategy outside of training. Now back into training, she eagerly looks ahead to the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November. Through her training this year, she has shaved one minute per mile off her running threshold so a PR is likely in order. In 2022, her greatest goal is to achieve a new distance in triathlon, IRONMAN 70.3 Atlantic City.
While Amy won’t admit this, her greatest character trait is her ability to persevere through anything life throws at her. She has overcome numerous injuries, some of which took months to full recovery and she has overcome adversity in her personal life that would devastate and defeat most. Through all of this she has maintained a determined and positive mindset with a kind, caring, gracious and thankful heart. All the while maintaining her training towards greater goals and new heights. She sets a phenomenal example to her two sons and anyone she meets.
We are THRILLED Amy chose AME to share in her journey!
What got you into triathlon and endurance events?
Growing up my dad was always doing some kind of race. He did triathlons, marathons and every shorter length running race there was. We used to go and cheer him on at a lot of them. It was family time that was special now that I look back. Lots of my extended family joined us to so many races too especially if he was running with my Grandpop. In fourth grade, I started doing 5ks with my dad. It was something I ended up really enjoying and stayed with me.
What is your favorite event and why?
My favorite event was my first half which was in Disney. I did it with my husband and it was a spectacular event that only Disney could have pulled off. Fireworks to start each wave with the main characters on stage dancing for you, you ran through the parks and along the way there were so many characters. You were excited to run to see who was next.
What about triathlon and endurance sport brings you the most joy?
Crossing the finish line at my first triathlon was indescribable. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of myself. I taught myself to swim in a few weeks and was new to biking. I had doubters that thought I couldn’t handle the swim especially in the ocean. I even started to believe them, but they were wrong. They underestimated me and I started to believe them because I have always underestimated myself. I did it anyway and started to learn something about myself. I can be bad ass if I want to be and I liked it.
What excites you the most about your first upcoming 70.3?
Honestly, that I’m scared! I have only told 2 people so far to keep any negative opinions of others away. The thoughts in my head are enough for now. So, Ashley and my oldest son are the two people I allowed in. Wait….I just realized, you all now know too. You have a job, positive vibes only please.
What has been the most valuable takeaway from your training so far?
I learned I need accountability. Most of all, I need to be pushed. I can do more than I am usually willing to give. Having Ashley beside me has taught me that I can be more and want more. I’ve also learned the importance of fuel and how it affects performance.
Pick your pain, a long and harsh winter limiting your bike and run training to mainly indoor sessions or a short winter, but the pools are closed again due to the pandemic?
Biking and running only inside! Geez…..that would be painful. Seeing and being in nature is huge for me. I know that I am beyond lucky to be able to bike along the water and run on the beach. So many cannot say that and I do not take that for granted.
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I always like people to know I am honest and loyal. What you see is what you get. You can always trust that I will tell you the truth and have your back.