Posted by: Joe Nuss
on Apr 27, 2009
In three words, tell us: WHY DO YOU DO IT?
That's how we sought to find the reasons why women who read Endurance Magazine run, bike, swim, or go to the gym. You'll find many of the answers printed on the cover of this issue and more inside next to the pictures of just a few of the interesting women who responded to our survey.
Coming from women as old as 14 and as young as 80, the responses were enlightening, humorous, inspirational and in some cases, no different from men's reasons for engaging in the Endurance Lifestyle. But while we weren't too surprised to see the competitive spirit in women just like men, we were surprised to discover just how many women truly are the "Healthcare CEO" of their family.
Posted by: Joe Nuss
on Apr 27, 2009
The cold rain was coming down so hard Alyse Kelly-Jones had almost decided to not run the Ramblin' Rose triathlon in Chapel Hill. That's when she saw the 8-year-old girl and her mother.
"A lot of people didn't even start the race, but she not only started, she finished," Alyse said. "I later found out she also helped another little girl run the race. This little girl acted as a mentor to another little girl and her own mother. I was inspired."
Alyse realized if an 8-year-old girl could help to change lives like that, then surely an obstetrician/gynecologist at Mintview Women's Care with years of experience in triathlons could do the same.
"Every day in my practice I see women, overstressed and downcast, who need a change in their lives. I know these women could benefit from participating in multi-sport training, but I'd never thought about how," Alyse said. "Then I remembered that little girl."
Posted by: Joe Nuss
on Dec 01, 2008
By Richard Jones
Ashley Milano is a planner. She always knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.
"Three years ago, I was planning my wedding. I was a bride," she said. "Two years ago, I was planning my husband's funeral. I was a widow. A year ago, I was angry and depressed and felt betrayed by my god and my universe. I was a victim."
Posted by: Steve Lackey
on Jun 15, 2008
A few months ago, after being drained by repetitive pleas from my 6 1/2 year old daughter to get a new pet, I finally told her that she could get one after she ran, and finished, her first 5K race. Knowing that she had never run more than 200 yds without begging to stop, I figured we had at least a few years before I would have to deliver the goods.
The day after our agreement, she woke up and immediately asked to go to the track to start training. We got there; she sized it up, and then asked,
"So, how many times do I have to run around this thing to finish a 5K?"
"13 times," I replied.
"Ugh".
After one walk lap and a 10-minute rest, she embarked on her second lap, which took about 4 minutes...and then another 15-minute rest. After four total laps (and about an hour later), she completed a full mile and was wiped out.
Fast forward to about three months later, April 19th 2008. Endurance Magazine was supporting a local race right down the street from our family's home, the aptly named "Wondergirl 5K". On the way to the race -- while being pushed in the double jogger because she was too tired to walk -- Sophie asked if she could run the race with her mom.
By nature, I am a pretty pragmatic person. And I had to all but bite my tongue to stop from pointing out the myriad of practical reasons why she probably wouldn't finish the race (for which she'd never trained). But she said she wanted to try - so I picked up my race bib, crossed out my name, and replaced it with hers. As she and her mom took off with the pack of over 1500 runners, her brother and I watched them keep a nice pace. They turned at the first corner, and we would not see them again until mile 2.5.
About 35 minutes later, in the distance, I spotted the only runner who dared to race in a summer dress and sandals. She looked uncomfortable, but not undetermined. And, just a few moments after that, Sophie and her mom finished their final turn and came running toward the finish line. I honestly couldn't believe it. With many more people far behind her, Sophie dug deep and ran the last quarter mile with pride beaming in all directions. Her previously exhausted brother jumped in and ran faster than I've ever seen -- with purpose - as he cleared the way down the finish chute to the cheers of all spectators.
And then, as she crossed the finish line, exhausted and yet with an amazing amount of energy left, she immediately looked up and asked, "Now (gasp) - can we go get my pet?"
First 5K - 6 years 6 months - In a time of 51 minutes 37 seconds. Wow!
Gear of choice: Sundress (two shoulder straps), mis-matched cotton socks, Keen Sport Sandals.
Hydrator: Water. Mostly dumped on her head. Like in the commercials.
Motto: "No pain. No pet."
Posted by: Steve Lackey
on Aug 01, 2007
Self-esteem is not for sale.
You can’t buy it.
But you can cultivate it – from within yourself, through personal experience.
There are a lot of opportunities to buy products and services that make you feel better today – and, believe me, I am an avid consumer of many of them (my morning coffee, the occasional dessert, frequent massages at the spa…). But it’s only the personal experiences you have that can create a perpetual degree of self-esteem that is available for you to reference as needed throughout the more challenging episodes of your life.
It’s one of the reasons we launched the Ramblin’ Rose Women-only Triathlons program.
