Ashburn Column: "Tri"-ing Hard to Have Some Fun

Move over, Superman. See you later, Spidey. There's a new kind of superhero in town. I call them "Triathamoms".

My idea of exercise is hauling laundry up and down the stairs. Maybe that's why I think triathletes are modern day superheroes. After seeing part of Broadlands’ triathlon sprint event over the weekend, I decided I had to know more about this grueling sport and the mom athletes who participate.

Broadlands’ resident Laurie Martin started doing triathlons a year ago as a result of some positive peer pressure and "to deny turning 40." But the initial peer pressure that inspired her start doing triathlons has turned into a support group of self-titled "Broadlands Tri Chicks" who encourage each other and train together. This year they planned to participate in Broadlands’ triathlons, the Iron Girl, and an Olympic-length triathlon later this year. Laurie hopes her dedication and training provide a good role model for her daughter, who is considering trying her first triathlon this summer.

Laurie really enjoys the Broadlands events but says "it's a bit of a double edged sword…there's no excuse for your family and friends not to come out and cheer you on…on the other hand all of your neighbors get to see you in your oh-so-flattering spandex Sunday morning."

I like what she said about the benefits of triathlons—something about a sense of accomplishment (yes, yes, AND) "…the feeling of entitlement when I dig into that pint of ice cream after burning 1300 calories." Guilt-free ice cream? Maybe I should give it a "tri."

 

Event note: Broadland’s next triathlon is the "Dog Days" triathlon August 9 and a kids’ triathlon sponsored by Broadlands’ swim team on July 2. For more information check out the events calendar at www.broadlandshoa.org.