TriGirls!!!

In the beginning, the beginning that really counts toward this Ironman journey, it was the TriGirls.

There will be more posted on the Ironman TriGirls in the future, but the whole group is made up of amazing women. All ages from early 20s to early 60s. All shapes and sizes. All athletic abilities. All different backgrounds and in different life stages.

For two years now, we’ve ran, biked and swam two to three times per week together in season. We’ve raced and cheered each other on. We’ve had pre-race dinners, post-workout coffee and post-post workout wine. We’ve raised money for local causes through outings planned with area restaurants. We’ve become friends in addition to training buddies. We’ve even invited our spouses, families and friends to participate in our activities – giving them a glimpse of TriGirl power – and inspiring the unofficial support crew of “TriBoyz.”

Coach G. started TriGirls as an off-shoot of an earlier group called TriMoms. For many TriGirls, me included, this group has been the best fitness commitment ever made, probably because TriGirls is about so much more than burning calories. As the TriGirl website (www.trigirltraining.com) states - “The heart of TRIgirls lies in the camaraderie and support of a team working together toward a common fitness goal and philanthropic cause.”

Our organized workouts officially ended for the season yesterday – with a final group run of three “race pace” miles – as part of the taper for TriGirls doing either the Richmond Marathon or the Outer Banks Half Marathon this weekend. I’m in the half marathon group.

Thank you, TriGirls, for inspiring, motivating, supporting, encouraging, cheering and, even occasionally, consoling me these past two years!