Somewhere in the lake was an orange buoy. I noticed it when I first arrived at Quaker Lake, but now it was gone, vanished behind a thick fog which had settled into the valley of the Allegheny Mountains. The lake, which was calm and peaceful in the early morning, had become something eerie. … [Read more...]
Gwen Jorgensen: From Accountant to No. 1 Triathlete via @wsj
“Isn’t that nice” and other backhanded compliments
When I started thinking about doing my first triathlon there were a million little ah-ha moments. I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who did triathlons. I found opportunities every where. There’s a saying that universe first gives a whisper, then a shout than hits you over the … [Read more...]
Lauren Fleshman: A Weekend of Epic Proportions Part 1
He did it. After winning Wildflower Triathlon three times, breaking his foot, getting a screw put in his foot, beating his head against the wall trying unsuccessfully to rehab it with tons of pain, having the screw removed, and doing more physio than most people do in a lifetime, he raced. And he … [Read more...]
Women’s Triathlon Approved by NCAA as Division I Emerging Sport
Triathlon Is NCAA’s Newest Emerging Sport for Women
At the annual NCAA convention taking place this week in San Diego, the Division I Legislative Council voted to add triathlon to the NCAA's list of emerging sports for women. 95% of the votes cast were in favor of the proposal. The Division II and Division II councils will also vote on … [Read more...]
Joanna Zeiger’s Kona Chronicles: Part 5
And they're off!Ironman is not a spectator sport. I know I am stating the obvious, but, wow, it just isn't. Like many sports events, it is the palpable excitement of being there that draws people in, even when such an event is better watched on TV. The most action was in the first 90 minutes where … [Read more...]
Kona Chronicles: Part 3
Kona is a vortex; or, perhaps, its vacation in general. My awake hours account for about 18 hours of each day in which I have been spending 90 minutes exercising and 2 hours working. I have not seen a TV, read a newspaper, browsed the internet, done housework, taken care of the dog or cooked a meal. … [Read more...]
Kona Chronicles: Part 1
I arrived in darkness. I sit here typing, overlooking the vast expanse of Kona sprawled out below, also in darkness. There is a certain sameness about it; the yellow lights, the impossible stillness, the fact that I cannot sleep past 3am every time I come here. The Big Island, with all of its … [Read more...]
Chrissie Wellington: A Life Without Limits
It’s the smile you remember. Even if you’re not a triathlete or particularly well versed in the ins and outs of the Ironman World Championship, colloquially known as “Kona,” you know there is something special about the smile. It never seems to leave her face. … [Read more...]