Fit City

By Sally Edwards

January 27, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

have been asked by several of our Heart Zones coaches and other’s to answer the question about what is the TREK Women’s Triathlon Series (TREK WTS) and how is it different from what I was doing last year. I thought that I would provide you with my Top Ten differences as well as why I choose to be the National Spokeswoman for the TREK Series:

The Top Ten Differences between the TREK WTS and any other triathlon in the USA:

Reason Number 1. How the Dollar Bill Goes Around You may have heard me tell the story at the Expo’s called “How the Dollar Bill Goes Around”. It’s in my character and my DNA that I support those who support women, the cause, the charity, the event, and the sponsors. I have chosen to work with the new series because it is by, for, about women (and run by them). That’s where my loyalty and my heart lives - to support women.

Reason Number 2. I know that The Trek Series is Safe and Professional The race directors, charity, sponsors of the new Series have been behind the sport and women for the past 20 years and most if not all of them have changed from a former Series that I worked for the past 19 years to the new TREK Series because we know that it is a class event. You deserve only the best, only a class event.

Reason Number 3. Commitment to Getting America Fit As a champion of getting America fit, the Trek WTS will have pre-race launch parties for everyone to kick off their event training. I will be there motivating and leading them. These events are free, fun, informational, and everyone gets jazzed on training for the TREK WTS.

Reason Number 4. It’s About Every Participant Every single woman whether first, the racer or almost last (I reserve that finish place) is celebrated. The Series has again asked me to be there as you enter the water for a “good luck high five” and to be there at the finish for a “you did it high five”. The Series is about every woman, every age (yes, I am 61 years old now), every size, and every everything.

Reason Number 5. Inclusiveness - New Divisions This year the TREK WTS has opened the doors to waves that include women in service - police, military, firefighters, others. We have opened our hearts to women of size with an Athena division. We have affiliated with the national governing body so the racer gal gets points. We are supporting those physically challenged with their division, and as always, Trek Team Survivor, women who have survived cancer doing the triathlon are there to show us that nothing stops us from getting fit and healthy.

Reason Number 6. The Charity because they Need our Help A portion of the race profit and entry fee’s is dedicated not only to those suffering from cancer but for other causes - local charities, women with financial struggles, and others. We do the TREK WTS to help support others who need our help.

Reason Number 7. Doing it for the Medal and the Number When you walk around the finish area after the race basking in the glory of a PR (personal record) or a finish in front of me (your final finisher) that big finisher’s medal feels like you won a gold at the Olympics. But even more, when you walk to the store or work the next day with your black number not quite washed off your arm or leg it says that you are a triathlete. You’ll never forget that finish line and that medal. As I wrote in my book Triathlons For Women, “If I knew how great it felt to finish that first Ironman, I would have trained even more.”

Reason #8. A New Series run by women You can Count On. Because of Maggie Sullivan and her 18 years as a triathlon series director and my 30-years of racing, coaching, and as a pioneer in the sport of triathlon, you can count on us. There’s no better race directing team in the nation. And, I promise, we’ll provide you with a “million dollar day” because your experience is like none other. You are going to cry, hug, laugh, share, sweat, and through the tough parts or the joy of the finish, it’s a day that you’ll remember for ever.

Reason #9. It’s About Sisterhood and Camaraderie If you are there to race, then go at the highest heart rates that you can hold. If you are there to support another, then do the race by connecting with your sisters, tens of thousands of them that will be doing this 8-city series this year. And, if you are worried about the fear, then let me help you get that “monkey off your back. If you can’t toss it, I’ll be there to grab the dang ape (fear) so that you can have the experience of a lifetime.

Reason #10. When was the Last Time You Did Something for the First Time? Yes, I have a streak going now with 127 consecutive almost final finishes, a world record for going from first to worst. I am proud of that. So, I challenge you to join me, the final finisher and do the new Series run by the same team that has been producing the Series for the past 19 years.

Next, spread the world. Go out into the triathlon community and let the gals and guys know what I am doing and why. Forward this email to your friends who might be asking what is this new Trek Women’s Triathlon Series and say, “I am doing the TREK and I know that I won’t be last.”

with heart, SALLY EDWARDS the Head Heart, Heart Zones USA www.TheSallyEdwardsCompany.com