15 Reds Finish their First Half Ironman!
Sept 24, 2011

What a journey!  These 15 Gals - "The Reds" started the season in February 2011 in many different places:  Many had never done a triathlon,  didn't know how to swim, feared the open water, etc.  We had "non-runners" who started with walking around the block (only to finish the season with a 13.1 mile run!), non-bikers, single moms, working gals, never-before athletes, previous volley ball players and everything in between!  Over the course of 8 months we worked together - helping each other get through the miles and over come our "weakest links".  And, come race day every single gal crossed the finished line to complete their first Half Ironman!!!  It was "70.3 miles of joy!" : ) (RedLady Bea Pettus)

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How else did we all get to the end, but a little help from our friends??

The Reds the day before their first half IM!!! All the way together!! : )

....learning to change our own tires...an essential skill for our gals on the road!

Riding together always makes it easier to get out on those cool mornings! Come race day though, no one was thinking about the cold days : )

For many Reds, getting to the start line of their first half IM included getting through their VERY FIRST TRIATHLON EVER earlier in the season as part of their preparation. Many gals started with a sprint distance, built up to an Olympic distance and before they knew it, they were ready for their half IM!

It's always good to throw in some "fun" races to keep your season interesting....don't be fooled - that gal leading the pack in the black headband is the 60-year+ member of the Reds. No Mercy that one! She won her age group more than several times this year.....you go girl : )

.....of course, the most important part of The Reds is the friendships : ) "The best measure of the journey is the friendships, not the miles".