Member Spotlight
Laura Pippitt
It’s only been a year since I moved here, but I just achieved something I never before dreamed of doing. With the help and support of so many people (especially several groups at this Y), I just completed my 1st triathlon. Here’s how it all started.
Last year, my husband gave me a bike for my birthday. As a family, we started riding the bike path. Before I knew it, we were riding to Bristol and back. Shortly thereafter, I learned the Y hosts a triathlon each year. I was intrigued, so I studied the distances. The swim didn’t scare me as was a competitive swimmer as a child. I had just biked 12 miles on the bike path and I figured I could walk/run 3 miles, if necessary.
Later still, I read the Y’s Program Guide and saw the Y was holding a training class for 1st time triathletes. I was intimidated to start training on my own, but as soon as the class started in April, I got motivated – quickly! But, with 2 young children and a husband who is starting his own business, finding time to train should not have been easy. It was with the help of the Y’s Prime Time childcare that this was possible.
The wonderful and very caring people in Prime Time supported my goal as I continued to train more hours each week. The amazing Mike and Cee Vallee worked diligently to educate, train and motivate us to keep going. All the ladies in my training group were so supportive of each other’s goals. My loving husband, Tom, understood and completely supported my journey in this athletic achievement. I will forever remember Tom and my children, Robbie and Ashley, cheering me on with “GO Mommy GO!” while jumping and smiling with such excitement. Even the lovely employees at the Y were thoughtful enough to ask me how it went after the race. I am truly thankful for all the support I have received.
Completing my 1st triathlon was truly one of the proudest moments of my recent past. It was so enjoyable that I’m looking forward to participating in the Bayside Triathlon on August 16.