Archive for August, 2010

MY DREAM CAME TRUE

It was my dream when I was a teen, 18 years old …. Wow I can’t even remember that, but for different reasons (study, work, money, etc) I couldn’t do it so the dream was sleeping for many years until 2008 when I decided to try to do the first triathlon. Because I’m coming from a very sporty background I told myself “You can do it”.

By September 2008 (my 34 birthday) I checked for races and started training. My first triathlon was a sprint Tri-a new-year in Broward and I finished 3rd in my age group. During the race an old man asked me: Is this your first TRI? I said Yes and he told me “This is addictive, you can’t stop doing it” He had more than 30 years racing!!!! He was right I’m in love with Triathlons and this love is bigger every year and every time I race.

When I started I set my goal “IRONMAN 140.6”. In the way I did some sprints, Olympics a ½ marathon and I’m getting closer, this year is the 70.3 (Miami Half Ironman 70.3) …What a big step!!! It’s hard but, I’m committed to get there and with the unconditional support of my family (my lovely wife and beautiful son) my coach “MAGUI” who always is there leading and helping me and of course ….my teammates from Star Endurance that push me to be better every time… I know that I can get there and FINISH STRONG.

My future plan is to return to the Triathlon all the happiness that it’s giving me during this time becoming a coach and to help others to achieve their goals and fell in love with this great sport. Like I always say “TRIATHLON is not just a sport is a LIFESTYLE”.

Thank you,

ANDRES M. PEREZ

In her own words…

Marie Lisette Flores, Star Endurance Athlete of the Month June 2010

“It all started back in 2005, when I decided to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 Mile Bike Tour.  So for the next five years, I would bike around 2 to 3 months before each MS Bike Tour.  Then, in February 2009, one of my friends asked me to join her to do the “She Swims/She Rides/She Runs, SheRoks Triathlon in Orlando, Florida.  Instantly, I fell in love with the idea, but at the same time, I just couldn’t picture myself doing all 3 sports the same day.  Even though, it would be a tough road ahead, the challenge was too much to let go.  So, May 10, 2009 arrived (by the way, Mother’s Day) and there I was doing my first Triathlon with the support of my husband and my daughter, and I must admit that at that point, I was hooked.  Since then, a year and one month have passed, and I have completed 5 Sprint Tris, 1 Olympic Tri, and “La Vuelta 2010 – the Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico – 375+ miles in 3 days).

Throughout this journey, I have had the blessing of meeting wonderful people, who have both inspired and encouraged me to take on my next challenge: The Ironman 70.3 Miami/October 30, 2010.  A half Ironman consists of Swimming: 1.2 miles = 1.9km, Biking: 56 miles = 90km, and Running: 13.1 miles = 21 km.  It is certainly a huge challenge for me to overcome, but then again, that has been the story of my life.

The greatest challenge I have had to face, however, has been fighting the relentless symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, a disease with which I was diagnosed back in February 1999. Let me share with you that it was not easy for the first six years after diagnosis, but this summer 2010 is “coincidently” my fifth year that I don’t get admitted to the hospital.  Maybe exercising has something to do with it, don’t you think? But above it all, I must confess to you that my deep faith in God is what gives me the strength to continue fighting, and not a day goes by without me thanking Him for my health.  So remember “IF LISETTE CAN, YOU CAN” and one day “MS” would stand only for the initials of my maiden name Marie Lisette Schnabel.”

Marie Lisette Flores

Star Endurance / TriJungle Athlete of the Month, June 2010.