Now in its seventh year, the Ramblin’ Rose Women’s Triathlon continues to inspire women who have never done a triathlon to sign up and become a part of the Ramblin’ Rose phenomenon. As one participant said of Ramblin’ Rose, you sign up alone, but finish as a family. Anyone who has been to a Ramblin’ Rose would agree that there is no shortage of cheering families and spectators at the finish no matter what time you cross that line. I still remember the final finisher at Ramblin’ Rose Charlotte two years ago, inspired by the Spirited Cyclist bike team who rode by her every step of the way, in the pouring rain, as we all stopped and cheered. In this issue, we share even more inspiring stories of first-time athletes, cancer survivors, stay-at-home moms proving that there is more to life than “breakfast, hair and carpool,” and the amazing story of Janelle Tuck Hansberger, who fought for her life battling a deadly infection less than a year before finishing her first Ramblin’ Rose triathlon.
With all the fanfare of Ramblin’ Rose, it’s easy to miss the many inspiring stories of other great events like our Tar Heel 10 Miler. At last year’s race, a group of people joined together to run and support the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and celebrate the life of friend and sister Mary Claire Satterly, a 2002 UNC graduate who passed away in 2008, four days after her diagnosis with acute myelogenous leukemia. All in all, “Team MC” fielded 20 runners. This year, SPORToften.com has added group functionality to its registration process so anyone can join or form a group like Team MC. Just go to http://tarheel10miler.com/ and follow the links for registration.
Whether you’re a runner or a triathlete, spring is in the air and it’s time to tune up your bike at any of the great bike shops here in North Carolina. If you’re not a triathlete and are considering your first event, like the Ramblin’ Rose, our cycling columnist Victor Jimenez offers some great tips on buying your first road bike. If you’re not ready to buy a bike just yet, Victor offers some other great tips on how to ensure the bike you already have can be race-ready in just a few easy steps.
In addition to tuning up your bike this spring, be sure to tune up your legs. In Brian Schiff’s column “Fashion vs. Function,” he talks about the effects flip-flops and high heels have on your legs. As a die-hard flip-flop wearer, I’ll be sure to incorporate some of Brian’s exercises into my weekly routine!
As always, please check out our calendar and event previews for upcoming events and don’t forget to try another great Brandon McDearis recipe – spinach and arugula salad!
