From Left to Right, Jennifer Schreck, Shelley Rainey, Holly Onachilla, and Julie Caperton
“I feel more in control, confident, and empowered.”
Holly Onachilla, 43
Sales – Charlotte, N.C.
After competing in my first triathlon I had a few friends who were interested in trying one. The Ramblin’ Rose triathlon seemed a perfect fit. The length of the race provides a challenge but not so much as to be insurmountable no matter what shape you’re in. I love that it’s an all-women event and the volunteers and cheering section can really inspire each athlete to dig deep. I was tired on the run and had just slowed down to walk when I heard this click, click, click noise. I looked up and saw coming up the road a young woman with a prosthetic leg running along with a smile on her face. I thought, “Well, if she can run then so can I.” It’s a moment I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
“I basically have a fear of water so every dip in the pool provides its challenges. I feel like each time I participate in a triathlon I’m gaining leverage on my fear and not letting it control me. It is still hard and makes for a tough first leg but I can’t imagine not doing it.”
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Jennifer Schreck, 38
Stay at Home Mom – Cornelius, N.C.
My “special lady friend” Holly Onachilla (pictured) inspired me to sign up for my first Ramblin’ Rose three years ago and we have done it together ever since. It is a fun event and I hope to finish many more. If you want to try something out of the box and truly push your limits into a new area of life this is the perfect race to get your feet wet. I have most enjoyed the time with my girlfriends training and on race day. It is a great feeling of accomplishment. I love having my husband and kids come to cheer us on! Our 8-year-old daughter has since completed the Huntersville Kids Triathlon Series for two summers in a row and I coached her Girls on the Run program at her school this past fall.
“I think training is a spiritual experience. It helps center me. I feel more in balance when I have a race ahead of me and I love the example it sets for our kids. It’s a way of life that I hope they come to appreciate and adopt for themselves.”
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“The Ramblin’ Rose distance makes it doable for anyone!”
Julie Caperton, 42
Investment Banker – Cornelius, N.C.
I love women-only events because of the support and camaraderie and thought that the Ramblin’ Rose would be a great event to do with friends. I tell everyone I know what a tremendous rush it is when you cross the finish line. It is a fantastic sense of accomplishment to have done something for yourself and by yourself. Competing in triathlons has given me new motivation to work out.
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Shelley Rainey, 39
School Psychologist for CMS – Cornelius, N.C.
Ramblin’ Rose appealed to me because of the feeling of connectedness to other females, many of whom work and live in the same community as you do. I love the thought of training with my friends and then being able to follow the experience through on race day. We all have such a good time. My husband and children are so supportive. In the past five years I have trained for and participated in two 70.3 Ironman events and two marathons. You train for hours for these type of events. The training would not be possible if you did not have a super support system behind you. My husband is always great about watching the girls while I go for a long run or bike. The moment I enjoy the most is right after the race, cheering others on and enjoying the day and the race with my friends and family.
“As a family, we live a healthy lifestyle. Ramblin’ Rose sets a great example in that so many mother-daughter teams participate in the event. It is great to see so many young women participating.”
