From left to right, first row: Amy Wiley, Anita Goodwin, Tracey Reynolds

Second row: Kainne Dokubo, LaVica Edwards, Judi Winbush, Charlotte Robinson

Third row: Mary Joy Iheanacho, Katrina Simon-Agolory, Karen McClerkin, Jacqueline Flowers, Valerie Hepburn, Valerie Hepburn’s friend.

Katrina Simon-Agolory, 36

Managing Consultant – Stone Mountain, Ga.

Captain – TRIumphant ATLadies

We were a very unlikely group of aspiring triathletes: Over half the team, including myself, did not know how to swim! Over half of the team members did not own a bike. Several of us were totally inactive prior to training for the triathlon. We held a kick-off meeting in February and diligently began our training. Over the course of the proceeding months, we learned how to swim, bought bikes, ran countless miles, and most importantly cheered each other on. We held team meetings monthly, alternating between face-to-face meetings and online meetings, met for group workouts several times a week, and encouraged each other daily via our GoogleGroup. At some point, I heard every team member share that she would have given up had it not been for the partnership with the other sisters on the team. We needed each other to be successful.

“As you face your fears and embrace a seemingly impossible task, the woman who completes the journey as she crosses the finish line is stronger, more confident, and more inwardly beautiful than the woman who began the journey.”

 

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Jacqueline Flowers, 46

IT Project Manager – Snellville, Ga.

I have been afraid of the water for years and never took any lessons. To do this race, I had to learn how to swim. I started taking lessons in March, in April, and again in August. I was still afraid of the water, but I just prayed about it, made a decision to do the best I could, and asked God for the strength to finish. I have become excited about working out again and am training for another triathlon in May, with some of my teammates. I am working out three times a week and kept up my swimming. There are several women from church who also want to train for the next Ramblin’ Rose. We’ve encouraged those who can’t swim, or run, or bike, to put together a team and train. Many of the women are motivated to start a fitness program and get in shape. Even some of the pre-teens are encouraged to start fitness programs.

 

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LaCreacia Lynn Smith, 45

Senior Manager – Lawrenceville, Ga.

Spiritually I learned to never doubt myself. Also that having a group of spiritual women supporting you makes you not want to give up. Several times I wanted to quit, especially in the beginning because I didn’t have a bike or a swimming suit. Initially I was willing to lose $90, but something inside of me told me to not give up. It also helped that we had a leader, “Kat,” that was quite relentless and always communicated. She knew the right times to meet and when to send out updates. 

 

“I want to participate in the next Ramblin’ Rose and improve my time. I’ve already purchased a road bike, increased the number of laps I’m swimming, and am running farther than I used to.”

 

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“The volunteers were amazing.”

Amy Wiley, 35

Administrative Assistant – Atlanta, Ga.

My friend Katrina Simon-Agolory asked a bunch of us if we’d be interested and I immediately said yes because I was into watching “The Biggest Loser” and had just seen how two of the heaviest contestants finished the marathon and went on to win as the last two contestants on the show. It would give me a reason to make healthier and more active choices in my life.

“I was the last person on the course and therefore had volunteers riding and walking with me and inspired me to keep going and not quit! Having everyone stop what they were doing, even those walking to their cars to leave, to cheer me on was the most amazing thing I’d ever experienced.”