“In 2011 my Mom asked me to participate in a Ramblin’ Rose triathlon for the first time and, though I had never done a triathlon before, I felt that I could do it with the motivation of my Mom next to me the whole way!”
Rachel Hodges, 28 | Florence, SC| Medical Surgical Technician at McLeod Regional Medical Center
We have since than completed two Ramblin’ Rose events side-by-side! It’s a good break and a refresher from the half marathons we run together! I was signed up to compete in the 2012 Ramblin’ Rose event but broke my ankle and had surgery just a month before the race. I was on crutches come race day and couldn’t race. By training and working hard I was motivated to come back this year stronger than ever and show others that even when you are down and weak you can get back on your feet and cross that finish line!
Coming up to the Ramblin’ Rose Chapel Hill Triathlon this year, my mom and I did not train as much as we would have liked and were both uneasy about the upcoming race. We encouraged each other through EVERY step of the three-part race and found our strength in each other. As we crossed the finish line my mom’s face lit up with joy and it hit her that she not only finished the triathlon but she “beasted” it!
The most supportive people when it comes to training for me are by far my parents! My mom’s strength and motivation is what I strive for everyday and my dad’s determination and positive attitude to always get out and run has always been admiring to me. They encourage me to always do my best and tell me it’s ok when I don’t hit my goal but to be proud of myself and to look at how far I have come!
My main goal for 2017 is to find the positive light in every situation. My race goals for 2017 are to complete the Rock ‘n Roll Raleigh 5k and Half Marathon, my third Ramblin’ Rose Triathlon, and the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas 5k and Half Marathon!
<Photo by Tamara Lackey Photography>
