Ascary Arias, 40, is originally from Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, in Mexico. He came to the United States when he was 17 and now lives in Pittsboro with his wife and four children. Arias runs a small nonprofit organization that he started in 2004 named Vidas de Esperanza. Vidas de Esperanza
- PHOTO CREDIT - Maggie Wendel for Tamara Lackey Photography Dan Lilley is a 40-year-old CAD technician from Bahama, N.C. At 34, he was a self-proclaimed “out of shape ex-athlete”with heart problems who took up running to improve his health. “I figured I’d turn things around,”says Lilley, “so I
Forty-three-year-old Raymond Dobson of Durham, North Carolina, started running when he was 9 years old. Since 2000, he has run at least four days every week and has completed nine marathons and many shorter races, including more than 50 5k’s. His most memorable experience as a runner was participating in
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
“I hadn’t ridden a bike outside since I was probably 12 years old and now I am hooked.” Stephanie Townsend, 40 Teacher - Charlotte, N.C. I am in LOVE with biking! My husband bought a bike and now we are riding together on weekends. I can’t
“I think it’s awesome to be a living example about fitness and eating healthy.” Melissa Peters, 36 Hospital Unit Secretary - Waxhaw, N.C. From April to September 2011, I lost 25 pounds with power walking and eating smart. I watched my younger brother do an Ironman and
Cassandra (Greene) Hanslip with her then fiance Hosea Hanslip. “If you want to try something new, what better environment could you find, than to be surrounded by all these courageous women?” Cassandra (Greene) Hanslip, 37 Claims Specialist - Charlotte, N.C. I chose to do Ramblin’
“Their cheers were so loud it gave me goose bumps.” Glenda Adams, 45 (right) iPhone Game Developer - Austin, Texas When I finished the bike course and started out on the run, the first 100 yards went by the outside of the pool building, where there were
From left to right, Kylie Shaw, Memory Gargiulo and Tiffany Gargiulo “Standing in line outside for the swim and watching the first women come by on their bikes was extremely emotional. Everyone I was waiting with started clapping and yelling words of encouragement.” Memory Gargiulo, 35 Qualified
From left to right, Gabriela Pacheco, Louise Davies, Taryn McNamee, Kathleen Dubois “Ramblin’ Rose has made me more committed to exercising regularly.” Louise N. Davies, 42 Paralegal - Advance, N.C. I can’t just choose one memorable experience because it would not be fair. It is
