The Essay

New triathlete meets challenges, savors success her own way

By Deb Pyne-Young

Deb Pyne-Young is 51, a nurse-educator and lives in Gray. She continues with Aquasize, Nordic walking and biking, and looks forward to snowshoeing this winter.

As I rounded the embankment on the shore of Casco Bay to approach the fi nal section of the TriForaCure women’s triathalon, I dug deep inside to jog the last part. The cheering began and I heard my name over the loudspeaker. Supporters began “high-fiving” me. One woman caught my eye and said, “You are my inspiration!”

Me? Inspiration? I was nearing completion of one of the hardest things I have done in years. I was a middle-aged, plus- sized woman with age and injury-related aches and pains. It had been almost three hours since I started the event and I was at the back of the pack. Inspiration?

Yet, crossing the fi nish line and getting the medal was my ultimate goal, and I felt a surge of elation as I did so. Never mind I was second to last. The personal victory was sweet.

And as I reflect on the process and what I gained, it was worth it. Once I registered for Maine’s first all-women triathlon a benefit for the Maine Cancer Foundation that began and ended at the Southern Maine Community College campus - I read a book to get a feel for “training.” It seemed simple to implement. However, it was more challenging than I ever anticipated.

I began training in March. I had a persistent, chronic knee problem, slowing my intentions. Work and family obligations took priority at times. But I kept at a regular exercise routine, four to five times a week, for 30-60 minutes, depending on time demands, initially walking and exercising in a pool. I walked longer and faster, adding a light jog when I could (what I called “wogging”). I enjoyed Nordic walking (with poles) to take stress off my lower joints and intensify the upper body and cardiac workout. My favorite workout was Aquasize, in a pool, where working against water in a low-impact way produced great results, especially the core muscles (stomach and back). I also swam 10-12 laps for the upper body.

In spring, getting on my old bike after a lengthy absence was a blast. I started with 30 minutes and got up to 60 minutes, covering more distance over time. I chose two scenic, lakeside routes to enhance the enjoyment and bought snazzy bike gloves as I began to feel more “athletic.” I trained alone, enjoying the solitary concentration after a busy work day. Family and friends supported my efforts with encouragement and donations to the cause.

This was my first experience alternating, and then combining, three types of exercise. It was a struggle some days, yet provided a sense of accomplishment and pleasure when I saw it through.

I gently pushed to overcome barriers and fears. An old injury to my right knee flared with the extra work I put in, and pain radiated in the leg when I tried open, colder water in the lake and ocean in June. A wetsuit was recommended, but my search to rent one was unsuccessful due to the popularity of the event. Organizers suggested I switch to what they called the duathlon, an alternate for those who cannot or do not swim, adding an extra run portion in place of it.

On that perfect Aug. 9 day, I “wogged” the first 1.5 miles as fast as I could (the replacement for the swim), transitioned to the 12-mile bike ride, and finished last three miles wogging - to earn the medal on the pink ribbon.

I measure my success in this way: I learned about my body and where it is at this point. I could have been disappointed with the knee pain and my body’s imperfections as I trained, but I realized it was simply showing its age and use, and that it still would respond to efforts for improvement.

I am stronger, more flexible and have more stamina. I can lift my bike up on the car rack myself. I sit straighter and taller. I have less pain. I feel more cheerful. My legs looked better in shorts this year. I have definition in my shoulders. I had part in a cause to celebrate loved ones who have been touched by cancer, for their victory or in their memory.

I encourage women to find a way to challenge themselves in an environment that supports personal goals for health and fitness. Though it was a race, I felt supported to do my own personal best and reach the goal of crossing the finish line in my own time and fashion.

So perhaps, in some small measure, I can be inspiration to someone else, because I know it can be done.