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TRIgirl of the Month — Sandy Lawson

When you started in TRIgirl: Feb. 2008

Why you TRIgirl: I got tired of getting injured from running long distances, so I decided to start triathlons to give my joints a break. Certainly, I could have figured out tri’s on my own, but I knew I would be better equipped with training from a group. TRIgirl has helped me learn about all the details of triathlon races far beyond what the typical newbie would know, plus the fun that comes with the camaraderie! Plus, I’ve been running faster than I ever have before with all the great cross-training and without all the mileage. I wouldn’t push myself if it wasn’t for my fellow TRIgirls to keep me going!

Your favorite part of a triathlon: The best feeling is when the swim portion is over! I’m still trying to work out my fears of the swim, so having that part done is such a relief and I know that I have a great “warm-up” completed going into the rest of the race. Other big notable faves are the feelings of joy & accomplishment at the end of the race and being a spectator for fellow racers and listening/comparing race experiences!

Your family (or with whom do you reside?): My loving family consists of my husband, Phil; daughter, Anna (4 years old); son, Trevor (almost 2 years old); & dog, Baxter (6 years old)

TRIgirl Dates to Remember

Don’t forget August 24th at 7 a.m. TRIgirl Training will host a flat changing clinic at West Creek in the TRIgirl Parking lot. Be a girly girl with moxie and change your own flat! You wouldn’t want a flat to spoil your race. It’s not as hard as it looks, and it gets easier each time you do it. Bring your bike and plan to do it, not just watch. We’ll have lots of folks helping, veteran tire changers and coaches alike.

August 30th, also at 7 a.m. we will have a transition clinic for any first time triathlete or anyone else competing in Fall races who want to brush up on their skills or shave some time off.

Clinic will include the basics as well as pointers for improving transitions. Each participant will leave with a checklist for the night before the race, and race morning.

Sarah Robinson and Kelly Hadiaris celebrating after the I Love the Tavern Triathlon.. It was Sarah’s first race, and she competed in a relay. Many more to come, Sarah!

August Birthdays

2 Jennifer Thakkar &

Susan Pollard

6 Holly Olson

3 Aimee Fassy

8 Sharon Darby

15 Karen Meister

21 Karin Nelson

22 Kathleen Martin

27 Dawn Quicke

30 Jennifer Schooler

31 Elizabeth Peebles

Here’s the gang, right before the Charlottesville Olympic Race. Notice the TRIgirl Support Crew?

What do you do for work? I work full-time as a homemaker and part-time at the Tuckahoe YMCA as a fitness instructor.
The best meal you cook: Thai Glazed Chicken Wraps – This is a Rachael Ray recipe. It’s my favorite summer meal since the wraps are lettuce leaves that offer a burst of crunchy freshness with warm chicken and veggies tucked inside. Yum-o!

What you'll be seen wearing most frequently: workout clothes or other casual clothing from H&M, Old Navy, Gap, or Ann Taylor Loft

Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13. This verse gets me through all my races.

What are you reading now? Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas; endless piles of magazines like Shape, Cooking Light, Real Simple, Parenting

Current favorite CD or IPOD download: It’s sad that I’m stuck listening to Barbie & Veggie Tales music all the time, along with the bickering of whose turn it is to listen to which one next. Plus, I can’t listen to music while I work out since the ear buds never stay in place. But on the off chance I have time to hear something of my own, I do like 80’s music, musical soundtracks, U2, Dixie Chicks, and any other catchy pop songs you can sing your heart out to.

Something you have accomplished in your life that you thought you could/would have not been able to do: Completing the Richmond marathon in 2005 and my 2 triathlons so far in 2008. Also bringing in 2 wonderful children into this world, one of them naturally, is not just an accomplishment, but a miracle.

Your indulgences: Brownie a la mode (my perfect brownie is a corner piece for that balance of hard and soft yumminess), Oreo milkshakes, any fruit smoothie/mixed drink

Goals for next season: I’d like to get a PR in a sprint distance and hopefully place higher in my age group. I’m also shooting for my first Olympic distance triathlon too.

Favorite race and why: Any race with good crowd support and good post-race food! So I like any TRIgirl race (TRIgirls always rock with spirit!); the Cul-de-sac 5K series, which is a fast and flat race in the evening with spectators spraying you down with hoses/sprinklers and Papa Johns pizza & Oreos at the finish; and the Richmond marathon for constant spectators’ support and junk food stops (I had a Krispy Kreme doughnut early into the race and thought it was a bite of heaven!) Can you tell that training makes me hungry all the time? I believe I earn my food rewards at the finish of every race!

TRIgirls Win Spirit Award at The Tavern Race

Congratulations to all of the TRIgirls who raced at the I Love the Tavern Triathlon in July. Thanks to you and your awesome team spirit, we won the Great Ball of Fire Award Spirit Award .

You thanked the volunteers. You supported your teamates. You rocked the course. You cheered for others (TRIgirls and not). You inspired others. You set a great example. You smiled. And, most of all, you had fun.

In addition, a huge congratulations to all the girls who placed today, and brought home hardware. Amy Ford first Place for Rookie Racer -- Can you believe this was her first triathlon??? Go Amy!!! Megan Lankford came in 2nd in her age group, Patty Hill came in 3rd & Jackie Rice also came in 3nd in her age group. New Trigirl Mary Buchanan won the Newton running shoes! What an excellent day!!!