W(h)en Cat Ran (aka, Wendy, Caitlin, Randy)

RTB introduces some of our fun, athletic and enthusiastic team members...

When Cat Ran, everybody knew it . . . cause we’re loud. Or, at least, two of us are. Randy’s always trying to shush us. . . but he’s seldom successful. For those of you in swim class with us, I apologize if Caitlin’s ever splashed you while aiming for me (Stephanie). Our enthusiasm is sometimes not viewed as such by others.

So, here’s the story of this mighty trio. Caitlin and I started our first tri season three years ago after our boss’ wife did Seafair the previous year. Caitlin was a runner, I was a cyclist. We figured, what are two more disciplines each? And if Diane could do it, so could we. Oh, by the way, have you met us? We’re a little competitive. Or so we’re told.

We had attempted to get together a group of friends to run together. Our plan was to do a running event once a month and eventually work our way into triathlons. Our team was called the “Belles of Beersville” (we’re in the alcohol industry – go figure). But somehow, everyone kept dropping off, not showing up to the races, etc. Only Caitlin and I stuck it out. Or maybe only Caitlin and I could put up with each other. Whatever.

Then last year we somehow convinced Randy to join us. He went for his first run with us on a “business trip” in Vegas. Who runs in Vegas? Well, we did for an hour and Randy has stuck with us ever since.

At the end of tri season, Caitlin and I again talked Randy into doing something crazy. For my 40th I wanted to run a marathon. Caitlin had run Dublin Marathon for her 30th, so I was already behind her (not that I’m competitive). So, since we were a team, Randy should also do the marathon with us. He reluctantly agreed. We trained through the winter for the Arizona Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. Nothing like running in 30 degree weather in the rain for 20 miles! Pure bliss.

The three of us completed the marathon on January 13th. Unfortunately, we broke Randy in the process. He ended up with a stress fracture and took months to recover. He’s back racing again but has decided not to let Caitlin and I talk him into any more of our craziness. So, Caitlin and I are training for our first ½ Ironman (Troika on August 3rd) and Randy has decided to stick with the Sprint and Olympic distance races.

So, that’s our past and present. Now for the future . . .

When Caitlin and I raced at the Moses Lake Tri on June 7th, Sister Madonna was racing, too. For those of you who don’t know who Sister Madonna is, she’s a 78 year old nun that races in triathlons. And not just any triathlons, she’s completed several Ironman events!!! And she only began racing in her 50’s. Pretty impressive. So, we now have a new role model and that got us to thinking. When Caitlin is 70 and I’m 79, we’ll finally be in the same age group (the 70+ group) AND we’ll be able to FINALLY medal! I can just picture it . . . We’ll have our aerodynamic walkers with our space age tennis balls and we’ll be fighting it out ‘til the end.

So, that’s our story. When Cat Ran. We love being part of the team and we love it when the race is OVER! And it’s time to start planning our next event . . .