Why We Tri-ed!
 Six women, six different stories, one common goal: the drive to complete a triathlon.
In March 2007, Kerri Shannon, Christine Geisler Ziegler, Elaine DiDario, Wendy Carpenter, Cheryl McKenna, all of Basking Ridge and Lisa Brown
of Far Hills joined the Somerset Hills YMCA Triathlon Club and
successfully completed the Danskin Women’s Triathlon & Expo and the
Skylands Triathlon & Duathalon.
Competing in the areas of swimming, running, and biking, all of the women competed as first-time tri-athletes. Some had previous athletic training, others only had basic exercise experience. Each woman began training with different motivations to compete in the race but ultimately found the encouragement and comfort of one another.
DiDario finished first place in the mixed-age group of 339 women and 44th out of 1307. She is thankful for the support she received from family and friends in preparation for the race.
“I had the help of Donna Mallery, who also gave her time selflessly in conjunction with the Somerset Hills YMCA,” said DiDario. “I can’t thank her enough for her time, advice, information, direction and mock tri at Copper Springs, which was a great big help, especially in transition. The YMCA has just outdone themselves with a no-fees-attached, grass-roots, extremely supportive team who organized weekly swims, bike rides and so much more … The anxiety about the race turned into encouragement, camaraderie, excitement and I was ready.”
Carpenter felt privileged to have been a participant in the Danskin event and member of the YMCA triathlon club. The experience made her realize that the event meant more than just “results and times.”
“The companionship, camaradie, support and encouragement that I experienced while training for the Danskin Triathlon over the past five months has been incredible,” said Carpenter. “All of the people from the Somerset Hills YMCA have gone out of their way to teach us, comfort us and at times, coddle us. This was so much more than a race; it was a bonding experience.”
McKenna found the experience just as rewarding.
“Thanks to all (Donna, Sue, Karen, Ann) you have been extraordinary, going above and beyond the call of duty in and out of the Y and for generously giving your time to all of us …” said McKenna. “My journey took me across the finish line 49 lbs. lighter with a time of 1:48. This has been a life-altering experience for me. I cannot thank you all enough for your contagious enthusiasm and continued encouragement. After 47 years, I found out who I am, and I like me. I cannot wait to take another Cheryl over the finish line with me next year.”
For more information on the wellness programs available at the Somerset Hills YMCA, please contact Sue Diebold at (908) 630-3522.
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