No… I’m not talking waffles here (“leggo my eggo”- for those of you too young to remember… it was the classic EGGO waffle commercial). I’m talking about letting go of my ego.
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I am a mom, student working toward a Masters degree in Nutrition, and a triathlete. In college, I rowed and competed in rowing for about 10 years after college. This became very challenging, however, once my children took priority. A friend, Tom Trout, introduced me to the sport of triathlon and I fell in love. I have competed in 6-7 triathlons each summer for the past 5 years. It has given me a fantastic outlet for my competitive spirit, a great way to meet new friends and athletes, and has provided me with an opportunity to participate in something that keeps me healthy - mind, body and spirit. |
| Age: | 40 |
| Hometown: | Grand Rapids |
| What‘s your history? | I have raced numerous races throughout Michigan and typically place top 3 overall. I enjoyed a range of distances and disciplines from half-ironman to Xterra triathlons as well as mountain bike racing and running races. Some highlights in the past few years include 2 first place finishes overall at Reeds Lake Triathlon, 1st place finish at Johan's Trifest, first place finishes at Tri Del Sol (both duathlon and triathlon), 3rd place overall in Grand Rapids Triathlong half ironman distance (2011), and 3rd in my age group at Stealhead 70.3 (2011). |
| Tell us about a memorable race experience. | One of the most memorable race experiences was when I finished 2nd place to my older sister at Johan's Trifest a few years ago. I was not first out of the water, but by the end of the ride, I was in first place. My sister trailed me in both the swim and the ride. However, she is one of the strongest runners I have ever met. By mile 5 of the 6 mile run, she still hadn't caught me. I was now unsure if she would. However, with about 1/4 mile left to run, I heard very familiar footsteps behind me. I said, "Renee, that had better be you." She said, "You're killing me!" Then, she proceeded to pass me and in the end, she won by 8 seconds. She ran her fastest 10 K ever... all to pass her little sister. Afterward, we celebrated our top 2 finishes with hugs and congratulations. If I am going to see a first place finish go to someone else, it was great to see it go to my sister. She earned it! |
| What are 3 adjectives that describe your approach to your sport? | Enjoyment, passion, and glorifying God. |
| What are nutritional tips you use to gain optimum performance? | I am an avid believer in having a race nutrition plan that is practiced so you know how your body will respond. |
| Give us some inspiration! | I grew up with a mom disabled by Multiple Sclerosis. She was not able to do what I do. In fact, she was not able to do most of the mundane daily activities I take for granted. I learned early on that good health is a gift to be nurtured. I eat health and exercise because I know first hand that good health is not a given. We have the opportunity to take care of our bodies through healthy eating and regular exercise. Don't take your good health for granted. Get out and enjoy it. |
| What is your single most important goal this year? | Placing top 3 in the Grand Rapids half ironman triathlon |
| Complete this sentence: The thing I love most about competing is______________________. | the amazing feeling of accomplishment at the end of a race. |
Author Archives: Marie DershemThe Starting lineThere is nothing that compares to standing at the starting line. At the Borgess Half marathon last Sunday morning, I found my place near that pacer sign and took a deep breath.
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“When does this get fun?”My first real mountain bike ride was in the fall of 2009 when my loving husband took me to Yankee Springs to “teach” me how to mountain bike. For those of you with a partner, you may know how that went for us. It wasn’t pretty. Somewhere between complete frustration and blazing anger at him [...]
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I (almost) didn’t race the Barry RoubaixWe all get nerves about racing, right? I have raced a gazillion (not an exact count) times. Yet before every race, I go through that pre-race, second guessing about the wisdom of racing that builds as the race approaches. We all have our excuses… early season, late season, not ready, over-trained, cold weather, too hot, [...]
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Cross Country RollingWinter training is hard. There is no way around it.
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Urban stay-home-mom duathlon“What” you ask is the Urban Stay-Home-Mom Duathlon?
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It’s not in the genes…Who knew that when we took my daughter to the bike shop to look at mountain bikes we would leave the shop with a road bike…
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