I never understood how important a tribe was, UNTIL I found my tribe.
Tribe: social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader.
My journey evolved over 15 years as an age group triathlete. I always trained and raced with a few local friends and family members. In early 2018, I found myself injured and in PT to address a hamstring issue. This is when my PT suggested I join our local triathlon club. I followed his advice and met some of the most amazing people one could ever meet! They support one another in races and helped guide me with my first two IM 70.3 races.
Little did I know something was missing.
While spectating at Ironman Chattanooga 2019, I was cheering on the lead female, IRACELIKEAGIRL leader Angela Naeth. I knew nothing of IRACELIKEAGIRL, but the name perplexed me. Racing like a girl sounded fun and something to be proud of. When I returned home, I researched it and instantly knew I wanted to be part of IRACELIKEAGIRL. Angela welcomed me and the rest is history.
The missing piece was no longer missing. I connected with the girls through social media and virtual rides on Zwift. We would chat about our families, relationships, and goals in sport. Every single girl that I have met is another cheerleader in my tribe. Over the summer a group of us met up for an event, that our coach put together in Georgia, and it was like finding long-lost sisters.
I was one of the very few lucky athletes to race an Ironman in 2020. I took the privilege serious and will forever be grateful for the experience. The support, months leading up to the race, was something you just cannot come up with the words that can explain it. As I was walking to the swim start, I was surprised by two of my girls that drove hours to come cheer me on. There were family members and other members of my tribe scattered around the race course. I say this with great passion in my statement: it is because of my tribe that my race was one of the best days of my life!
I am proud to say IRACELIKEAGIRL and together, we are one strong tribe!