If you’ve ever wanted to take part in a triathlon, now’s your chance.
Oxford resident Sharon Spencer is forming a Michigan team to race in the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series in Chicago on July 13.
Danskin is an fitness, dance and yoga apparel company that sponsors the triathlon that uses the motto ‘the woman who starts the race is not the same as the one who finishes it.?
The triathlon is comprised of a half-mile swim, 12.4 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.
Sally Edwards, who Spencer calls a ‘triathlon pro,? is the spokesperson for the race and asked her to put together a Michigan team.
‘I’m hoping it’ll attract women who are like ‘hey, I wanna go do something for me? and be able to pass on what a difference it’s made in my life,? Spencer said.
Spencer, mother of three and wife of Addison Twp. Fire Chief George Spencer, admitted that she was an ‘overweight, channel surfing mom? before she got involved with the Danskin triathlon four years ago.
‘I’ve lost 60 pounds and I can now keep up with my kids,? she said.
Although the triathlon is a race, Spencer stressed that it’s not your typical ‘dog-eat-dog? kind of environment.
‘This series is a girlfriends race where everyone encourages and inspires each other across the finish line,? she said. ‘Many finish hand in hand amidst hugs and tears.?
Close to 5,000 women usually participate in the second largest triathlon in the country, and come from all ages, shapes and sizes.
It’s structured for both first-time and veteran triathletes.
Women interested in joining Spencer’s Michigan team will have to participate in a 10-week training program in and around town.
On Mondays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning April 28, biking will be done at Stony Creek Metropark, running on the Polly Ann Trail and swimming at the Oxford High School pool.
‘We’ll start with the basics of heart-zone training and go through all three of the disciplines, nutrition and other aspects of triathlon racing,? she said.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Michigan team for the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series, register at www.danskin.com or contact Sharon via e-mail at chiefspencer@sbcglobal.net.