I consider myself an adult onset athlete. While I was a cheerleader in my formative years, it wasn’t until college that I started running for exercise. Fast forward a few years to when some running friends challenged me to a triathlon event in Mt. Pleasant. I was in my late 20’s, felt confident in my running, and confident-ish that I could learn the other portions of the race, (swim and bike). That was back in 2009, when triathlon was experiencing a “hey day” of sorts, and communities were stumbling over themselves to host various distances of the sport. While I liked the race, I found it intimidating. There were people, mostly men, with all the fancy equipment and gear. In the community, the training groups were super competitive, and I always felt like an imposter, and didn’t belong. Nevertheless, I kept at it until we started having kids, and I took a brief hiatus.

 

The best part of that hiatus is in that time frame, a friend, Angela Klick, decided that the Charleston area needed a Womens-only short distance triathlon.  The goal was to help women feel more welcome to try a new type of race and keep them coming back with an encouraging atmosphere, nice swag, and a fun finish line party. She wanted women of all backgrounds and fitness levels to know they belonged. This is how She Tris was born and in 2016, 300 women ages 10 and up crossed the finish line at the I’On Club. I was one of those women, surprising myself with how much I enjoyed doing a race in my own neighborhood, and sticking around after to cheer on everyone crossing the finish line. Many of my neighbors had signed up to participate or volunteer.  Seeing familiar faces all morning was a really fun highlight. This had such an impact on me that in 2018 I joined up with Angi to help grow the event, community partnerships, and increase the number of women crossing our finish lines. 

In the last year we’ve experienced a good amount of growth, including branching into NC cities; but even with this growth, the I'On neighborhood will always be home. Home to me and to the “OG” She Tris event that is taking place for the 9th year at the I’On Club on May 17th. Participants will swim 200 yards in the I’On Club pool, then bike 9 miles on a two loop course from Civitas through Molasses Creek and on to River Reach. The triathlon culminates with a 2 mile walk or run down Eastlake and around the I’On lakes, finishing at the I’On Club parking lot. Neighborhood businesses like Community Table and O’Brion’s Pub continue to support our event every year, which means so much!

If you’ve ever wanted to participate, there are still spots available at shetris.com. I know without a doubt you’ll have an incredible time.  If you’re on the fence or just want to support, there are volunteer and sponsor opportunities available as well. You belong here.  At the very least, I highly encourage you to come out on your porch on May 17th if you’re on the run or bike route and cheer on these ladies. If you’re not on the routes, the Square in I’On is a great spot to watch the cyclists. I hope to see you there!