Going the Distance
Nicole Cueno, YWCA of Minneapolis Women’s Tri Race Director& Endurance Sports Coordinator. ncueno@ywcampls.org
Endurance and multi-sport events are popping up and grabbing our attention across the region, and so are the women who are choosing to participate in them. Tackling these sports in larger numbers every year, women from diverse backgrounds and with varying experience, share what brings them to these increasing popular events and why they choose to keep on racing. Here are a few women who have inspired us with their journeys. As part of their journeys, Becky, AnnLiv and Carol have each participated in the YWCA Women’s Triathlon, which is Minnesota’s only all-women’s triathlon and focuses on celebrating the strength in all women. The event provides extra support for beginners, a free training plan and tons of classes to get participants ready to tackle multi-sport events. Last year alone, more than 200 women over the age of 50 participated in the triathlon. The determination and resolve of these and so many more women truly inspires us as they line up to participate in endurance and multi-sport events across the region. 12 www.midwestevents.com
Becky Roloff
“set your own goal... finish with dignity” Becky Roloff, YWCA of Minneapolis President and CEO, has competed in all seven YWCA Women’s Triathlons and plans to compete in the 2015 event. Although Becky did not grow up playing organized sports, being active has been an important part of her life. “Athletics are new for me. I always worked out, and I loved to swim. Graduating from high school in 1972, the year Title IX was passed, I never participated in girls’ sports because that opportunity was not available. If there had been girls’ sports in high school, I might have joined the swimming team. I was blessed with a lot of stamina but not very good coordination.” When asked what motivated her to sign up for her first-ever triathlon, Becky noted that she wanted to set an example. “I thought if the YWCA was going to ask other women to consider this, then what was my excuse for not trying it.” As most first-time triathletes experience during training, Becky encountered setbacks. However, instead of being deterred, she used them