Group Health staff members Wendy LaMorte (Administrative Center North in Spokane) and Julea Edwards (Group Health Medical Centers Everett clinic) have found their fitness groove while training for triathlons. They’ll each participate in one of this summer’s Group Health-sponsored triathlons:
- Danskin in Seattle on Aug. 14
- WunderWoman in Spokane on Aug. 21
- Trek in Seattle on Sept. 18
“In my 20s and 30s I was very active,” says Lamorte who enjoyed mountain biking, snow skiing, and inline skating. “But as I entered my 40s, I found I needed more motivation to maintain a fitness regimen—and a challenge, not only to keep me active, but to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” That’s what got her started training for a triathlon.
Lamorte points out that a strong athletic background isn’t necessary to participate in and be successful at a triathlon. “Just train slow and steady. Don’t worry about being fast,” she says. Training has helped her feel empowered and youthful. “We used to swim, bike, and run with our friends until our moms called us in for dinner. But we called it playing, not exercise. So now when I train or think of upcoming events, I remind myself that I am just having a little fun outside!” The WunderWoman will be Lamorte’s fifth triathlon this summer.
Julea Edwards has a different story. She’s battled alopecia since she was 8—a condition that caused her to lose all of her hair. In 2007 she was invited to do the Danskin Triathlon. “Initially, I thought I couldn’t do it. Not because of the fitness required but because I have alopecia and felt insecure about the swim and managing hair issues,” says Edwards. But after some soul searching, she overcame her insecurities and signed up. She’s now completed five triathlons.
“I am thrilled that Group Health proactively supports staff wellness. The new Group Health Fitness Network is fabulous and provides incentive and inspiration for all to get fit,” she says.
Lamorte and Edwards share these lessons, learned through their fitness journeys:
- Give your body time to get comfortable on a bike or swimming laps in a pool.
- Concentrate on doing your personal best.
- Train with friends or participate in the various triathlon workshops.
- Have a good attitude and make it fun.
- Take advantage of gyms close to where you work – or head outside for a quick run during lunch.
Registration is still open for the Danskin, WunderWoman, and Trek Triathlons and discounts are available for Group Health staff and members through the Group Health Fitness Network. Sign up today!
