Julie Tay-Peatz

"Although I have always considered myself to be a relatively active person, I struggled with chronic back pain for over a decade. This condition left me in a depressed state of mind and always falling short in my ability to be all that I can be. In January, I finally had some control over the pain, and I decided to start training for a triathlon. I found a training plan online, and with a good friend and my rescue dog as my motivators, I started training for my very first triathlon. On June 25, 2006 I finished my first Olympic distance at the very back of the pack with a huge smile on my face and the greatest sense of accomplishment I have ever had. My continue motto at this point is “Upright and Smiling”, I have loved every minute of training I have done and I hope that I will be able to motivate others as well. "

This kind of story just makes our day, and makes all the work we put into the race worthwhile. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing your story, and congratulations on your first triathlon - way to go!