Brenda Herrington

Talk about an off the wall path. Even though Brenda has always been an athletic person especially during high school and some college, it was unfortunate that, like many others her age, she was plagued with cigarette addiction. Finally setting her mind to it, she quit, and was committed to not gaining weight. So, the gym and more outside activities filled her day. How ironic that many people I’ve met during this time are so awesome and such great friends and Christians. I just can’t resist to say that, ‘it all happens for a reason’.

As many triathletes find, each level of competition brings on new challenges. Not only in our races, but also in our daily lives. I find myself making new goals (or revising) each time I progress. Support from our teammates makes this all possible.

During this last tri season, I raced in the Greenwood, SC half ironman distance. In the final leg of the run portion a person caught up to me and started running with me. He had the FCA jersey and could have left me at my comfort speed but didn’t. He coached me to a great finish. 7th overall for the women I believe and a PR for sure. I then really need to get some food in me and low and behold, another person I ended up speaking with was an FCA member. I say this to mention that during my Great Floridian experience, I came across a person in the final leg of the run kind of in his own zone as well like my prior race. He and I ran together for about 5 or so miles. His goal was a sub 12 hr. Amongst all that we talked about, he kept repeating ‘ I can walk tomorrow’.

I’d like to say that it was my plan to pay it forward the support and kindness the FCA person had done for me prior, but it wasn’t. But it was my intention to keep his mind occupied and keep him going. About 3 miles left, I was still feeling good, it was evident he was as well, and he told me to go on because I had a faster pace than he. After I crossed the finish line, it was not much longer after that he came across as well. Several minutes before the 12 hr. mark. I saw him, as he was finding his wife, and he introduced me as the person helping him achieve. Now, you know who was watching over us!

I’m not really that talkative, but I do have a few others similar to the one above. I just can’t resist to say that, ‘it all happens for a reason’.

Just days after this, Mike Roby approached me about a team. I’ve known him for a few years now. Now, here we are. We’ve got our FCA Endurance – South Metro Atlanta in action.

My biggest supporters all time: My husband, Mark, and daughter Lindsey. Who I might add are also achieving athletes. I am so fortunate to have them.

Brenda's Athlinks page: http://www.athlinks.com/myresultsadv.aspx?rid=35535097