Comments on: My Story: The Amazing Jody Kelly

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:52:59 +0000

Jody, I love the sport of triathlon and love that you continue to inspire everyone who know's you to reach out for new experiences and goals.

Looking forward to cheering you on and training with you for your 70.3.

Tri Always, Kim

By: Jody Kelly

Jody Kelly — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:23:26 +0000

Dear Readers,

Thanks for the additional comments. For me, one of the most important aspects of the triathlon community is that it shows me I'm not doing this difficult sport all by myself. You are my sisters, and we're in this together!

Tri love,

Jody

By: carol baker

carol baker — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:05:26 +0000

Wow! Your story has inspired me to continue on with triathlons. I did my first tri with Team in Training when I was 58, heavier than I'd ever been and out of shape. I was hooked and continued to do sprint distance for a couple of years. I was right there with you at the back of the pack – last or at least one of the last. I usually won medals but only because there would be a maximum of 3 in my age group.

2 things you said that resonated with me; you saying with emphasis but no disdain that you are SLOW.

I'm painfully slow and recently I have seen that as a reason to perhaps quit doing triathlons. Now I will continue to embrace my slowness! AND I will NOT continue to question whether or not to keep this up as I get older! I know how challenging it was to begin this journey at 58, starting as you did at age 69 is truly remarkable and inspiring. THANK YOU!

One more thing – 2 years ago, at age 61, Team in Training had an alumni group training for a half- ironman. It seemed totally out of reach but I wanted to train with the group to get stronger and see what I could do. I finished! It took me 9 hours (there was an 8 hour cut-off but I wasn't pulled off the course – and I wasn't the last one!)but I did it! And one of my friends commented that she can't even sleep for 9 hours!

So – you go girl! Enjoy your half and your status as a Half Iron Woman!! Thank you!!

By: Bob Brace

Bob Brace — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:59:53 +0000

Being a Cancer survivor at 56 and not running in 37 years.You give me much hope I will be in 4 sprint Tris this summer As a Livestrong leader in W MI.We need positive support in our area for survivors.You are showing the way for others.Keep It up Jody.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:33:45 +0000

JOdy – You are what kept me from giving up in my first tri training season last year! I couldn’t have overcome my fear of open water swimming if you weren’t in Lake P-ville every week. You are my inspiration.

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:12:46 +0000

Jody – you are so inspiring! Keep doing it!

By: Jody Kelly

Jody Kelly — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:53:26 +0000

Dear Readers,

Thanks for the comments! Isn't triathlon terrific? Hearing your stories inspires me to promise myself I'll keep on tri-ing as long as I can. And, Sandra, let's get those P-Ville swims going again soon!

Tri love to you all,

Jody

By: Lori Therrien

Lori Therrien — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:41:50 +0000

Go Jody!
I did a similar thing. Last year I turned 50 and gave myself the gift of better health. I trained and participated in my first Triathlon. Now I am hooked. I am definitely a multi-sport enthusiast now.

By: Genie

Genie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:59:12 +0000

Love it! I did my first tri last year at 62. Keep it up – you are an inspiration!

By: Martha Lebron-Dykema

Martha Lebron-Dykema — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:47:50 +0000

Jody, I am so happy to have followed you on the amazing race. When I say your grandma's tri harder t I began to cry. I too was a late comer to the sport of triathlon and was sad that my grandma never saw me race. I was secretly cheering you and your grand-daughter all the way. I would love to talk more with you. I fyou read this post please contact me by email at martha@firstrealtyhomes.com It would be my pleasure to call you a friend. Martha