The “Iron Nun”

“Iron Nun” Sister Madonna Buder is 88 years old and a multi-time triathlete.  Wow.  Just think about that for a minute.   In 2018, Scott Purks wrote that “she has competed in more than 340 triathlons and 45 full Ironmans, which require swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2-miles” (para. 7).  Again, wow.

I recently read the book, The Grace to Race: The Wisdom and Inspiration of the 80-Year-Old World Champion Triathlete Known as the Iron Nun by Sister Madonna Buder and Karin Evans.  As I read about her journey, her life, and how she has achieved so much and changed the world of triathlons, I can’t help to be in awe.   I see photos of her by those on the Women for Tri facebook page at races such as Nationals that recently occurred in Cleveland, Ohio and think Go Sister!  She smiles in every photo, always has a kind word to say to fellow athletes, and looks like she is truly enjoying the journey.  I hope that I am able to still move as much as she does when I am her age!

In honor of her and everything she has accomplished, Nike created the “Unlimited Youth” two years ago featuring Sister Madonna Buder.  Check it out!

Inspiration is all around us and within us.  Some enter the triathlons for health, some do it for others, some do it for fun, and others do it for so many additional reasons.  No matter why you are entering or have entered the triathlon world, keep up the great work.  Talk to others about your journey, ask questions of those who have taken the journey ahead of you, and build camaraderie with your fellow athletes.  You may find someone who inspires you and you may find out later that you have inspired someone else.  Sister Madonna Buder is an inspiration to many and I am happy she decided to dip her toe into this world and allowed the world to get to know her.

My question to you is…Who is your inspiration and who do you hope to inspire?

References:

Purks, S. (2018, April 26). The Iron Nun still going strong at age 88.  Retrieved from http://www.tampabay.com/sports/2018/04/26/the-iron-nun-still-going-strong-at-age-88/.