MELINDA HENNE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Triathletes Name: Melinda Henne Age Group: 40-44 Country: USA
Favourite Distance: Olympic Time in Sport: Hours per week: 6-8
Best Results: Finishing DC Tri (Olympic) in 100 degree weather and 99% humidity just as the finish line was being taken down. Had to wring out the socks.
Additional Information: LtCol in USAF, Full time OBGYN
How did you get started in Triathlon? I volunteered at a race start and was so inspired
by the women racing. I did body marking for ages 14-72. All kinds of shapes and sizes of women made me realize I could do this.
Learn more about Melinda: Facebook
TRAINING AND RACING TIPS
Favourite Training Session: Fall. After triathlons are done, the chill in the air helps me
run faster and further to get me motivated for next year. It prepares me for a winter of strength training and spin classes.
Favourite part of a triathlon: The start line. Everyone is so anxious and excited. There is so much energy in the air.
What would you like to improve? Biking up hills. Keeping focused on the bike is also a challenge. I sometimes forget it’s a race and I start to daydream, but then I’m also enjoying the scenery.
Tips to stay motivated: I set a goal race that is a little intimidating. I train to avoid suffering through that race.
How important is confidence in your racing performance? At the beginning of each race, I wonder what I was thinking when I signed up and why am I out here. If I can avoid that early morning anxiety, I have a much better time enjoying the time on the course.
Time saving tips: Build it into your schedule just like you plan everything else. You have to take time for yourself. All those other “important” things will still be there waiting even if you have to put them off for a day.
Tips for improving: Swimming–remember to rotate your body. Biking–distract yourself
on hills and you’ll be at the top looking back before you know it. Running–Just try to see how far you can run. If you take a walk break, try to walk fast. Short, fast steps and NEVER land on your heal.
Racing Tips: Enjoy it. Think of it as just a long training session with a few hundred (or thousand) of your friends.
Future Goals: One day, I want to race in Kona.
Why should women participate in Triathlon? You can’t get bored when you train for multiple sports. If you’re not bored, you will keep exercising. Staying fit makes you better at everything else in your life. Other comments:YOU ALL ROCK!!
