Dancer to IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlete

by Laura Gagnon

My athletic background is that of a professional dancer. I danced for Martha Graham Dance Company based out of NYC while in my 20's. We toured the world with a very athletic and physical repertoire. I loved the physicality and challenges that came with competing to get and then keep my dance position (and new roles) in the company. I eventually stopped dancing at that level and continued my education as a physical therapist. My husband and I adopted twins in my forties and I found myself stressed and really not that athletic anymore. I began running 1 mile a few times a week for stress relief and made a goal of running the Peachtree Road Race (a 10k in Atlanta) that I had done in my forties just with a friend.

At the Peachtree, my sweet sister in law Jen Horvath (who also completed the IRONMAN 70.3 in Augusta this year- her 5th half iron distance triathlon) suggested I might like to TRI a triathlon! She traveled from Atlanta to do the Springbrook Sprint Triathlon with me 6 years ago. I was hooked! Since I grew up swimming and skiing in a lake I was comfortable in the water. I traded my mommy bike with a toddler seat on the back for a road bike a week before my first triathlon (Springbrook). I saw this new endeavor as a health choice - both physical and mental. READ MORE