Northwoods Triathlon 2008 includes two teams sponsored by The Center for Weight Management

BY LIZ SHAW

Yes, Michael Phelps caught the world's attention for his outstanding accomplishments at the 2008 Olympic Summer this week. Sporting an array of medals, his feat puts him in a class above all others.

Locally, there were stories playing out at the Northwoods Triathlon in Nevis. Although the world probably won't hear about them, their accomplishments are equally life-changing, courageous, and inspiring.

The Center for Weight Management sponsored two teams for the Northwoods Triathlon in Nevis including (from left) Vicki Bedford, Janel Stewart, Cathy Hensel, Barb Ramstorf, Connie Nygaard, and Janell Bruggeman.

There is growing circle of athletes within The Center for Weight Management of Park Rapids that are proud to bear this year's participation medal. As individuals and team members, they swam, biked, and ran their hearts out. Some did so for the first time, others took a second crack at it. Even others came back to do all three legs of the race.

There was a lot of hooting and hollering going on at the finish line as their stories played out. Hugs and heartfelt congratulations marked a stark contrast to the whispers of insecurities and pre-race jitters heard at the race start.

"It felt so great receiving our medals on Saturday," says Janel Stewart, who rode for team "Stickin' With It." She, Barb Ramstorf, and Vicki Bedford finished 13th out of 14 teams.

"Never in my entire life did I think I would be able to accomplish a leg of a triathlon, those words seemed so out of reach," Stewart says. "We accomplished something I never, ever, would have considered just a short time ago. Being in a triathlon has given me new hope. I feel a renewed surge of energy in my physical, mental, and emotional areas of my life."

She sends kudos to a supportive family who kept her supplied with water, pace setters, and cheerleaders. "I couldn't have done it without them."

She also thanks Leah Walters, Bariatric Coordinator for The Center (a service of St. Joseph's Area Health Services and Innovis Health Park Rapids) for convincing her to join a team.

Well, she really said, "Caught me at a weak moment," but the outcome was as effective.

The Center for Weight Management focuses on weight loss and improved health through a variety of options including weight loss surgery and non-surgical methods. A team of professionals follows individuals throughout the process which includes follow-up and support. Changing eating habits and taking on health lifestyles for life are among The Center's goals. Walters, no doubt, is a key motivator to that end, but, as she sees it, motivation is a two-way street.

"I get weepy when I see the accomplishment in the eyes of these women," Walters confides. "I always remember how they felt before their weight loss; with painful joints and some with broken spirits. We are here to coach, motivate, and educate, but they have to look inside and decide which path they are going to take. I am inspired by these women every day."

Two teams represent The Center for Weight Management this year. In addition to "Stickin' With It," a threesome consisting of Connie Nygaard, Cathy Hensel, and Janell Bruggeman made up "Back For More."

Nygaard returned for a second chance at the swim. This year, the giant orange balls marking the course on Lake Belle Taine didn't seem quite as daunting. In a tri-euphoric state, Nygaard says the quarter-mile swim was awesome. "I felt better than last year, and I know how much exercising and being active is so important to keep the weight off. Plus, it makes you feel so much better." She took two and a half minutes off of her time from last year and plans to go again next year: perhaps to do an entire triathlon on her own. "That whole weekend was a blast!"

Hensel wasn't so sure she was ready for a return bike ride this year and initially asked Walters if her "back-up" was set to go.

"What back-up?" Walters responded.

(It's true what they say about Walters' encouragement style?)

Hensel did complete the 14-mile ride and fought for her time which helped her team make a 12th-place finish.

Two to compete on last year's team turned out as individual competitors this year. Lisa Schneider rallied to the finish line in less than two hours. Her cousin, Hannah Gurno, kept a smile going until her job was complete. Linda Hanson also gave a strong performance with "Team Hanson."

Walters wouldn't ask anyone to do something she would not do herself. She also recruits her own family members and co-workers into participating. The "Blonde Ambition Trio," which included Walters, Dawn Pappas, and Jean Greseth took the female relay gold with a finish of 1:17:33.

The "Wonderful Walters Women" were spurred on for a fifth place spot. Fellow employees, "Leah's Former Friends," including Amy Erickson, Arlys Hess, and Cynthia Rooney got in on the action to make it in the top ten.

Walters says everyone should watch for next year's all-male team.

In looking to next year, Bedford asked Stewart if she would be willing to do the triathlon again next year, she didn't hesitate to say yes. "But I do have a couple of months to back out, right?"