Chicago Triathlon TEAM

Prior to 2011, Arlene had never considered participating in competitive running. Eating healthy and staying fit have been goals important to Arlene. Unfortunately, major life changing events altered Arlene’s life dramatically both physically and socially. Arlene began to participate in weekly runs with Team Luna in Naperville. The support and friendship of the Luna Chix helped give direction to Arlene’s future goals as an amateur runner, and with training and hard work, as a swimmer and bicyclist. Arlene ran her first 5K in July 2012 and has continued to compete since. Arlene has never stopped being an inspiration and a rock for anyone in need, and she is looking forward to encouraging other women to try new adventures and push their limits with the help of the Luna Chix!

I have been an avid runner ever since I was a child. I have completed at least one marathon a year for the past 10 years and after many attempts qualified for and run the Boston Marathon. One day while out running with a friend I jokingly said maybe I should do some cross training and maybe do an indoor tri. Since that day, I have learned how to swim and ride a bike. Both sports are much more difficult then I ever imagined. I have completed several sprint and Olympic distance events and in 2011 I finished my first half Ironman.

Karen returned to running at age 48. After running 4 marathons, turned to a new sport duathlons. She won the USAT regional age group for Duathlons at 50. After watching her first Ironman, signed up for swim classes and a half-Iron on the same day. She has been swimming ever since. She completed her first Iron-distance triathlon in 2009 and will be participating IM Louisville this year. She loves promoting the sport and helping others. Karen is also a USAT level 1 certified Triathlon Coach and a certified spin instructor.

Kate has always lived an active life and began distance running over 10 years ago. After completing her first marathon she was hooked, completing 8 since 2004. Seeking out new events to participate in as an athlete, Kate was easily convinced to take part in her first triathlon during the summer of 2012. Since then, Kate enjoys biking, swimming, and of course running on a weekly basis. She is looking forward to supporting other women in their active endevours, while being a member of the Luna Chix team!

Katherine was a successful swimmer age 7 through college with a scholarship to Northwestern. Needing a change of pace started biking and running more and eventually started triathlons. She is looking forward to sharing her passion with others that need a little encouragement to do their first tri or a larger distance.

I have been playing sports and running my whole life. Running has always been a true passion for me. I participated in my first Triathlon in college and loved it. Then I continued to get a passion to compete in bigger events. In 2012 I completed my first Marathon and two Half Ironman races with the help and support of the Luna Chix team. They have inspired me and motivated me to be the best I can be. I hope to compete in my first full Ironman in 2014. Being apart of the Luna Chix team allows me to help others find there passion for triathlons, marathons, etc no matter what level they are in. I am looking forward to supporting other women in their active endevours. It is going to be fun!!!

This will be my third year on the Chicago LUNA Chix team, and I couldn't be more excited to be joined by the group of nine other incredibly diverse and talented ladies. Team LUNA Chix has allowed me to meet and encourage many ladies in the running, biking, and triathlon community in the greater Chicago area. Everytime we swim, bike, or run together I am inspired by those around me. My hope is that I also inspire them. I grew up as a dancer and did my first triathlon in 2007. After a few years of dabbling in sprints and Olympic triathlons alongside my Dad, I made the leap to Ironman in 2011, where I qualified for Kona at Ironman Arizona. 2012 was a big year for me, as I competed in both the 70.3 and the Ironman World Championships. For 2013, I've decided to take a break from Ironman, and have fun racing alongside my teammates in a few sprint, Olympic, and half iron distance races. As always, I'm excited to share my passion for triathlon with those around me through Team LUNA Chix as we raise money to support the Breast Cancer Fund. When you see us out racing and training, please be sure to wave and say hi, or better yet, join in the fun!!!

Nancy is a new triathlete but has been a marathon runner for 5 years. She did her first Marathon when she turned 50. She has a passion for helping newbies with a special place for encouraging those 50 and older to stay active and involved. She has completed 4 marathons, 5 sprint triathlons, and many half marathons. She had completed her first half -Iron triathlon in Racine 2012 and is going to enter again this year. Her goal is to some day cross the finish line to a full Ironman triathlon.

Triathlete, Personal Trainer and now a LUNA Chix! Sherry competed in her first triathlon through the encouragement and support of the LUNA Chix. She had the best experience of her life and is thrilled and excited to be a part of a great organization and company that value women being active and helping them achieve their goals. In addition, raising money for a worthy cause, The Breast Cancer Fund. Sherry's two boys are her biggest fans. Her favorite sport is cycling. Sherry looks forward to helping other women compete in their first or fiftieth triathlon this year.