JanRose

Name: JanRose Ottaway Martin

Where Are You From?: Seattle, Washington

Age Group Category: 35-44

Occupation or Industry: Government - Behavioral Health

“Coach Kara has been awesome, motivating and very encouraging to work with. “

Sporting Background Prior To Joining The Tribe: When I was young, I always thought of myself as the "fat," non-athletic kid. I was not comfortable with my body and hit 5'7" and womanly curves by 4th grade (way ahead of my classmates). Given that discomfort, and a relatively poor physical fitness program at my schools, I was always so worried about embarrassing myself that I didn't even try--and no teachers or coaches really pushed for me to do so. I slowly put on more weight, and hit over 300 lbs in college (after a series of losses and emotional distress) and really just lost track of myself. I ended up losing weight to join the Peace Corps (not required, but helps with placement) and served two years in Africa, but, returning to the states, I started eating all the overly processed foods again and put on weight rapidly. In 2015, I was back over 300 lbs, and was not able to enjoy the thing I love most (traveling) in any healthy way. Airplane seats were horribly uncomfortable, I wasn't able to explore new places physically because I was exhausted, and my confidence about my physical abilities left me not even signing up for activities when I traveled that I otherwise would love. I ended up joining a small gym around the block from my work and started my fitness journey. I love 100 lbs over 3 years, and have continuously tried to focus more on challenging what my body is able to do and perform healthily over aesthetics. For some reason, a few months ago, I suddenly was taken with the idea of "what if I started doing triathlons?" Running, especially, had always been the thing I "couldn't" do even as i got fitter and I had started to accept that I was just "not a runner." But, this new performance challenge really appealed and I joined a women's only Facebook group for Triathlons as one of my first soft "steps" in that direction. And that's where I saw Kara's post to join a small Tribe focused on training for a sprint.

Initial Goals and Events When I Started With Triformations: My initial goal is the one I'm working on now-- running a virtual sprint triathlon at the end of August. (All events in my area are canceled due to COVID.)

Did You Achieve These Goals and/or What Were the Outcomes?: We are still working towards this goal-- but in week 1, I realized quickly that if I had to, I could swim/bike/run the sprint that week. I was physically capable which was a shock for the inner, self-doubting, non-athlete. (It wouldn't have been the best time, but I could have done it and finished before any cut off.) About halfway through training, I realized I want to push myself more and will work with Kara to train towards the Olympic length triathlon next spring/summer.

How Did Triformations Help You To Achieve These Goals?: Kara's incremental steps to avoid injury and build confidence were huge. Having a group of ladies who were trying to work towards the same goal, and able to meet and commiserate online and feel like there is support in a largely individual sport. It also helps with the nerves and ideas of "I'm going to be the worst and I know the least and I'm the least capable" when you hear the fears and questions of others pursuing the sport for the first time.

What Are Your Top 3 Goals and Events As You Move Forward?: 1) Finish the Sprint distance triathlon in August, 2) Work with Kara to establish and work towards a training plan that will keep me fit to do sprint distance triathlons next spring and build towards an Olympic distance run, 3) Focus in a healthy way on losing weight again (I crept up during COVID quarantine)-- mostly for the reality that running is easier when I'm a little lighter. :-)

3 of Your Greatest Achievements So Far While Working With Triformations?: 1) Realization week 1 that I was capable, in that initial week, of doing a Sprint Triathlon, 2) Becoming a runner-- something I have literally NEVER thought would happen, 3) Trusting the journey-- not rushing or feeling like I'm not measuring up as this is an individualized sport and it's my own race.

Most Embarrassing Triathlon Moment? (We All Have Them!): Not any race related items (as I haven't done it yet), but the consistent feeling of being a drowning rat as I work on my swimming technique while others swim laps next to me gracefully and smoothly.

When and Why Did You Get Involved With Triathlon?: To show myself what I'm capable of and continuously work on my performance and physical abilities so (when I'm finally able to again), I can engage in any adventure I want while I'm traveling or at home, and my fear of my physical ability to finish a challenge/adventure/activity goes away.

What Do You Love Most About Triathlon?: The fact that it's actually more of a mind game than an endurance issue (at least for me). If I can work on my mindframe and keep myself from too deeply analyzing and engaging in negative speech while I'm doing the training, I'm far more capable than I think.

Favourite Thing To Do Outside Triathlon? Do You Have A Hidden Talent?: Boxing-- love boxing. I also do some pretty serious weightlifting. Other than that, I'm one of the most avid travelers I know and take 5-6 trips a year nationally and internationally.

Personal Mantra: This is my own race.. .and Consistency over perfection... and trust the journey.