Women’s Triathlon participant Mari Ruddy recently published the book “Extreme Healing.” We spent some time discussing the book, her health challenges and how they fueled her experience as an endurance athlete.

Kym Zest is returning to the YWCA Women’s Triathlon as Race Director! In her five-year break from the race she pursued other athletic achievements, started her own coaching business, and had a baby. Now, she’s back to serve the triathlon community, as it has been her home base since 1997.

As the largest all-women triathlon in the country, the race attracted participants ages 11 to 80+ with varying levels of experience, diverse backgrounds and powerful stories.

Mari Ruddy is a Minneapolis local who has worn many career hats throughout the years. She is an amateur recreational triathlete, cyclist and runner that has participated in more than 40 triathlons, including a Half Ironman In this Q&A, Mari shares her story about how she started competing in triathlons, overcoming her health concerns, ways to stay motivated, the best advice she has for others and why she loves YWCA Minneapolis!

More than 1,500 triathletes joined us for the 12th annual YWCA Women’s Triathlon last weekend. Many call it their favorite race of the year – it is truly a celebration of women and girls, and the power of our bodies to be strong, resilient and accomplish tremendous feats.

Learn more about Women’s Tri participant Molly Lethert and her journey back from amputation.