The past two days, I've been somewhat obsessed with the Iron Nun. In 2012, she was the oldest person to have completed an Ironman triathlon (at age 82; when she was 79, she broke the record for women). She still holds that record. In October, she attempted to be the oldest person to complete the Ironman World Championship (at age 84), but didn't finish.
I'm not religious, but I admit I've got a soft spot for nuns, who are more "of the people" than other religious figures. Plus, all of my high school science teachers were nuns and gracefully dealt with my lack of natural ability. The one I had for chemistry and physics was particularly generous with her time (thanks to you, Sr. Bernadone, I will never forget 9.8 meters per second squared), and even tried to set me up for the prom. Thank goodness I already had a date.
But the Iron Nun! How cool! Especially as I sit here, like a bump on a log, trying to get the nerve up to brave the cold and take out my fat bike. The Iron Nun wouldn't wimp out; she would get on that danged bike!
(p.s. oddly, I didn't learn about the Iron Nun from the Mighty Girl Facebook page/blog, which has been the source of many inspirational stories lately. No, instead I read about her in a footnote in the little newsletter that comes with my husband's razor blades. Seriously.)
(p.p.s. I was looking for a photo of the now-deceased Sr. Bernadone. I found one commemorating her 65+ years in the classroom, but opted for this one, from the nuns' Facebook page highlighting Sr. Bernadone's scones recipe. A lady after my own heart.)
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