SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College coaches
Andrea Daley (swimming) and
Sarah Kelly (field hockey) like to keep busy.
Both individuals enjoy active and healthy lifestyles, which includes competing in triathlons.
Over the years Daley and Kelly have participated in several of the grueling races that consist of swimming, running, and biking components.
With the start of another school year about to begin, both coaches took time-out to talk about one of their favorite activities.
Andrea Daley enjoys the competition and worthy causes
Andrea Daley waves to fans following swim at the She Rox Triathlon.
On July 25, 2010,
Andrea Daley competed in her 16th triathlon in 12 years. It was part of the She Rox series held in Webster, Massachusetts, and it benefited the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Association.
Daley finished 23rd among the 1,584 participants after placing third in her group of 169 and first in her wave of 50 in the swim (half-mile), in the top third in the bike ride (15 miles), and 28th in her age group in the run (3.1 miles). She completed the race in one hour, 41 minutes, 14 seconds.
This was her 10th race supporting the Susan Komen Foundation. In addition, she has participated in four races for the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, and one that was a fund-raiser in Sharon, Massachusetts.
“I had always been active in competitive sports since I was young,” said Daley. “Once I graduated from college, I decided that I needed to find something else that would challenge me and be fun. I read about the Danskin Triathlon (held in Massachusetts) in a magazine and gave it a shot.
“In the past 12 years, these races have grown from having hundreds of participants to having thousands. The first I competed, I didn’t know what to expect so I wouldn’t let anyone come watch me. I was so nervous that I got up at 3:30 a.m. to drive to the site and was the FIRST person there. My roommate came for the end of the race and brought me lunch. Now I’m lucky to have the support of my husband, parents, and in-laws for my races every year. It’s great to finish and see them waiting for me,” she remarked
Daley makes every effort to compete in races that support worthy causes.
“Most of the races benefit excellent causes, which is an added bonus,” she stated. “In 1999, I lost my best friend
(Erina Conti) to lung cancer and got thinking about how most people I knew were touched by cancer in some way. Competing in these races was another way that I could couple my love for sport with honoring my friend, and all those who struggle with the disease.”
Daley especially enjoys both the Danskin and She Rox triathlons because all the competitors are female.
“It’s inspiring to see so many women come together for a great cause and encourage one another. It is the perfect mix between competitive drive and a feeling of sisterhood. There are women of all ages who compete and a number of them are breast cancer survivors. It is really moving to be part of those races,” Daley noted.
Competing in triathlons takes a lot of training and a high degree of physical fitness. For Daley, it requires a year-round commitment to stay fit.
“I train by doing spinning classes as well as ride my bike outside, running, and swimming. I also life weights, do Pilates, and yoga. I have found that stretching and flexibility becomes more important each year,” she said.
Daley, who was a swimming standout at Springfield College, enjoys that part of the triathlons the best.
“It’s my favorite because I’m am most competitive in that segment, and when I’m in “swimming shape,” I feel really good. In swimming, it’s just you, the water, and your competitors. I enjoy riding my bike for leisure and do push myself to be competitive, but I joke that it gives me a chance to sit down between my swim and run. I have been happy that my running has improved for the past 12 years as well,” she proudly pointed out.
Sarah Kelly stays focused and determined
Sarah Kelly prepares for bike ride at recent competition.
Sarah Kelly was a three-time All-American field hockey player at Springfield College, known for her intense, determined style of play. She still possesses those qualities when competing in triathlons.
“I’ve been racing for eight years. The races range from sprints to half iron-mans,” she said.
The Half Iron-Man races are demanding events, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and then a 13.1-mile run.
This summer Kelly has participated in three races, the Mooseman Half in New Hampshire, and the Holliston Tri and Greenfield International events, both in Massachusetts. At present she is in training for the Chicopee Sprint later this month.
“Typically, I try to get in four-five races each summer with the half-iron as the focus of my training. I’m fortunate to belong to a fantastic tri club, Cyclonaut Multisport here in Springfield. I’m able to train with phenomenal athletes, including Steve Roulier who works in Marketing & External Affairs at the College. Every opportunity I get to train with them makes me better.
“By also having the opportunity to train with and around many of the student-athletes at Western New England College, they give me the ability to keep my workouts motivating and fun all at once. Much of the motivation and inspiration comes from my team. The players train, play, and prepare incredibly hard. I ask them to push themselves past limits they never thought they would ever be able to surpass. Their desire to be better, their work ethic, their success inspires me. If they can put the time and effort, so can I,” Kelly stated.