Mari's Post

Mariana Filippov was one of the first members of Team TriROK. Originally from Brazil, she moved to this country, got married, had a successful career, and then became a mom to two beautiful girls. And while she came to the Team as a skilled swimmer, it wasn't until she began training that she discovered her natural running talent. Since then she's continued to compete even after going back to work full time. Balancing all of this and being a TriROK Foundation Board member, Mariana can teach us all a thing or two about juggling. That's why she is this week's TriROK Guest Blogger...be inspired by her example!

From Mari:

"I never thought I would become what I am today. An athlete. A triathlete!
My life changed in the fall of 2007, when I was challenged to train and race for a triathlon. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Are you Nutz? I would never be able to do that." But I took it up and learned that not only I could do it, I loved doing it.

I’m a mom to 2 girls and I was carrying around that extra baby weight at the time I started training. I just felt exhausted all the time. I didn’t even own workout clothes. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly fun to learn 3 sports at the same time. I had never run before in my life and only ridden a bike as a child. But I had to do that. I had to turn around my sedentary life of TV watching and late night snacking and show my girls a healthier lifestyle.

What motivates me the most is that my children can see how hard I’ve been working and how proud I am of myself. My oldest daughter is at the “obese” mark for body mass index and I do it for her. My younger one doesn’t like the water. Every time they are scared of swimming or don’t feel like riding their bike, I remind them that mommy feels the same way but I still do it. Just keep moving. We ride our bikes together, we go to the Y swimming (I do my workout while they are in class, too) and we love to race up our street.

If you are not sure you have what it takes, believe in yourself. You do have what it takes. Give your family a chance to become healthier and stronger. Just TRI it! You will ROK."