Sideline Stories: Tri for a Cure Reynolds Trio
Tri for a Cure Maine virtual takes place throughout August, 2020, kicking off August 1st with essential fundraising efforts by triathletes with all types of stories. Hear what inspires this “mother and two daughters team” in this conversation between our friends at the Maine Cancer Foundation and Denise, Christine and Katherine Reynolds. Let’s cheer on this trio and every woman swimming, biking and running for MCF in their neighborhoods this summer. Get out those cowbells!
MCF: Why did you first decide to do Tri for a Cure and why do you do “Tri?”
Denise: At first it was a way to challenge myself physically while giving back and honoring so many people I knew who had been affected by cancer- now it’s still that and so much more.
Christine: I honestly can’t remember specifically why I decided to sign up for our first Tri in 2010, but, I do know what’s kept me coming back for 11 years — the list of our friends and family affected by cancer gets longer every year, so my ability to help make someone else’s list shorter with an annual Sunday morning ocean swim is truly an honor and a privilege.
Katherine: I started out as a spectator, and as soon as I was old enough, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Tri! My first year involved the personal challenge of completing the whole swim/bike/run, and I’ve since joined our family team as a runner. Echoing both my mom and my sister, I Tri in honor and memory of the ever-growing list of friends and family members affected by cancer and to do what I can to support Mainers in the fight.
MCF: What is your favorite part of the event?
Denise: It’s so hard to pick one thing as a favorite part but I think it’s the feeling I carry through the whole weekend- being a part of something so incredibly special and huge that makes such a big impact for so many people in the fight against cancer in Maine, and crossing the finish line with my daughters and having my husband Mark there to volunteer is so special.
Christine: What my mom said! I would pick the whole weekend if I could, but I think that the opening ceremony is the most powerful part for me. We all show up for our own reasons, but to be in the midst of a sea of women who are all there to accomplish the same goal is a feeling like no other. The opening ceremony is a perfect reminder of how lucky we are to be a part of something that truly makes a difference for so many people in Maine.
Katherine: What they both said! And this might seem odd, but I love waiting in relay transition! It’s a moment to remind each other why we are tri-ing and psych each other up as we wait for our teammates. The camaraderie and support in that space is unparalleled, and something I will definitely miss this year – I am enjoying keeping up with Tri excitement on social media and look forward to posts as athletes complete their virtual Tri!
MCF: Where and how will you do the 2020 virtual Tri?
Denise: I will ride my 15 plus miles one early morning in August, and be there in a kayak near Christine as she swims, and cheer Katherine on as she runs her miles!
Christine: I’ll likely complete the swim at Highland Lake…date TBD!
Katherine: I’ll be completing three 1-mile laps in my neighborhood – and fitting the extra .1 in somewhere along the way. And, of course, waiting at my mom’s and sister’s “finish lines,” sign and cowbell in hand!
Best wishes from the Maine Sports Commission to the Reynolds and all participating in this summer’s Tri for a Cure!