Meet Bethany Sharpton!
Name: Bethany Sharpton
Age:
Occupation: Digital Project Manager for Hearst Television
Years doing triathlon? 1
First Triathlon? Ridgewood Tri for Hospice! I could not have finished without the amazing support of Arlene Barbosa who rode the last few miles of the bike with me, then WALKED the run course me. Bless her heart! I’m forever indebted to her for helping me finish. It is also because of this race that I continue to be a triathlete because I left the course gaining so many new friends — who have become my teammates.
Your favorite triathlon? Ramblin’ Rose Raleigh! I loved how the race organizers encouraged every woman that they were going to finish the course that day.
Meal the night before race? Small portion of spaghetti with meat sauce and Caesar salad
Race Nutrition? Mini Rice Krispy Treats and/or Uncrustable PB&J with Gatorade Zero
Favorite motivational training song? Overcomer by Mandisa
Favorite mantra? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Phil. 4:13
Key Workout? I love swimming with my Master’s team and bicycling outdoors with my triathlon friends
Best Triathlon training or racing tip? Finish and have fun!
Triathlon literature or other sources of information? I love the book “Every Woman: You Can Be a Triathlete” by Meredith Atwood. I am also an advocate of the Jeff Galloway method for new runners.
Who inspires you? All of my teammates! I love seeing men and women of all shapes and sizes, especially those who have overcome physical barriers and difficult life experiences, training their bodies and mind to be endurance athletes at all levels of competition.
Future goal or bucket list race? My goal for this season is to finish an Olympic-distance race later this fall. If I am successful with that, my plan is to go for NC’s half-Ironman in 2023.
If you see Bethany, be sure to congratulate her on being our AOM!