I’ve been a long-time fan of the Senior Triathlete website and the fantastic articles written by its owner, Terry Vanderwert. His insights and experiences always resonate with me. So, when I heard he was releasing a book, “Triathlon Adventures Across America – Swimming, Biking, Running, Making Memories Together,” I knew I had to read it. I reached out, and Terry was kind enough to send me a review copy. I can honestly say it’s one of the most inspiring and relatable triathlon books I have ever picked up.
An Audacious Goal: 50 States, 50 Triathlons
The premise of the book is simple yet monumental: Terry set out to complete a sprint triathlon in all 50 states. This incredible journey spanned 2011 to 2023, and the book is a chronicle of that adventure. It’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the pure joy of swimming, biking, and running across America’s diverse landscapes.
What I love about this book is its honesty. Terry doesn’t just share the finish-line photos and triumphant moments. He takes you along for the entire ride, detailing the real-life challenges that every triathlete knows well. From frustrating bike flats in the middle of a race to grueling, unexpected hills, he experienced it all. He writes about plunging into ice-cold lakes and navigating ocean swims, capturing the grit required to push through less-than-ideal conditions.
Every Race Tells a Story
One of the most captivating aspects of “Triathlon Adventures Across America” is how Terry highlights the uniqueness of each location. This isn’t just a list of races; it’s a travelogue that celebrates the distinct character of every state. He describes the local flavor of each event, from large, professionally organized races to small-town competitions with their own quirky traditions, like the “reverse sprint” he encountered.
Through his words, you feel like you’re there with him, racking your bike in a new transition area, feeling the pre-race jitters, and taking in the scenery of a new course. Each chapter is a new adventure, bringing to life the specific challenges and rewards of racing in places as different as Hawaii, Alaska, Maine, and Florida.
A Spark of Inspiration
As I turned the final page, one thought kept circling in my mind: “Wow, wouldn’t it be fun to try to do this too?” Terry’s story is more than just an account of his accomplishment; it’s an invitation to dream big. He set an ambitious goal and, through years of dedication, achieved it. Reading about his journey didn’t feel like reading about a superhuman athlete; it felt like reading about a fellow triathlete who simply refused to give up on his dream.
His accomplishment is a powerful reminder that with consistency and passion, amazing feats are possible. It has truly lit a fire in me and made me reconsider the scope of my own athletic goals.
If you are a triathlete, a runner, a cyclist, a swimmer, or anyone who appreciates a story of adventure and determination, I highly recommend this book. It’s a testament to the human spirit and the amazing memories we can make when we push our boundaries.
You can pick up your copy of “Triathlon Adventures Across America” on Amazon. It might just inspire you to plan your own epic adventure.
