Hendersonville is home for many amateur athletes who regularly take advantage of the city’s abundant recreational facilities. The easy access to the Old Hickory Lake has made the city into a haven for some of the toughest athletes around – triathletes.
Triathletes compete in a sport known as the triathlon, which is comprised of three components – swimming, biking and then running. In Hendersonville, most triathletes are members of an organization called the Hendersonville Endurance Athletic Team, or HEAT. HEAT provides regular training sessions for its members, as well as putting events such as the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon.
HEAT is also known for conducting one of the most popular events in Middle Tennessee, the annual Kids Triathlon. Since 1986, thousands of young competitors have begun their fitness journeys through the triathlon.
As we approach the 20th running of the Kids Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 9, Hendersonville Lifestyle spoke with three former competitors to see how the triathlon had impacted them.
Twenty-nine year old Kalie Carter Brown competed in the Kids Triathlon from 2007 to 2009 after being inspired by her father Chuck Carter. After her triathlon experience, she went on to play soccer in both high school and in college. While she no longer competes in triathlons, she cherishes the memories of those years.
“Through the triathlon, I learned a lot about how to compete as an individual,” said Kalie. “The training sessions were fun, and they taught me new skills. I also learned that children are resilient, and competing in triathlons is a great way to challenge their endurance and mental toughness.”
Josh Hudson, also twenty-nine years old, competed in the first three years of the event. He became interested in triathlons through the influence of his mother, Leslie, and a close family friend, Marilyn Meyer. They were both active members of HEAT, and they encouraged him to try the sport.
Like Kalie, Josh's triathlon experience continues to influence him today.
“The Kids Triathlon was very meaningful to me – it was special that we as kids had our own professionally managed event,” said Josh. “I will never forget the nervous excitement that I shared with my friends before each triathlon. I also learned how important it was to start fast, stay fast and end fast.”
Twenty-six year old Erica Hudson, Josh’s sister, competed in the triathlon from the ages of five to sixteen. Like Josh, her gateway to the triathlon world came through her mother and Marilyn. Since her triathlon days, she has gone on to become an avid long-distance runner.
“Triathlon training taught me to be disciplined from an early age,” said Erica. “Whether I am preparing for a half marathon or working on a job assignment, I know that my hard work will pay off. I am forever indebted to HEAT for the life-changing lessons I have learned.”
Signups for the 20th Kids Triathlon are available at TriHeat.club.
The 20th HEAT Kids Triathlon will take place on Aug. 9 at the Sumner County Family YMCA. The swim leg will be in the YMCA pool, while the run and bike legs will take place on adjacent neighborhood streets.