First Tri - August 9, 2008

Seven women made up Team Rinck competing in the Maine Cancer Foundation’s first annual all-female sprint triathlon, Tri For a Cure, which raised $250K in one day for cancer research in Maine. After training throughout the Spring and Summer, the day finally arrived, and with it a break in the week-long rainy weather. Beneath azure skies, at the edge of the shimmering Atlantic, an electrified swarm of swim-cap-and-body-markings-bedecked women joined in breathtaking spiritual harmony.

It was a day to rejoice in possessing two X chromosomes, as gorgeous ladies of all ages -some survivors, the rest representing survivors or fallen sisters- pushed themselves in a physical challenge symbolic of the fight against a despicable disease that has claimed so many of our family members and friends. This day was truly magical in the sustained positive energy and collective nurturing that took place.

As waves of tri-athletes entered the ocean, then transitioned to bikes and again to run the last leg of the race, throngs of spectators stretched from the cliff above the transition area, all along the entire race route, holding signs and calling out to their friends, sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts, and even grandmothers. Team Rinck’s t-shirts carried the names of the near-and-dear that have been impacted by cancer, both those who triumphed over the disease and those who we ran for in memoriam.

At the finish line, quiet little miracles happened one after another. Incremental victories toward the ultimate finish in the ultimate race:  a cure.

Deanna Kilbreth, Copywriter at Rinck Advertising

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