2019 Member Spotlight – Juene Rader
October, 2019
What made you decide to join NTP (the New Triathlete Program)?
A friend who did NTP last year recommended it. So I decided, why not.
Did you have any background in any of the disciplines before joining?
I’m in the Army, so I generally work out, but mostly running, push-ups, and sit-ups. I knew how to ride a bike, and swim, but never did either for competition or distance, or even for exercise.
How was NTP?
NTP greatly exceeded my expectations. Somehow it seemed like it was tailored for everyone. The mentor, and coach support was great, they were very understanding and approachable, they seemed to know what you needed even before you did.
The friends support was pretty awesome too. It was fun figuring this out together, weekend trips, HH, and other events. I really enjoyed the camping weekends, those might have been the best part. Race weekends were pretty awesome too.
What races did you do this year?
I did Peasantman, Diamond in the Rough, and Luray.
Did you make any mistakes or run into any challenges?
I “crashed” my bike numerous times. I blew up my friends tire a few hours before her first Tri. I call those learning opportunities, and not mistakes though.
I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro two weeks before I was scheduled to do Olympic Distance at Diamond in the Rough. When I returned, I got sick. It was a little too much. To overcome and I had to change to the Sprint distance. It was very discouraging, as I had been training for Olympic for months.
Are you hooked? Do you plan to do more triathlons in the future?
Yes. I was super bummed that I couldn’t do Waterman’s a few weeks ago with the rest of my friends. I think I’m planning to try a half Ironman next year.
What do you enjoy outside of triathlon?
I really enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends, just doing stuff.
