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Wendy Noffke

Puyallup, Washington

I've been doing endurance sports for over 20 years, well now it is approaching 30 years! The last 4 years have had more training challenges with broken bones, surgeries, and life events. In 2019 I had 3 ankle fractures that required surgery and being away from endurance sports for 4 months. Instead of racing and normal training, I was only able to do strength training and volunteer at events. I knew endurance sports were important to me before, but after being forced to take the time away it was more apparent than ever how much it benefits everything else in my life. The journey back to fitness is a slow rocky path at times and has involved getting back up dusting. myself off and starting again a lot the last few years - but I am still getting up. When not training, I work full time as a college biology instructor and part-time as a chiropractor. I also enjoy hiking, backpacking, and traveling.

What is my why challenge: Why do I do triathlon? The short answer is to stay alive. Yes, there is all of the health benefits of an active lifestyle, but I really believe we have to push ourselves and have a goal to be happy. We need a challenge to dig deep inside ourselves and really know who we are and what we can do. The best way I've gotten through some of the most challenging times of my life were through pushing my body at what ever level it is at that time. The intense physical challenge requires intense mental focus. Sometimes this seems to be the only thing to pull your head back from a dark place. Sometimes you just survive, but sometimes you come out stronger on the other side and it is worth the push.