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Active Richmond

For Richmond's ladies only TRIgirl Training program, winning isn't everything – encouragement is.

"We see TRIgirl training as challenging and pushing each other in a very positive way," says Grandison Burnside, head coach and founder of TRIgirl Training. "We encourage each other to do our very best. The best part is seeing women accomplish their goals as triathletes and to push themselves in a way they never viewed themselves."

Started in 2005 with 25 members, TRIgirl Training now has over 150 teammates. The women train and compete together in local running races like the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k and regional triathlons and raise money for charity partners ASK, the Richmond-based nonprofit that assists the families of local kids stricken with cancer.

In these days of hectic schedules, TRIgirl Training offers active-minded women a great balance of fitness, camaraderie and fulfilling charitable support. That's a highly satisfying blend that is rare in endurance sports circles. The stereotypical multisport athlete seems to be someone who spends a lot of time training by themselves. TRIgirls makes it a group endeavor – in a very fun and fulfilling way.

"I would have never done it on my own," says TRIgirl Amy Godkin, who is going into her second season. "The sport can be a little intimidating. They took the mystery out of it. And I think I'm more motivated to go to workouts when there's a group of girls waiting."

Last year Godkin (#565) shared a great triathlon experience with teammates Trish Powell, Carrie Mayerhofer, Sandy Lawson and Annie Cohen at the Patriot Triathlon in Williamsburg. Judging from their smiling faces, winning wasn't the object of the day.

The first TRIgirl Training event actually occurs within the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k as a teambuilding event in which the teams are rewarded for being able to predict the collective finish time of all five teammates. So it's not about who is the fastest, but who is the most in tune with their abilities. And it doesn't necessarily promote an all-out effort as much as it does having each teammate stay on their fitness target – so they start off the season offering each other plenty of encouragement.

Now that's a winning formula.  

TRIgirl Training will be holding an informational meeting for new members on Sunday, January 25 at 4 p.m. at Maramarc Fitness 4914 Fitzhugh Avenue. Their website is www.trigirltraining.com.