Name: Nancy Confer

Born: February 1963

Town: Mystic, CT

Occupation: Dental Assistant

Athletic Background: As fairly inactive youth, I really only became active in my 20's, primarily exercising with home fitness videos. I stayed fairly consistent and in my mid to late 30's I started recreational long distance cycling which eventually led me to the great sport of Triathlon. Who knows what the future holds!

What is your motivation for training? Training for me is more about being active and living a healthy lifestyle. So, not having a long history in competitive sports, I'd have to say my motivation has always been more rooted in staying consistent for general health. Part of that is probably due to the examples set by my parents but not in a way one might expect. Most of my adult life was spent watching both battle various health issues and cancers, and eventually passing away far too early in life. Whether it was genetics, inactivity or lifestyle choice that contributed to their health issues, I hope to break that cycle. That alone motivates me to stay focused with all aspects of my training. Multisport training has enhanced that by giving me cross training opportunities and great goals to keep things fresh and exciting.

What is your most memorable event?

Wow, having jumped into the world of Triathlon, specifically to train for IRONMAN Florida, there is no doubt that training for and finishing that event was pretty darn special?.

But, if I had to pick one event that stands out for me, it would have to be The Longest Day, a double century ride covering the length of New Jersey in one day. I did this with two friends in 2004. It was the most incredible adventure I'll ever remember. Oddly enough, that 200 mile bike ride led me into triathlon and my IRONMAN goal!

What are your plans in the sport of Triathlon?

I still feel fairly new to the sport, as I've just finish my first three years. I remember at the start of this journey, Coach Troy said it takes about 3 years to find your potential and develop, he said be patient. Me being not the most patient person, I had a hard time digesting that. Looking back on the three years, I have a better understanding of what he meant.

Well, I feel I've graduated on because I just now finally feel I have a handle on what it takes to balance long distance triathlon training and racing. I've also grown to enjoy the regime of the long training and the goal of having an iron distance to train for. Add in the excitement of the race itself, traveling to the beautiful venues and the social aspect of hanging with fellow triathletes, life just doesn't get any better. I hope to continue to race this distance, enjoy new race courses, make new friends and find new challenges within the sport. For the time being, I've found my niche.

What has been a highlight in the sport of Triathlon for you?

Without a doubt, it would have to be swimming. It continues to be my weakest link in the sport, and probably always will be, but it's my proudest achievement.

Had I not ventured into this sport I would never have learned to swim. I'm sure my life wouldn't be any lesser had I not learned, but with hindsight, it's been enhanced because I did. I looked at swimming as just one of those things other people did and learned as a child. I figured it was just something that had "passed me by."

Well, so much for passing me by…I took my first lesson at 41 years of age, 13 months before Ironman Florida. I figured how hard could it be to learn to swim? Really No need for details but it wasn't easy on many levels.

This sport has given me many great lessons and reasons to be proud but there's a special sense of accomplishment and pride when I think of what I went through to get to this point to finish an iron distance swim successfully as a new fish. It's really been a very surprising gift of the sport that I'll always have. I can swim!

What advice can you offer a woman who's hesitant to enter an event or pursue a sport? Don't ever assume you aren't worthy to participate. I find this fear to be one of the biggest contributors for women not moving forward in athletic endeavors. It was one of mine and kept me inactive as a younger person. Don't let that fear hold you back from great things, as it will. I truly believe you are only limited by what you think you can't do.

Take a chance and you'll find there are many people in the event just like you, at your level of fitness…body shape, age, whatever your concern…. who were just as hesitant. Take that first step and you'll never look back.