Endurance Nation has a long history in Louisville, conducting our first training camp on the course in 2007 and having put 20-30 athletes across the finish line every year.

Here are just a few of our athletes racing this weekend!

TeamEN Race Captain Mandy Midgett, 40-44AG

Mandy Midgett

I am originally from Ft. Worth, TX, but currently living in North Carolina. I began racing in 1995 and completed my first Iron Distance race in 2000. Since then I have also raced Ironman® Wisconsin and Ironman® Coeur D’Alene. I also started Ironman® Louisville in 2012, but unfortunately suffered some severe heat issues and was forced to DNF at mile 80 on the bike. My goals for this year at IMLOU- conservative on the first loop of bike, stay cool, and hydrated. Then get to the run and race it down till I reach the finish line! I plan to persevere and kick that courses A$$ this year!!

Debbie Williams, 50-54AG

Debbie Williams

This year’s IM Louisville is redemption from 2012 when I finished in 17:15. Best part about this year is that my 18yo daughter Elisha Wyrsch (#410) is also doing IM Louisville with me!! This will be her first triathlon – she’s been an awesome Sherpa & volunteer @ other 70.3, IMAZ & IM Louisville.

Triathlons are new adventure for me – been cycling since the mid 70s – I’m not real fast, but I am consistent & determined to make it to the FInish Line – in time – this time!

Race day goals – Finish by Midnight. Swim 1:45 Bike 7-7:45 and Run maintain 4 min run/1 min walk.

We’re driving from AZ – Thursday we’ll be driving from Dallas to Louisville – IDK if we’ll make in time for the dinner.

Post-IM Monday we will be visiting my 99yo Grandmother in Ohio who encouraged me as a teenager to ride with her cycling group (mid 70s) and has always been my fitness role model. Today 8/11 she’s in ICU – her body is just really getting tired. I hope she’ll be around for another 2 weeks so I can see her “one last time”… Then Elisha & I are off to Cedar Point to ride roller coasters!! My son changed his wedding date to Sept 6th – so I can do the IM! Busy couple weeks coming up!

Kay Baker, 45-49AG

Kay Baker

Born and raised in Atlanta, lived 8 years in San Diego, and now love to call Chattanooga my home!

This will be my first (of many) 140.6 races. I have been doing triathlons since 1998 but took a long break (10 years) until September 2013. I have since done olympics (2), and a half ironman (IM Florida in April 2014).

I am super psyched to get this first one under my belt. I come from a sports background, held county records in track/cross country, and swam competitively until college. Swimming is my strong suit, followed by running then cycling. I have an old foot fracture that set my running back a bit but I’m good now. My only concern is how I respond to the heat (race day projection is low to mid 90s depending on what site you go go). :-/

I’m already signed up for IMLP 2015 b/c I have rediscovered my love for this lifestyle. Thanks EN coaches and team members for helping me get my head around this task – My motto “I’ve got this!”