AGFL Triathlon Episode 130: Athena National Champion, Leslie Battle

In this Age Grouper for Life episode, Colin interview Leslie Battle. Leslie shares how she got into triathlon in 2009 after being inspired by a friend's Ironman race. She started with a sprint triathlon and was hooked, going on to complete over 350 triathlons, including winning numerous national championships as an Athena athlete. Leslie discusses how triathlon helped her lose 100 pounds and find a sense of community and belonging that was missing in her life. She also discusses her training approach and mindset, favorite races and experiences, and future goals and aspirations. Thanks for joining the podcast, Leslie! --- Show Notes: Advocating for Athena/Clydesdale Representation @ 8:07 Leslie has been a vocal advocate for greater recognition and equal treatment of Athena and Clydesdale athletes within the sport of triathlon. She has worked tirelessly to ensure these categories have a place at national championships and other major events, fighting for parity in terms of awards, athlete of the year honors, and qualification for Team USA. Leslie's efforts have helped open more doors for Athena and Clydesdale athletes to compete at the highest levels. Training Approach and Mindset @ 31:34 Leslie discusses her training approach, noting that she prefers shorter, more frequent swim sessions rather than long, infrequent swims. She emphasizes the importance of balancing triathlon with other aspects of life and not letting it become an unhealthy obsession. Leslie also shares her perspective on the mental side of the sport, encouraging athletes to celebrate their accomplishments rather than focusing on shortcomings. Favorite Races and Experiences @ 52:47 When asked about her favorite race, Leslie fondly recalls the Musselman Triathlon, which had a strong community feel with local bands, wine prizes, and a pre-race lecture in the concert hall. She also discusses her experiences racing internationally, including the World Championships in Australia, and how the logistics of traveling with a bike have become more challenging in recent years. Looking Ahead @ 55:25 As Leslie has gotten older, her drive to compete in certain high-profile events like Kona has waned, though she remains passionate about the sport. She is exploring new challenges, such as gravel races, and focusing on enjoying the journey rather than chasing specific time goals or accolades. Leslie emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaged in the sport, even as priorities and interests evolve over time.