Post by Okwes on Feb 9, 2007 11:07:17 GMT -5
Native American woman inspires others as she trys for the Ironman title
Syleste Rodriguez
A demanding and tiresome feat, Ironman Arizona takes contenders
on a 2.5 mile swim, a full marathon and 112 mile bike ride, the ride
winding through the Salt River Pima Indian Reservation, that's where
Michelle Reina-Long grew up.
"Oh neat, a visor, can't live without a visor, that's cool," says
Michelle Reina Long as she sifts through bags given to her by Ironman
Arizona. She's one of the competitions newest contenders.
"I know if I work hard I know I can do it," Long says.
[http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif]
<http://q.azcentral.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.azcentral.com/12n\
ews/upfront/articles/1206ironman430-CR.html/147217599/ArticleFlex_1/OasD\
efault/us_home_ros/300x250_static.jpg/33653036386230633435373931626130>
[http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif]
New gear she received will help, along with some expert training worth
$10,000, it's all a gift from North American Sports.
"I'm jealous of her so, I'll forgive her within a week, " says
Michelle's husband Eric Long.
Long envies his wife's gifts and chance to participate in the
competition but admits, she deserves it.
"I found out I had type 2 diabetes like 10 years ago and I wanted to
control it through diet and exercise, I didn't want to go on medication,
I saw what my family members were going through," Michelle says.
She competed in small distance triathalons, Proving to her family and
friends, that type 2 diabetes wasn't going to hold her back,
"The message is you can control it through diet and exercise, you don't
have to go on medication," Michelle says.
She hopes to inspire other Native Americans to eat right and finish
strong. Though she admits it may take her the entire 17 hours allowed to
get to the finish line. "I think I'm going to take a slow and take all
the time I need to," Michelle says.
Syleste Rodriguez
A demanding and tiresome feat, Ironman Arizona takes contenders
on a 2.5 mile swim, a full marathon and 112 mile bike ride, the ride
winding through the Salt River Pima Indian Reservation, that's where
Michelle Reina-Long grew up.
"Oh neat, a visor, can't live without a visor, that's cool," says
Michelle Reina Long as she sifts through bags given to her by Ironman
Arizona. She's one of the competitions newest contenders.
"I know if I work hard I know I can do it," Long says.
[http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif]
<http://q.azcentral.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.azcentral.com/12n\
ews/upfront/articles/1206ironman430-CR.html/147217599/ArticleFlex_1/OasD\
efault/us_home_ros/300x250_static.jpg/33653036386230633435373931626130>
[http://www.azcentral.com/imgs/clear.gif]
New gear she received will help, along with some expert training worth
$10,000, it's all a gift from North American Sports.
"I'm jealous of her so, I'll forgive her within a week, " says
Michelle's husband Eric Long.
Long envies his wife's gifts and chance to participate in the
competition but admits, she deserves it.
"I found out I had type 2 diabetes like 10 years ago and I wanted to
control it through diet and exercise, I didn't want to go on medication,
I saw what my family members were going through," Michelle says.
She competed in small distance triathalons, Proving to her family and
friends, that type 2 diabetes wasn't going to hold her back,
"The message is you can control it through diet and exercise, you don't
have to go on medication," Michelle says.
She hopes to inspire other Native Americans to eat right and finish
strong. Though she admits it may take her the entire 17 hours allowed to
get to the finish line. "I think I'm going to take a slow and take all
the time I need to," Michelle says.