Catharine Madeley - September
Catharine Madeley has been chosen as the T3 Athlete of the Month for September. Catharine has shown an incredible enthusiasm to be part of the T3 Team and never stops smiling no matter what she is doing. Not coming from an athletic background, Catharine continues to learn how much she can truly accomplish through determination and a positive attitude. Catharine's dedication to attending practice has been unmatched and is a major factor in her recent success.
The T3 Athlete of the Month is selected by the T3 Coaches for exhibiting strong T3 values such as teamwork, determination, motivation and leadership. This athlete will also receive a special gift from one of the T3 Partners. |
Never Give Up! 
Catharine joined T3 in July, but her journey started in 2004 after she had a cycling accident that changed her life. She was broadsided by a F-250 Truck on Dawson Road while cycling and was non-weight bearing for three months afterward. It took incredible personal strength combined with physical therapy to get Catharine back to running and cycling. She didn't run for three years after the accident until her physical therapist (Vicky Bledsoe) encouraged her to get back on the bike and in the pool. She bought a bike at this time (although not even sure she would ride it) and started running again. Last summer she went from barely running 3 miles to finishing her first half marathon. Then, with the encouragement of her friends and a little peer pressure, Catharine joined T3 in July to train for the Longhorn Half Ironman. She claims that she had no intention of actually running the race, but thought it would be a fun group event where she could cheer on her friends. As it turns out, Catharine did race this past weekend and is now a Half Ironman Finisher! She also completed the Texas State Tri, Cap Tex, Sweet & Twisted and the Austin Tri this season.
"Longhorn was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I'm not sure this is something that I should really share, but I almost did not leave transition after the bike. I fought a cold all last week and was having a really hard time breathing. Despite these setbacks, finishing in and of itself was a major accomplishment for me, and I have a whole new level of respect for myself for sticking it out and not quitting. I am also much more blown away by the training and dedication of the team. I could not have finished Longhorn without seeing everyone along the run course. Having the T3 Team support literally got me across the finish line."
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What Motivates Catharine?
"Lots of things! First, I am genuinely happy to see everyone! T3 is full of so many friendly, smiling faces. Positive feedback and encouragement from coaches and teammates saying 'keep it up,' 'good job,' or 'way to go' helps me know I can keep going. Second, I see myself getting stronger and faster as the result of hard work. I know that each time I get up early or go home late, I am making myself stronger and getting closer to goals I never even imagined were possible for me. Finally, the coaches are awesome! They always seem to know the right thing to say to encourage me." |
Drawing Strength from Teammates 
"What I really love about T3 is the mutual support everyone shows for each other. We're all here with similar goals even though we all have different obstacles and challenges facing us with training. I am blown away not only by the dedication each person gives to their own success, but also by how excited everyone gets for the successes of others."
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