This post is by Laurel Short, one of our brand ambassadors, who is a nurse practitioner, mom of two, and an avid triathlete. Laurel has been a guest on the Another Mother Runner podcast several times, including this 2024 episode about big goals and a 2019 ep about migraine headaches.
Laurel, left, and Coach Jen
“Sounds like Lamaze breathing back there!” Heidi calls over her shoulder as I focus on staying close to her wheel.
“Ha!” I pant back, grinding my way up a steeper section of the ascent.
We round another switchback, and the pitch eases slightly, allowing for quieter breathing—but Heidi and I still have miles to go before reaching the promised Cookie Cabin at the summit.
Heidi and Laurel on top of Mt Lemmon
We are making our way up Mt. Lemmon, a famous 25-mile mountain climb with a 7,000-foot elevation gain in Tucson, Arizona. This is day one of triathlon camp, which my coach, Jennifer Harrison, founded 16 years ago. Every March, Coach Jen leads a group of athletes through five days of swim, bike, and run training sessions. I signed up enthusiastically last fall, yet as camp approached, I found myself experiencing race-like nerves. This would be my first major bike climb; I had recently recovered from a hamstring niggle; and our schedule included 90-minute pool sessions as part of twice-a-day workouts. In an effort not to psych myself out, I avoided looking up photos or videos of the mountain.
Coach Jen reassures me that I am prepared, and I immediately feel at ease upon arriving at the house most of us were sharing. Having grown up as a camp kid, throwing my gear into a bunk room with two fellow athletes feels natural. After fueling up on taco bowls, we go through orientation and prep for the initial sessions.
Tri camp group shot
More than half of the 20 athletes had attended this camp before, and as we chat, it becomes clear that many have completed championship Ironman events or ultra-distance races. I transitioned to triathlon from running about five years ago, so I eagerly soak up their experience and race stories.
Over the next four days, we bond through three pool sessions (with a dreamy mountain backdrop!); a scenic trail run in Sabino Canyon; group bike rides; and a long run on the popular Loop Trail, a paved path that winds throughout the city. We refuel at Le Buzz, the local favorite café, and I even survive getting a flat during the hill repeat session! Training with the group pushes me past my perceived limits in both distance and effort.
Laps with those views? Yes, please
In the days leading up to the Mt. Lemmon climb, my stomach dropped every time I thought about it. Yet once Coach Jen sends us off, my mind feels calm and focused—just like in a race. I realize the climb itself is a celebration of the work it took to get here. As the group spreads out, I settle in behind repeat camper Heidi. Despite the thinning air, we maintain a steady pace, concentrating on reaching each green mile marker. I am grateful to have a partner, and by the time we roll into the Cookie Cabin, I am riding an endorphin high, ready to celebrate with our coach and teammates —and to dive into my first triathlon of the season, the Kansas City Sprint Tri in May!
It’s so great to see the continuation of women riding up the mountain…when I used to frequent the “climb” in the early 80s it was a two lane road with little shoulder and no bike lane or guard rails in most places- and it was in bad shape in many places from snow melt and water run off. We used to ride up to the ski lodge (turn right instead of left where Cookie cabin is now located)- as this was the only place to fill up on water and maybe a soda before heading back down. Thank goodness the phoneline trail and Sabino is pretty much the same as it was in the 80s. (there used to be much more water- hopefully that will return soon) Good things don’t need to change much. Nice article on what we have going on in and around Tucson. Now imagine begin able to ride all the way up to Oro Valley pool and continue up to Oracle Junction on your bike with little to no traffic…! THOSE were the days! Have a great race season! :-)
What great writing! It felt like I was on the mountain. I find stories like this so inspiring – if Laurel can climb a huge mountain then I can make it through my 3 mile run! Continually amazed by women like Laurel with successful careers, happy families, and badass athletic prowess. Thanks for this post. 110 out of 100.