YMCA Corner - Rosie Stark

Montgomery County Family YMCA member Rosie Stark recently competed in the Iron Man World Championship triathlon on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Kona, Hawaii. The Iron Man consists of a 2.4 mile swim in the ocean and 112-mile bicycle race before running a full 26.2-mile marathon. She placed 1,908 out of 2,400 other passionate people and professional athletes and completed the course in roughly 13 hours and 33 minutes.

The toughest part of the hot, humid day was when she hit mile 90 on her ride and was told that officials ran out of water for the racers to drink. Brutal, whirling headwinds compounded the ride’s difficulty and left Stark feeling lousy and wondering if she’d finish. Then she laid eyes on her husband, Greg, and was refreshed. “I told him I was feeling OK and would take it slow and steady, with one foot in front of the other,” she said. “They had 5,000 volunteers who smiled and cheered. They donated their time so we could be there in a safe environment. Even medical staff gave their time. That spoke to me. I see this race as a stage for inspiration. You have to overcome, believe, work hard, and know it’s going to be tough, but look it right in the eye and go after it.” But then the sun set during the run, leaving the highway pitch black. Seeing Greg once more carried her with a huge smile and a full heart down that street where dreams are completed. Having Sandy Booker, of Riverton, there to catch her at the finish line was a cherry on top. She felt the love, support, and prayers from back home throughout the grueling day; she also found strength in remembering two deceased Shenandoah youth. “I made a purple heart on my arm to represent Kinsee Rooker, the 14-year-old who was killed by a car while running cross country this summer, and an orange heart for Isaac Gibson, who died of Leukemia in 2013, when he was 10,” she said. “I know how important road safety is and wanted to remember Kinsee as I ran. You just think of them and it’s amazing what it can carry you through.” Above all, though, Stark’s faith is, and has been, her greatest sustaining force. 

With a world championship event dream crossed off her bucket list, Stark said she’s ready for a new phase. She now aspires to do multi-day ultra-marathons; some endurance swim races and trail running — and to become a motivational speaker.

At the Y we encourage people to reach their exercise and personal goals whether it is losing weight and gaining friends or training for marathons throughout the country. For more information on how one can become a member, volunteer, donor, or simply involved with the Montgomery County Family YMCA, please stop in for a visit or tour of the YMCA, call the YMCA at 712-623-2161, visit the YMCA on Facebook, or the Y’s website at www.mcymca.com.