Women who tri A reluctant athlete's journey into the heart of America's newest obsession

This is a well-researched memoir by a middle-aged mother of four (including a special-needs child) who reluctantly signs up and finishes her first triathlon despite pre-event dread and tears. The narrative revolves around the New Jersey-based Mullica Hill Women's Tri Club (the country's largest women-only triathlon club), their founders, and their marquis event: the Queen of the Hill Triathlon. DiFabio shares her journey into this athletic sorority, introducing readers to the sport's history and topics ranging from equipment costs to successful fund-raising for charities. Statistical data from sources are woven throughout, along with motivational quotes, but a highlight is the 12 inspirational profiles of women who have overcome obstacles blindness, cancer, age (a 67-year-old grandmother) thanks in part to their participation and the newfound camaraderie. DiFabio's self-deprecating chronicle about her foray into the swim-bike-run world is a fun read for readers curious about triathlons, worried about sinking during the swim leg, or doubtful if anyone will cheer for them if they finish last. Sure, triathlons can be an obsession for some, but DiFabio captures the sport's transformative appeal for women and girls.--Barrera, Brenda Copyright 2017 Booklist

DiFabio, a psychologist on sabbatical to raise her four children, was urged by friends to check out the local women's triathlon club. She hadn't exercised in years and had zero interest in participating in a race combining open-water swimming, biking, and running. In this high energy account of how she became involved in a suburban women's triathlon club and participated in her first race at age 45, she combines a history of the triathlon with motivations of women who train for the sport. Personal stories are interwoven into the spirited narrative-of soccer moms, cancer patients, seniors, and a preteen. Some women join for the social aspect, some to get in shape and wear attractive workout clothes, and many have no intent of ever participating in an actual triathlon. Several have a fear of swimming or never learned to ride a bike. This is not a training manual, but it answers the question: Why a triathlon? -VERDICT Readers interested in women's health, fitness, and psychology, as well as those curious about triathlons, will enjoy this upbeat and inspiring view of the women involved in the sport.-Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.