IRMO, SC (WIS) -
Ella Pfaehler is set out to prove her age is not a limitation.
"It's never to late to do something," she said.
The 70-year-old is competing in her first triathlon with people young enough to be her grand kids.
"It's exciting," said Pfaehler. "It really is."
She had butterflies when we met her back in March at Still Hope Retirement Community.
Pfaehler and her senior teammates trained for 12 weeks, swimming, biking and running.
At 75, Florence Fowler is one of the oldest tri-athletes.
"Putting all three together is more intense than I thought," Fowler said as she laughed.
Stephanie Glatz is their trainer.
"I've gotten really close with each individual and just watching them grow, train, work hard and get stronger, faster and confident has been fun," she said.
"I remember saying all along I'm going to finish and I said it with hope at the time but now I'm confident I will finish."
We followed Pfaehler from the beginning, starting with a 350-meter swim.
After the dip she geared up for a 13-mile bike ride. Then on to a 5K run.
After two and a half hours, she showed everyone you can achieve your goals at any age.
"I'm exhausted and jubilant," she said. "I finished! I finished! I finished!"
If you're over 55 and interested in participating in a triathlon, Still Hope Retirement Park is holding training sessions.
Contact Stefanie Glatz, Wellness Assistant & Triathlon Coach at 803-223-6180 or sglatz@stillhopes.org
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Ella Pfaehler competes in triathlon
