Featured Athlete / Holiday Hours

Twelve months ago, Julie Burke bought a bike. She didn't know how to swim, rarely ran, and had a basic elementary school perception of cycling. That didn't stop her from making the 2009 season her inaugural debut as a triathlete. Burke worked her butt off, and found herself at her first sprint triathlon last May. The race was held in her hometown of Effingham, Illinois where her friends and family were thrilled to cheer her on as she won her division in her first race. She was now part of that sick group we all know and love, tri-addicts. Her new passion led her to compete in three more races last season. One of the three competitions led her to the podium once again, capturing first in her age division.
Learning to swim, bike, and run in one year is a tall order for anyone. What made it more difficult for Julie was her constant struggle with fibromyalgia, chronic piriformis syndrome, a broken ankle, and a torn ligament in her shoulder. She worked through the pain and prevailed.
No stranger to hard work, Burke graduated from University of Illinois at the top of her class. Her 25 year career as a purser for American Airlines has her travelling to Europe and Asia at least four times per month. She is a mother to three boys; Charlie 11, Adam 13, and Patrick age 16. She and her husband Brian have been married for 19 years. When not working, training, or running the boys around, Julie enjoys skiing, snorkeling, going to Dallas Cowboys games, and seeing plays.
Next season, Julie plans on focusing on longer distance races. She will compete in her first Olympic and half-iron distance competitions. Go Julie!! We know you can Endure It!!!!!!!

Holiday Hours

The store will close at 2pm on Christmas Eve and reopen 10am December 26th.

 

December 21, 2009 | Permalink