GH high school teacher wins her first sprint triathlon race

Swimmers, cross country runners help with motivation

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

When Gig Harbor marine biology teacher JoAnn Moore decided to compete in her first triathlon, she didn’t have to look far for advice.

Moore, who has been a teacher for 30 years, turned to her students and high school coaching staff, including her daughter, Colleen Sullivan, for help.

They came through more than she’d imagined.

At the BuDu Women’s Racing triathlon last month at Five Mile Lake in Federal Way, Moore won her 50-54 age division with a time of 1 hour, 26 minutes.

“I’ve always wanted to do one for many years,” Moore said. “It’s exciting to see that many people committed to that kind of training.”

Sullivan, who is a sophomore swimmer at Gig Harbor High School, helped motivate Moore to begin training for a triathlon. Sullivan advanced to the Class 4A state meet last fall and competed in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle events.

“She’s an inspiration to me,” Moore said about her daughter’s rigorous swim workouts. “She works her tail off.”

Moore began by taking group triathlon and spinning classes at the Gig Harbor YMCA. A few high school cross country runners gave her ideas for training. Gig Harbor Tides cross country coach Patty Ley even recommended different tips for speed work.

“It was a real village effort,” Moore said. “Some of the kids were like, ‘You can do this.’ It was great they were aware and supportive, as were my good friends and family.”

After she marked her calendar and stuck to her workout routine, Moore was ready to start the race. She was a swimmer when she was in high school and college, so it wasn’t the water aspect she was worried about.

It was the running.

“I’m not really a land animal,” Moore said jokingly. “Running has always been my challenge.”

The triathlon consisted of a quarter-mile swim, a 14-mile bicycle leg and a 5-kilometer run. Moore said she didn’t want any of her friends or family to show up, because she didn’t know how she would finish.

Moore won her division and had the 45th best individual time. She said she’s pumped for an upcoming race.

“I’m excited I can do another one and improve,” she said. “The YMCA triathlon group has done more for people than they probably know.”

Sports reporter Marques Hunter can be reached at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.