Dear Listeners,
This week's guest, 76-year old triathlete Sibyl Jacobson, was right here in Cleveland, Ohio last August competing in Age Group Triathlon National Championships where she finished second in the Olympic distance and third in the Sprint distance. I was lucky enough to meet her while she was in town and record our conversation in person.
Sibyl competes regularly and has an impressive list of podiums and wins including internationally and in longer events. In both 2017 and 2018 she was the IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion in her age group.
What I like about Sibyl’s story is she didn’t even race her first triathlon until she was 61! Prior to that, she was President and CEO of MetLife Foundation. In early 2000s, climbing stairs to the 14th floor when the elevator wasn’t working, she realized how out of shape she was and got active.
She now trains most mornings and lives differently than she did before.
Listen to the episode to find out more.
Other Highlights:
1. At 76 Sibyl is a pre-Title IX baby. She was very active as a kid, running around with a “gang” of neighborhood boys and girls. There were very few organized school sports for girls. Sibyl didn’t make the cheerleading squad, not surprising as an endurance athlete (versus one excelling at explosive moves). Offering one sport does not create opportunity for all.
2. Sibyl makes a point of not looking back with regret. I loved that part of the conversation and learned something for myself. Even so, she was aware that boys got cool stuff, like uniforms, that she didn’t get. In talking to pre-Title IX athletes, I'm interested that it’s often this little stuff that makes the big impression.
3. Sibyl eats starchy carbs, though limits desserts. 🍝
4. Maple syrup has lots of magnesium. Did you know that?!
5. We talk about competing, which Sibyl really likes a lot.
It's always great to hear from you, so send your thoughts & ideas via the Contact page.
I read every email.
Keep Listening,
Elizabeth Emery
HOT TAKES FROM THE EPISODE
☄️"A lot of people don’t show up or dare to show up. That’s what most of it is. It’s just daring to put yourself out there with your saggy skin and do something."
☄️"So in my mind I am flying. Even in my terrible run, which has gotten slower and slower, I think I’m going great guns. So, I do a real good mental transport on the bike of thinking I’m great, only to be surprised."
☄️"I knew that gym was boring and that we did dumb things that weren’t fun and weren’t energetic."
IF YOU LIKE THIS EPISODE, try these
🎤 Episode 26, Elizabeth Streb strives to use up her body by the end. Listen Here.
🎤 Episode 56, Lisa Keller talks Title IX in Alaska. + she's a triathlete. Listen Here.
🎤 Episode 17, Katie Spotz on seeking adventure. Listen Here.
🎤 Episode 43, Collette Smith played her favorite sport later in life. Listen Here.
I'M READING NOW
✶ Pre-Title IX collegiate sports.
✶ Only As Old As You Feel. As I age, I look to older people for good models of what's possible. There are many women far older than I am still kicking my ass and I thank them. 🙏🏻💥🥇
✶ Women in space. "It’s fascinating to think that we just don’t know enough about the effects of spaceflight on a woman’s body." This is worth reading just for the bit about tampons in space. But also about default sizing & hysteria.