Aug. 4, 2004
By Kelley Johnson
Media Relations Assistant
Former Santa Clara University basketball player Tammy Annas completed the King's Trail Triathlon in Maui, Hawaii, on June 13 as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. Of the nearly 400 participants in the race, Annas placed 92nd, was the 27th woman to cross the finish line and finished second in her age group earning a medal with a time of 3:14:02.
Unfortunately, Julie Butler, also a former Bronco basketball player, could not compete in the race due to a bulging disk in her back, but still attended in support of her team and fundraising efforts.
The race began at 7 a.m. Sunday in the waters near the Maui Prince Hotel, with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run before finishing back at the hotel. It was an Olympic distance triathlon, making it one of the toughest competitions to participate in.
"It was super hot during the race, but it helped with aid stations along the way that had water and cold, wet sponges to soak us with," said Annas.
A total of eight Team in Training teams, representing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, had raised money in order to participate in the King's Trail Triathlon. In addition to their Washington/Alaska team others from Kansas, North Carolina, North Texas, Los Angeles, ORSBC, Southern Florida and Southern Ohio also competed.
"It was an amazing experience for me to raise this money, train with Team in Training members, and compete in this triathlon," said Annas. "I never thought I would compete in an Olympic size triathlon let alone finish the race with a time of 3:14:02."
In order to compete, each participant had to raise $5,400 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Annas and Butler reached and surpassed this goal as they helped one another with fundraising. Additionally, participants were given the opportunity to train with their team three times a week under guidance of a coach provided by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Participants were also asked to train on their own three days a week according to a workout provided by the coach.
As the combination of fundraising and training occupies much of one's time, it takes a special person to follow through with such a commitment. With Annas and Butler both being former collegiate student-athletes, they know what it takes to manage their time and accomplish such a task.
"Julie and I were talking after and we found that through training for basketball we learned that we can do things we never thought we could," said Annas. "I would definitely do it again for fun."
