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From Birthday Bike to Ironman Finish Line: Alison’s Journey

From Birthday Gift to Ironman Finish Line: Alison’s Journey Run Tri Bike Hollie Sick

Alison Brown, a triathlete and cyclist from Olathe, Kansas, has changed her life through endurance sports. What began as a surprise birthday gift turned into a passion that led her to compete in Ironman triathlons. Learn how Alison got started, her training routine, and the impact cycling and triathlon have had on her life—not just from working out, but also from volunteering in a learn-to-ride program.

How a Birthday Gift Sparked a New Passion

Alison’s journey into cycling began in an unexpected way—a surprise birthday gift. She received a road bike for her 40th birthday, despite having only ridden a mountain bike occasionally and not touching a road bike in years. “I wasn’t really into cycling,” she admits, “but I wasn’t running much either, and it felt like time to try something new.”

This unexpected gift led Alison to explore cycling further, ultimately leading her to join a local learn-to-ride program through Cycling KC. This program introduced her to group rides, where she learned road safety, bike maintenance, and the confidence to take on longer solo rides.

The Path to Becoming an Ironman

Two years after joining the cycling program, Alison completed her first Ironman. Despite being new to cycling, she was determined to push her boundaries. “It was intimidating at first,” Alison recalls. “I tracked athletes on the Ironman app and wondered how I would handle being up for 17 hours straight.” However, she knew that once she completed the bike portion of the race, she was on track to finish.

This sense of achievement has driven her to continue competing in endurance events. Alison is currently training for Ironman Wisconsin, which she will compete in on September 8th.

A Week in the Life of Triathlon Training

Alison’s triathlon training is a delicate balance of cycling, running, and swimming. Her typical training week includes three bike rides, four runs, and three swims. She strategically divides her time between quality workouts and long endurance sessions, often squeezing them in around her work and family responsibilities.

Alison emphasizes that it’s all about consistency and planning. “I plan my week ahead of time, making sure to fit in training while still leaving room for family and friends,” she explains. Her approach allows her to train effectively without sacrificing other aspects of her life.

When she started training for triathlons, it was difficult. She made it through marathon training, but that wasn’t as all-consuming as Ironman training. She states, “In some ways, I got lucky.”

Before the pandemic, Alison traveled a lot for work. That was paused in early 2020, giving her time to build healthy habits. She changed jobs in 2021, before her first Ironman, and worked remotely or in a hybrid format until the spring of 2024. That flexibility, with less commuting and more time off the road without a bike or pool, helped. Now that she’s back in the office, this routine is ingrained in her life.

Another factor that helped was waiting until her oldest son was almost through college and her youngest could drive.


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Building Her Lifestyle to Include Training

Now Alison has structured her lifestyle to incorporate training rather than squeezing it in around other commitments. She plans her entire week ahead, rearranging activities to make time for family, friends, and other priorities while keeping a balanced approach to life. Although she might decline more social invitations than she’d prefer, she aims to engage in at least one non-training-related activity with others each week. She finds it empowering to be in control of her schedule, rather than being dictated by external demands like her kids’ schedules.

The Mental and Physical Benefits of Cycling and Triathlon

Alison credits cycling and triathlon with transforming her life, not only physically but mentally. The challenges of endurance training have helped her build resilience that she carries into her personal and professional life. “Cycling has given me an outlet for anxious energy,” she says. “It’s a reminder that I can do hard things, both on and off the bike.”

Over the years, Alison has faced personal challenges, and having an athletic outlet has been crucial to navigating difficult times. The discipline and resilience she’s built through her sport have helped her face other obstacles with confidence.

Advice for Beginners: Just Start

For anyone looking to get into cycling, Alison’s advice is simple: just start. “You don’t need the best gear or years of experience,” she advises. “Find a group or a friend who can guide you and start small.”

Alison also recommends using a radar device to detect approaching cars, which has made solo road cycling much safer for her. She’s a strong advocate for learning through group rides, as they offer an excellent opportunity to develop skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Life Beyond the Finish Line

Cycling and triathlon aren’t just hobbies for Alison—they’re a way of life. She’s learned that balancing training with other responsibilities is possible, but it requires planning and prioritization. “Now, my lifestyle is built around my training, rather than trying to squeeze it in,” she says. Her ability to align her personal life with her training goals has allowed her to maintain long-term success in endurance sports.

What’s Next for Alison?

As Alison prepares for Ironman Wisconsin, she reflects on the incredible journey that has brought her here. From a birthday gift that lead to learning to ride a bike in a group setting to completing an Ironman, Alison shows it’s never too late to start anything!

You can find Alison on instagram here.

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Hollie is a runner, hiker, swimmer, residing in California. She has worked in run specialty for nearly 8 years and has fit hundreds of people for shoes. Outside of the running world, she enjoys the general aviation world, her two cats, and spending time with her spouse.