Nervous Beginnings to Inspiring Others: Hunter Ralston’s Journey in Endurance Sports

Hunter Ralston’s journey into endurance sports began in 2014, a year that would mark the start of a lifelong pursuit. “I did my first triathlon on June 29, 2014,” she recalls, with a mix of nostalgia and amazement. It was a day that would change her life, setting her on a course that has since seen her complete 14 Half Ironman races and even a full Ironman at Lake Placid in 2022. But how did Hunter, who once mocked her mom for running, end up embracing such a demanding sport?

The answer lies in her college years when a seemingly simple decision to take an elective class—an intro to half marathon course—set everything in motion. “I was going to school in Tennessee, and they were organizing a small local race in Arkansas. I signed up for the class, and before I knew it, I was running my first half marathon,” Hunter shares. Despite her initial nerves, the race went smoothly, and she enjoyed it more than she anticipated. However, her plans to run the St. Jude Half Marathon shortly afterward were thwarted by an unexpected ice storm, leading to the event’s cancellation. “I ended up running a few miles with my dad the next day instead,” she remembers.

This initial experience sparked something in Hunter. Encouraged by her brother, who was already participating in triathlons, and with the support of her mother, who lent her a road bike, Hunter began to dabble in cycling. Before long, she found herself training for her first sprint triathlon that summer.

Facing Fears and Overcoming Obstacles

For many athletes, the journey to their first triathlon is filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Hunter was no different. “The swim was what I was most nervous about,” she admits. Unlike running, which she felt she could handle even if it meant walking, swimming in open water was a whole new challenge. “I had worked my way up to swimming 500 yards in the pool, but the idea of doing that in a lake was intimidating.”

Her first triathlon, the East Haddam Sprint Triathlon, was a local event in a small town, but for Hunter, it might as well have been Kona. “I was really nervous about the swim, but I knew once I got through it, I’d be okay,” she says. Thanks to the support of her family, particularly her brother who had done a few triathlons by then, Hunter felt somewhat prepared, even if only for the practicalities like knowing where to put the timing chip and how to handle transitions.

But it wasn’t just the logistics that her family helped with. “My mom bought me a transition bag the week of the race,” Hunter laughs, recalling how something as simple as a backpack added to her excitement and confidence. Despite her nerves, Hunter completed that first triathlon, a feat that would pave the way for many more.

The Path to Progression

From that first sprint triathlon in 2014, Hunter’s progression in endurance sports was steady and determined. “It was all about practice,” she emphasizes. Living just ten minutes away from a spot ideal for open water swimming, she made sure to practice regularly, often with her parents and a group of friends. “I knew I could do the distance; it was more about getting comfortable with the environment,” she explains.

Swimming wasn’t the only challenge. Learning to cycle seriously for the first time also required a steep learning curve. “We rode bikes as kids, but nothing serious,” Hunter says. Fortunately, she had the guidance of her parents and brother from the start. “My dad took me out on a flat road and made me clip in and out of my pedals at every mailbox,” she recalls. It was these early lessons, taught correctly and with support, that laid a solid foundation for her future in triathlons.

Running, on the other hand, came more naturally to Hunter. Having dabbled in running during high school, she didn’t find it as intimidating as swimming or cycling. However, the combination of all three disciplines in a triathlon was a new and exhilarating challenge.

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Embracing the Community and Finding Balance

As Hunter continued to participate in triathlons, she discovered something bigger than just physical fitness—the sense of community within the endurance sports world. “There’s something incredibly supportive about the endurance sports community,” she says. This sense of belonging and encouragement played a significant role in her continued participation in the sport.

Hunter’s professional background as a mental health counselor has also profoundly influenced her approach to endurance sports. “I focus on enjoyment rather than personal records,” she explains. This balanced perspective has allowed her to navigate the highs and lows of training and racing without losing sight of why she started in the first place. “It’s about growth and having fun while doing it,” she says, a philosophy that has kept her motivated and engaged.

In 2022, Hunter took on her most significant challenge yet—the Ironman Lake Placid. “There’s a lot to be said for your first time doing something because you’re naive,” she reflects. Despite having completed multiple 70.3 races, the full Ironman distance was a different beast. “I knew I could finish, but I had zero expectations because it’s such a long day. So many things can go wrong,” she says. Yet, armed with the experience of countless hours of training and her mental toughness, Hunter crossed the finish line, adding another remarkable achievement to her journey.

Encouraging Others and Building a Community

Hunter’s progression through sport has not just been about personal achievement; it’s also about giving back. Recognizing the need for more women in endurance sports, she started the Women On Wheels club. “It’s about encouraging others, especially women, to get started in endurance sports,” she says. Through this club, Hunter provides support and guidance, much like what she received from her family and the endurance community.

By sharing her journey, Hunter hopes to inspire others to embrace challenges, whether it’s their first sprint triathlon or a full Ironman. “It’s not about being the best; it’s about growing, enjoying the process, and supporting each other along the way,” she says.

A Journey of Growth and Enjoyment

Hunter Ralston’s journey in endurance sports is filled with growth, joy, and community. From her nervous beginnings in a college half marathon class to her impressive finish at Ironman Lake Placid, Hunter has demonstrated that with practice, support, and the right mindset, anything is possible.

Her story is not just about completing races; it’s about what happens to us along the way. As Hunter continues to challenge herself and inspire others, she embodies what endurance sports is all about—a journey of personal growth, mental resilience, and, most importantly, enjoyment.

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