Website of Emily Sherrard, professional triathlete and medical doctor. Pursuing a passion and chasing a dream on an unconventional path.
It is hard to believe that just four weeks ago I was in Kona, celebrating the successful completion of my first Ironman. It took me nearly a week to recover physically; I have never been so sore after a race in my life. The soreness hit immediately too, even having the finisher’s medal around my neck and banging against my abdomen was painful
Read MoreThis week I would like to thank my coaches of present and past for their role in my athletic successes and in my personal growth. Believe it or not, I was a rather rambunctious child who did not sit still in class and couldn't care less about homework or above average academic achievement. All of that really changed when I began running track in the 6th grade. My talent for running was no mystery, as I had perennially out run many of the boys in my elementary school class in the mile run, but at only 11 years of age I had not yet learned to effectively channel my energy. The middle school track coaches quickly recognized my potential and challenged me to reach it by putting me in the fastest heats with the older more experienced runners and I rose to the occasion.
Read MoreWith one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, less than one month away I wanted to express my gratitude towards some of the integral members of my team. This will be the first installment of my "Thankful Thursday" blog series, in which-in no particular order-I will make some special shout-outs and show my profound appreciation for my friends, family, and supporters for their role in helping my dreams become a reality.
Read MoreI have been a member of many teams in my life. I ran on the track and cross country teams in high school and college. Now, as a senior medical student, I am a part of the team of healthcare professionals that cares for patients in the hospital and outpatient clinic. I have had far more success in achieving my goals and favorable outcomes as a member of a team than by myself. I graduated from high school with more team state titles than individual. And in medicine it would be incredibly difficult to deliver the best possible care to a patient without a team of doctors, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, and therapists. A team creates synergy, with results that are far superior to what an individual could produce on their own.
Read MoreAfter a decent night of sleep, I awoke 15 minutes before my alarm was set to go off race morning. I sat at the table with the lights dimmed and ate what would be my last meal of real food for the day. It was still pitch black outside, not even a hint of dawn, as I listened to the waves crashing against the lava wall through the darkness. I picked at my bowl of oatmeal and Nutella; my appetite dissipated as my nervousness swelled up deep inside me. I powered through and finished eating before my parents arrived to pick me up.
Read MoreBy Tricia Sherrard
In our trusty mini van filled with equipment and food for the weekend, Mom and I successfully smuggled my sister over the border and arrived in Mont-Tremblant to join a multitude of athletes and their support crews. Upon stepping out of the car, we heard the repeated thump of dance music from the Ironman Village. Certainly this was a forecast for the weekend, which was full of festivities and excitement. Mont-Tremblant is the stuff of snow globes; a small ski village in the Laurentian Mountains nestled between the mountain and Lac Tremblant. Traditional French-style buildings with brightly colored roofs house a variety of shops, restaurants and patisseries. While Emily was busy being stressed and fit, Mom and I loved dancing at a U2 cover band concert, devouring crepes, and exploring the village.
Read MoreMonday October 6
We had an early flight that departed Philadelphia at 6am. I had set my alarm for 3:30am, but awoke almost an hour before and didn’t even bother going back to sleep, I was too excited! It was still a scramble to get out of the door given the fact that it is impossible to pack light for any race, let alone an Ironman. Checking the bikes was no easy feat given confusion over the fees and I ended up being the last person on the plane to SFO. Looking around I did not see any other triathlete, but that all changed on the second leg. Even from halfway down the terminal in SFO I could spot the compression socks and M-dot paraphernalia. I knew I was in the right place!
Read MoreTomorrow is a day of firsts and lasts. My first Kona; my first Ironman. It will also be my last race as an amateur, as I am stepping up to the elite ranks and competing as a professional in the sport of triathlon next season. I am excited to begin this next leg of my athletic journey. It will be a new challenge for me, but no doubt rewarding.
Read MoreI was right on target, feeling great, and having the race of my life. Adrenaline was pumping through my body and I was excited to get off of the bike in T2 and throw down an awesome run. Then, with less than seven miles to go on the bike, I shifted down going up a short steep roller and felt my chain jump and kept pedaling, only to watch it fall off between my crank and my frame. I jump of off my bike and ran to the side of the road and tried to put my chain back on, but I could not get it out. The chain was stuck and I could not pull it out.
Read MoreIn the weeks leading up to the race NJ State Triathlon had featured me in a Facebook, as well as updated their cover photo on their Facebook page with my finish line picture from the year before. I believe there was also an email featuring yours truly. Needless to say the pressure was on the defend my title from the previous year. Given my current undefeated streak, no problem right?
Read More
