Everyone at some point will face adversity. It seems inevitable. Though everyone's circumstances are different - each is equally understanding. Christina Ardito, our T3 Athlete of the Month is no stranger to this. Her story is remarkable. Her accomplishments are inspiring. Her perspective on patience - her superpower! A message we can all learn from her.

In May 2019 a leg injury sidelined Christina.. 5+ years later, 5 surgeries, multiple attempts of comebacks, and endless ups & downs... Christina toed the line to complete the 2024 Ironman Lake Placid.

For perspective, after almost 5 years of not being able to run, her first opportunity to run again was on February 28, 2024. She set out for 30 minutes, walking 2 minutes...jogging 30 seconds... repeat. This day was remarkable. Coach Kevin, "I remember that workout. How excited I was to await her results. It was monumental in my eyes. She had worked so hard to get back to this point. To know she was running again was undoubtedly one of my coaching highlights for the year!"

From there, Christina was off...progressing. Throughout the entire process showing patience & positivity in each day, each workout, each moment...clearly understanding the long haul is the reward of the journey. With this remarkable mindset, gradually 30 seconds turned into 1 minute, then 2, 5, 30, and eventually completing a couple of days of "2 hours time on feet."

When July 20th, 2024 came, the day before Ironman Lake Placid...Coach Kevin knew she had already won! "She won the battle internally, with herself, both physically and the power of her mind. This made her invincible on that day. A powerful message to stay positive, remain patient (even if 5 years or more), never give up, and believe in yourself."

So, five years later, on July 21st, 2024 - Christina certainly earned the "Voice of Ironman", Mike Reilly's call - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN. Congratulations to Christina!

A:   Christina Ardito. I live in Niskayuna, NY

A:   45

A:   I investigate different types of fraud for State Farm Insurance. Think Identity theft, rate evasion (basically using a fake address for cheaper insurance rates, hiding drivers), payment fraud, etc..

A:   16 years

A:   I reached out to Kevin in the Fall of 2022 knowing I needed guidance after an injury. Since my better half and team clown Steve Becker had been coached by Kevin years ago, I trusted he was what I needed. Although I tried to so some training in the summer 2023 I wasn’t really able to commit to training until this past Winter and Spring.

A:   I have a lot of favorites for different reasons but the New York City marathon is special because it brings people from all over the world together simply to run. To me, anytime you can bring a large, diverse group of people to celebrate sport... it’s a win win.

A:   That is a funny question for someone like me. I’m a minimalist in terms of race things and/or equipment. I don’t get caught up in gadgets or expensive things. I don’t like to carry or have things touching me... I don’t even like socks (stay away from my bike shoes and sneakers!). So honestly... my favorite piece of equipment is not something I can buy...it’s my legs.

A:   Qualifying for the half Ironman world championships, the National Duathlon Championships, being the top Capital District female Boston Marathon finisher in 2012, getting on the podium for most age group awards or winning some races outright... Finishing this years Lake Placid Ironman as a personal goal is a pretty big highlight though.

A:   I think I’ve accomplished it! Lake Placid!

A:   My long term goal is to stay healthy and be able to participate as long as I can as I age.

A:   Veggies and hummus, chocolate and various types of cheese

A:   80s all day!

A:   Be patient, appreciate where you are currently, set small goals and big ones.

A:   I have mantras I say to myself… sort of my own secrets I guess. When I run, particularly up hills I say “baby steps, baby steps, baby steps” over and over. It’s something I have done for years to master hill running. When I bike, I always move my legs and barely ever coast, even going downhill. I call it the ABC (Always Be Cycling) because... spinners are winners (my other mantra). I recognize I’m a nerd. Don’t knock it till you try it.

A:   This year it’s Alpe du Zwift. I love being uncomfortably comfortable and challenging myself.

A:   It’s cliche, but don’t take your physical health for granted. Having missed an entire age group of racing due to what started as a simple fracture, I’ve learned to embrace every single day I can walk on both legs - crutch free, brace free and pain free. A chronic injury or chronic pain changes you in lots of ways emotionally because it can be incredibly depressing working through or finding a new normal. I’ve learned new perspectives on patience, humility, respecting my body and having more empathy for others when they are dealing with their own pain. Health is truly the greatest form of wealth and I remind myself of it every single morning.