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Writer's pictureTri Fitness

Athlete Spotlight: Nancy Maas



Name | Nancy Maas


Tell us about your family/career.

I grew up in White Bear Lake and currently live in St. Paul. When I'm not training, I'm working as a realtor.


How long has fitness been part of your life?

As an adult, it was December of 2018 when I started my health and fitness journey. Then, covid hit; however, I kept going. Nothing was going to stop me. In 2020, I was able to get in 290 pilates sessions, TRX, rowing, and strength training sessions. I Zoomed 236 of the sessions from my condo.


Do you have a favorite quote or motto?

My dad saying, “Make a decision and keep moving forward.”


What keeps you going when you really don’t want to go?

I always want to go. I like pushing my body, and I like to see and feel the weekly progression. The morning crew is fun, hardworking, and can be very entertaining.


What got you started with training?

I started training at Tri Fitness December 2021. I set a 2022 goal of participating in a mini triathlon, since it was at the top on my bucket list for 20 years. I had no clue what was involved. I knew I would have to improve my swimming, dust off my bike I had not ridden in a very long time, and see if I could run a few miles without stopping.


How long have you been training?

Anita McKeown introduced me to Vicki and Tri Fitness. I started with private sessions to build my confidence with strength training, and eventually progressed to 2 strength classes per week, and finally Vicki let me add a 3rd class per week. I love the early morning sessions! This past spring, I joined the Tri Fitness Tri Club, which meets on Saturdays. l call it Trifecta Saturday. It is amazing! To me, it feels like a weekly mini triathlon.


Were you involved in other competitive sports prior to your adult years? (ie- athletic background)

Downhill ski racing, cross county running, sailing as a kid on White Bear Lake, and for years I would enter 10k races throughout the year.


Best tip for someone that is thinking about starting a fitness program?

Just do it! Your body will thank you, and it is a great opportunity to meet new people.


What is your biggest struggle?

Wanting to speed up the process. The coaches at Tri Fitness continue to say, “Trust the process,” and, "Be sure to take one day off each week."

Goals for upcoming year?

A 5k race in October and learn how to clip in. In 2023, I will sign up for 2 sprint triathlons. Progress with my swimming, biking, and running so I can keep up with the other Tri Club athletes next summer.


Anything else you'd like to add?

The training has been fun and life changing. I learned that open water swimming is incredible in a wet suit in early June, riding a bike is fun again, and I have almost rediscovered the joy of running that I had 40 years ago.


The best part of my journey is that I have integrated swimming, biking, and jogging into my weekly exercise routine of strength training and Pilates. I may not be in the front of the pack, but I’m having fun, enjoying the outdoors, meeting new people, and getting stronger every day. More than anything, I am loving the process.

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