Jamie’s adventure began in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, where she worked as a paramedic for over 20 years. Amidst the chaos and unpredictability of life on the frontlines, Jamie found herself seeking healthier ways to cope with the stresses of work, particularly after experiencing the traumatic Boston Marathon bombing.
Jamie Dismuke
Yet, if running a marathon seemed daunting to someone who literally saved lives daily, you’d be forgiven for thinking that tackling a triathlon might also fall into the ‘who-in-their-right-mind-would-do-this’ category. However, Jamie is not your average hero. When Boston offered a sprint triathlon, the appeal of combining swimming, biking, and running was just the kind of stress relief she was seeking.
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From an early age, water was a familiar element in Jamie's life, thanks to an early job as a lifeguard and her own experiences as a competitive swimmer. But even this seasoned swimmer realized that there’s a world of difference between swimming in a pool and swimming in the open ocean. It's not just the chlorine that’s missing—it's the sense of security.
Taking your sight away, even as a good swimmer, can be anxiety-inducing.
Completing that first triathlon wasn't enough for Jamie. One sprint paved the way for an Ironman—the triathlon equivalent of saying, "Let’s see how wild this ride can get." Unfazed by the occasional bemused coach who advised against jumping from a sprint to a full Ironman, Jamie charted her own course. She sought online guidance, adapted her workouts to fit her paramedic shifts, and plunged deeper into the triathlon rabbit hole.
Interestingly, Jamie’s triathlon pursuits weaved into her personal life in a delightful rom-com twist. Her involvement with a triathlon community also brought her a shared connection with her fiancé. Move over, "Love & Basketball." We raise you, "Love & Triathlon.”
What’s next for Jamie? Apparently, this “chill year” involves multiple 70.3 races and at least one “low-key existential crisis run.” For those of us less inclined to multi-sport chaos, we might wonder if venturing into triathlons is akin to signing up for avoidable self-torture. Jamie’s suggestion? Start small. Explore events like short runs or triathlon relays without committing fully to a half or full triathlon event.
We hope you enjoy hearing Jaime’s story (linked below)!
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Melanin MVP is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network by Run Tri Bike. Know someone you would like to see on the podcast? Respond and let us know!
