Elin Nordegren has been in the news a lot lately. In fact, it’s kind of tough to not see a story about her divorce from Tiger Woods or something detailing the sordid details of his numerous affairs or their divorce that was just finalized this week. Something you may not have read about the newly single Elin is that she’s decided to become a triathlete.
Elin has made changes in her life, aside from sending serial cheater Tiger Woods packing, including taking classes at nearby Rollins College. One of those changes, according to People Magazine, is the decision to become a triathlete. The 30-year-old model and mother of two has been seen cycling in their Orlando area neighborhood. So far, no sources have said when Nordegren plans to actually compete or which specific event/distance she is training for.
Whether Elin ever competes or not, she is making a good choice by upping her physical activity. It is a well known fact that increased stress can have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system and between the affairs, publicity and the divorce, Nordegren has certainly had her quota of added stress over the past year. Stress not only has an effect on the cardiovascular system, but on weight gain.
Normally, this column wouldn’t deal with a topic like a celebrity divorce, but this is a good opportunity to illustrate the benefits of her choice. Some people turn to medication to cope with stress, some choose other methods. Exercise can be a great alternative. That’s not to say medication doesn’t have a place in some situations, but why not give exercise a try? What could it hurt?
Elin’s decision to give triathlons a try is a solid one. Triathlons and other endurance sports have increased in popularity over recent years. Trek and Danskin each have a triathlon series for women only. According to a recent report by Running USA, the half marathon has been the fastest growing distance in the US and it now ranks as the top distance for women. Both men and women are finding the benefits of endurance sports and then challenging themselves with longer distances or the transitions into multi-sport events.
Let’s be realistic too. The first event Elin enters will get a lot of press coverage, which is a plus. It leads to more people trying the sport, more companies wanting to sponsor events and more products becoming available. Raising the profile of endurance sports benefits everyone who participates in them.
Good luck Elin and welcome to the sport. You picked a good way to put Tiger Woods in your rearview.
If you have questions or suggestions, please email me. To keep up on triathlon news and new articles, follow on Twitter @FLTriathlon.
Comments
I am so glad that Elin Nordegren is finally free from Tiger Woods who seems to be a very troubled man with serious issues. I commend Elin for her wise decision, for being a caring and loving mother and for her great courage, dignity and class during this horrid period in her life. I applaud that Elin is moving on with her life taking care of herself and her children and looking forward to be happy and enjoy life again!!! I wish Elin and her children the very best!!!
Making healthy changes like moving into triathlons, or simply becoming more athletic and active, are good ways to deal with the stresses or of divorce or other life changes. As a fan of endurance sports, I applaud Elin Nordegren for moving forward without Tiger Woods by relentlessly moving forward on a race course.
She'll be better off out of the celebrity spotlight.. hope she can make it...
It is so refreshing to be exposed to a woman of substance like Elin Nordegren. After what the public had to endure with these hundreds of skanks masquerading as women, thanks to Tiger Woods and Jesse James, it is indeed a pleasure to know someone like Nordegren.
I admire and respect this woman and I wish the world had more like her. I try to live with some of the values I have seen her portray, and as a career woman of 44, with a certain level of education, I have very few people I can relate to. I find so many women to be shallow and greedy. She is such a refreshing change. Kudos to you, Elin, for being true to your values.
Yes, she could use a break from the spotlight, but I don't see that happening. It's much better for her own health and the welfare of her children that she has decided to handle this with some grace and to try dealing with the stress through good activity rather than abusing some substance or another. Besides, having a new goal not only gives her somethign to work for, but a sense of accomplishment when she makes it.
It's good to see Elin Nordegren moving on in a positive fashion after Tiger Woods.
I'll be interested in seeing if she follows through and actually does a tri. Either way, she's getting in better shape, so it's a good thing
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!