SkirtSports Sponsored Athletes
Linda Quirk
Running 7 Marathons on 7 Continents to Raise a $Million for Caron Treatment Centers
Age: 55
What brought you to your sport?
I started running after my eldest son was born to help lose the baby weight and only dabbled with it, running around the track to get back into shape. Twelve years later in 1988, I ran my first marathon, the Los Angeles Marathon. At the time I had never competed in even a 5k let alone a marathon, was self trained and honestly had no idea where it would take me. I knew that I loved the feeling that I attained while running and was perfectly content to just get outside and run. In 2001, I received a call from my eldest son Jason asking me if I wanted to enter an Ironman triathlon with him. With absolutely no experience on the bike and only my limited experience with running and swimming, I of course said yes. So with eight months to train I immediately found a fantastic triathlon coach who amazingly had me in shape and ready to put my foot into the Gulf Coast on my way to completing my very first Ironman in Florida. That was the beginning of a seven-year love affair with triathlon and running. From that point on, I became serious about my training and competing in my age group.
How long have you been a competitive athlete?
I have been a competitive age group athlete for 8 years becoming serious at the age of 48.
Why do you compete?
I compete for the excitement, self-confidence and camaraderie of other women that I have found in both the sports of running and triathlon. I have always thrived on challenges, pushing myself to achieve whatever I set my mind to and experiencing what life has to offer. I have always believed that anything is possible as long as I was willing to put in the energy and time to achieve it. I also believe in setting the bar high for myself in the hopes that I might go beyond. In most instances, and still to this day, I have gone way beyond what even I have ever expected.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is a speed workout on the track. I truly love the feeling of pushing my body to see what it is capable of. I am always extremely tired after one of these workouts but it is a welcomed tiredness.
How would your best friend describe you?
I believe my best friend Marcella would describe me as loyal, hard headed, driven and fun to travel with. We have had a lot of laughs on the road; many surrounding my need to bring my electric frying pan to every race and insisting on eating oatmeal pancakes as a pre-race meal.
What is you favorite possession?
Well, I guess I would have to say that my favorite possession is my electric frying pan. It has traveled to many races with me, even overseas; always ready to whip up those amazing oatmeal pancakes!!!
What do you do when you are not competing and training?
When I am not competing or training, I am wife, mom, grandmother, travel consultant and superintendent of the home! My days are filled with the normal but gratifying work of keeping everything running smoothly around the house. Family is very important to both my husband and I so staying connected with our children and grandchildren take the highest priority. We have had many fun and exciting vacations as a family, lately to destinations of grandma's races, so I am hoping to pass the torch to one of the grandchildren after I'm 100!!!
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is: "If you can see it, you can do it and if you BELIEVE IT, it will happen... so DREAM BIG!!"
What are the top five songs on your iPod?
"Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen; "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey; "Never Too Late" by Three Days Grace; "One Step At A Time" by Jordin Sparks; "Taking Chances" by Celine Dion
What is the song that gets you to the finish or through a tough workout?
I usually do not run with my iPod during a race but if I need to get through a tough workout I will play something that motivates me. I have been known to play marching music (military songs) and that really gets my legs moving!
Who are your heroes?
I have never really had heroes but rather look at how others live their lives knowing that everyone is human and makes mistakes. I tend to look at how someone handles their misfortunes, and that, for me, is how I determine who my role models have been. My husband, who is not only my biggest supporter, but also my most trusted mentor, is by far the person who I admire most. He is a true testament to how to overcome difficulties, be compassionate, kind and caring and to live life to the fullest
What are your favorite foods?
I would have to say that my most favorite food is Oatmeal Pancakes. I believe I could eat them all day long combined with blueberries, strawberries and raspberries... Yum!!
What is your proudest athletic moment?
My proudest athletic moment was crossing the finish line at the Ironman World Championships, Kona, Hawaii, with both granddaughters in my arms. It was truly a magical moment with our entire family and friends there!!
Do you have a favorite charity?
My goal is to raise $1 Million dollars for the Caron Treatment Centers this year. Caron is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide an enlightened and caring treatment community in which all those affected by alcoholism or other drug addictions may begin a new life. Check out my site at www.run7on7.com
Why are you a Skirt?
I am a Skirt because of how I absolutely feel while running in them. I have found the freedom that can only come from wearing a skirt!!! It absolutely makes me feel like a WOMAN!!
What is your favorite Skirt?
My favorite Skirt is the Gym Girl Ultra. It is so comfortable to run in and never slips down. I also love the Uptown Girl Skirt and 9 to 5 Hoodie to wear around town.
