Jodie Seese crosses a finish line
By Joan Young, MCP contributing writer
Photos provided by Jodie Seese
What comes to mind when you think of a triathlon? Hawaii? Ironman? Unbelievable feats of endurance? High-cost participation events? Who are triathletes? Maybe slim and muscled young bodies appear in your imagination. Would you conjure up images of middle-aged women? Distances and costs that actually sound reasonable rather than life-threatening?
Triathlons can be all these things. Triathlons are staged all over the world, including 36 official ones in Michigan alone in 2026. A triathlon usually consists of three legs: a swim, a bicycle ride and a run, now an Olympic sport with the International Triathlon Union recognized as the governing body for the sport. Distances range from very short to “ultra.” Costs can be outrageous, but smaller events are often free.
Unofficial triathlons are often staged for fun at local events. These may substitute paddling for swimming or stair climbing for running. Some include skiing or snowshoeing, or even coffin races or cardboard boats.
Jodie Seese of Lowell, Michigan, decided at age 50 that she wanted to do something more physical, so she and a friend started training for Grand Rapid’s Riverbank 5K Run. From there, she expanded to 10K, a half marathon, and within a year she ran her first marathon. Then she asked herself, “I wonder if I could… do a triathlon?” The answer was yes, and she soon learned that what she likes best are gravel triathlons. This means that the cycling leg is not on pavement- usually on quiet country roads, not actual bumpy abrasive gravel.
Jodie Seese with her medal
I first met Jodie when she was completing a short triathlon that ended at Stearns Park, Ludington. The organizers had an inflatable finish arch; spectators lined up and cheered. It was great fun!
When asked about how competitive she is, Jodie said, “I enter events to complete them. For me, it’s more about enjoying the journey, taking in the scenery and living that moment in nature. Although I will admit, the destination- crossing that finish line- provides an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Every time. The human body is an amazing creation and it responds favorably to physical activity and training. It was not designed for sitting; it was engineered for movement. I believe the human spirit is capable of more than most of us realize. When those two come together- ‘really good’ things can happen!
“Fitness doesn’t have to mean hard, fast and grueling. I’m slow and steady. I don’t care if I finish last.”
Jodie is now 65, and still competing in triathlon events. But she’s got a few medals to prove that she doesn’t always finish last.
Best of all, I don’t have to encourage you to get outside because Jodie says it all. “If you’ve thought about learning the ins/outs of a new sport or activity, I recommend finding a local organization that offers group training opportunities. They can usually help you find resources, the right gear, and probably a partner to train with. It could be a local race company or retail store that will put on clinics or host weekend group training events. There are so many beautiful venues in Michigan to take us outside and get us moving. There are trails, parks, and nature centers with more being created all the time. Get out and see what you can do. Your soul will thank you.”
She added, “I wish more people would give themselves permission to try hard things, challenging things. Start slowly, learn what works, and adjust as needed. Whether it’s hiking, biking, running or trail walking- get outdoors and breathe in all that nature has to offer.”
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