Colleen Cannon
Colleen Cannon is President, CEO and founder of Women’s Quest, a multisport fitness retreat providing athletic and holistic training for women worldwide. Prior to founding Women’s Quest, Colleen was a professional triathlete competing worldwide with over seventy career victories.
As one of 8 children in an active family, Colleen grew up swimming, riding horses, and competing with her siblings for food and attention. While attending college on a swimming scholarship, she unintentionally entered her first triathlon. In spite of being unprepared and taking an unorthodox approach to the competition (like completing the 50-mile cycling leg on a bike with baskets on the back and streamers on the handlebars), she finished the race in second place, launching a career on the professional triathlon circuit from 1981 to 1992. Colleen’s many victories and accomplishments include World Triathlon Champion (1984), two-time U.S. Champion (1988, 1990), the Coca-Cola Grand Prix of Triathlon (1989), U.S. National Triathlon Team Member (1990 – 1992), and top ranking triathlete of the Association of Professional Triathletes (1984, 1986, 1987).
Discovering Your Dreams: “Physical activity is one of the most powerful, and perhaps the most under-used tool for personal discovery, balance, and transformation. For me, training and racing was far more than simply grinding it out and competing — it was a chance to create harmony in all aspects of my life. I had the amazing opportunity to train with the world’s best athletes, coaches and doctors to help me gain the ‘winning edge’. As a result, I discovered that there is an athlete and winner within each of us. With clear vision and determination, we can all achieve our life’s dream.” {Colleen’s Tips From a Pro »}
In 1992, Colleen founded Women’s Quest with a group of friends and fellow triathletes. Initially focused on training for women athletes, the retreats have evolved to focus on “physical, mindful, and spirit-filled adventures” that help everyday women find balance and rekindle their passion.
“I wanted to ignite a spark and passion in people for the outdoors, their own bodies and their spirits,” says Colleen. “Regardless of your age, fitness level or athletic background, it is never too late to learn to love an active lifestyle and feel truly alive.”
Colleen’s Inspirational Quote: “What do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” —Mary Oliver
I was an amputee doing tri’s at the time Colleen was competing. She was my inspiration at the time. The training and food supplements kept changing and evolving. So happy to see that she has come to the same lifestyle and healthy choices as myself. I love her comment about eating a little sunshine everyday. After all the years, Colleen, you are still my inspiration.
Hey Colleen,
I love your site and the beautiful work you are doing!
I lost your email address when my computer was stolen and there is no CONTACT US button on your site. Am I old and missing it or giving you useful feedback? I hate how many websites have no phone number, email and snail mail… I admit I’m old school.
Please send me your email address to peggywrenn@comcast.net
Love,
Peggy Wrenn
I just had the fortune of getting to know Colleen at Women’s Quest in Vermont. She was so sunny and a total inspiration to us all. What a treat.
I love all of the female athletes!!!!!!!!!! I also love the models you have used over the past years…they rock and I want to keep seeing more of them. They seem to be in smaller, less visable pictures. It’s great to see how they do as they age like all of us. I want to be inspired by them as they continue to stay in great shape as life goes along. The new models are all beautiful, but I would like to see a better mixture.
[...] Before I met Bill, I never would have imagined writing for the pages of Bicycling. Before I met Colleen, I never would have dreamed of even trying a triathlon let alone an Ironman. Now I generally [...]
Colleen, it has been many years since my two wonderful Womens Quests (and horseback riding with you in the snowy mountains) but you are not forgotten and I am happy to see you in Athleta….after a few years of being out of shape (post baby and marriage to a non athlete) I did my first triathlon last summer! I loved the swimming and even the cycling training. Now I am working to get in shape and do a better triathlon this summer. Also hoping to return soon to a Womens Quest retreat…Toby (my son) is 6 now and should survive quite well with Dad while I am away. You are a wonderful influence. SO glad to know you….hope to see you again.