Mary DeLaney
MARY DELANEY is a triathlete, skier, kayaker, hiker, sailor, and scuba diver who runs a coaching and rehabilitation business, called Rehab to Racing, that she started with her husband. Rehab to Racing helps injured athletes get back to their sports through custom tailored training programs and individualized support. After a devastating ski accident last year, Mary has had to turn her rehab efforts to herself in an attempt to get back to triathlon.
Always active, Mary started running in 1976 after she graduated from physical therapy school. She did her first triathlon in 1998 and loved that it wasn’t a competition based on being at the absolute top in just one sport, but was instead an aggregate measure of doing pretty well in all three sports. She enjoys staying fit with her husband and now she gets to see the true benefits offered by her business because she is on the other side of the rehab equation.
Mary co-authors a column for a regional triathlon magazine, Tri-DC, and in a recent column she addressed the emotional turmoil that accompanies being perfectly healthy and capable in one moment and having that taken from you in the next. She is an inspiration to numerous clients, readers and friends because she strongly encourages everyone to use their spirit and drive to get back to doing what they love. And she does all of this proudly at 57 years young.
MARY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- 2004 Long Course Triathlon National Championship age group podium placing
- Raced for Team USA in Sweden in 2004
- Invited to race for Team USA in 2005 & 2006
2010 GOALS:
- Ski again for the first time since last year’s injury (started January 1) and re-build strength to ski the full day
- By summer, compete in Aqua-Velo races, and hopefully triathlon again soon
PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY/MANTRA: This is what I do! Meaning, when she is committed and motivated to get something done, it becomes what she does. It’s a new way of looking at what Yoda said: do or not do…there is no try.
WEBSITE: RehabToRacing.com
Mary,
I hope your first ski back went well. If you feel like making some turns in Jackson Hole, you’ve got a ski partner!
Like:
0
Mary,
You Rock! What an inspiration you are to everyone and thank you for sharing your story! I look forward to racing with you this summer!
But first snowshoeing in Colorado Springs!
Like:
0
You look fantastic! Love the jacket! I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a better attitude than you. Makes me want to dig out my cross-country skiis and that could be possible with the amount of snow we’re getting right now!
Like:
0
Heck yeah, Aunt Mary! This is a lady who has 30 years on me and can ski/swim/run/bike/cook/party/etc circles around us young punks. Looking forward to making some turns with you in a couple of weeks!
Like:
0
You make me tired!!! But in an excellent way. You are simply the best.
Like:
0
What a great bio, very inspirational!!!
Like:
0
Wonderful story. Thank you SO much for this, it’s just what I needed. It is not easy to find stories of women over 35. I love all the Athleta “models”. And the clothing. If I got chosen for that wardrobe makeover show, I’d spend my $5000 at Athleta before they realized what happened!
Like:
0
Mary you look wonderful!! I am a lot older than you, and also have walked Marathons and Half Marathons, so I understand what commitment is, but you are an inspiration to go on…..
Like:
0
Hi Mary,
I finally had the time to really read through this and I like your approach to know when to say when and let your body recover appropriately or seek qualified medical attention. Pushing past the point of pain is often the inner voice of an athlete. I’m sure you’ve had to hold back many clients just on the brink of recovery to assure their return to play. Thanks for the great article and reminders!
Suzie
Like:
0
Suzie, thanks for that! A good reminder for the trainers as well as the trainee!
Mary
Like:
0