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Colonel Yvonne Spencer, Marathoner And Ironman Triathlete Explains The Importance Of Empowerment

Release Date: 11/02/2022

Who Am I? Who Are We As Athletes When We Can't Compete

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

In this episode, the last of Season 6 I'm sharing my personal journey. It has been a challenging season since the pandemic. I faced various obstacles, including COVID-19, two knee surgeries, financial struggles, and my most recent surgery. Many athletes find their identity in their sport, but it has been difficult to compete due to a plethora of reasons which I discuss.. It led me to reflect on who I am and the roles I play in life.I underwent another surgery recently. I share my fears surrounding the surgery and my desire to live without regrets. In this episode, I...

From Navy Officer to Ironman: Tom Scheer's Journey to Fitness

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

Navy officer, college president, and entrepreneur are only a few of Tom Scheer's many accomplishments. In this inspiring episode. Tom shares his story of growing up in a racist neighborhood and finding acceptance through sports, leading to a passion for fitness and endurance races, including over 30 Ironman competitions. It all began at the Boy and Girls Club and he is passionate about giving back to the organization that gave him so much. Tom shares his strategies for managing a busy life, emphasizing the value of discipline and time management. He discusses his military mindset,...

Finding Yourself Beyond Sports with Anna Marcolin

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

Do you find it difficult to define yourself beyond your sport? As athletes, we often identify ourselves with our sport and struggle to find our identity outside of it. In this episode, we sit down with psychotherapist Anna Marcolin to explore this topic and learn about her own journey in finding her identity beyond sports. Anna shares her love for sports and how she believes that athletes should enjoy every moment of their sport and be consistent while being easier on oneself. She emphasizes the importance of sports being fun and rewarding work for doing hard stuff. Anna talks about her...

David Redmond Explains The Importance of Community in His Triathlon Journey

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

started his triathlon journey following his divorce. He has a family history of high blood pressure. He knew he was at risk if he did not get off his couch and become active. Watching an IronMan World Championship on TV was his initial inspiration. As a young man growing up in Indiana, David was very active in sports. He played basketball, football and even some baseball. After college, he did some boxing at the gym but pretty much remained inactive until his divorce in 2010. David relies on the triathlon community to stay inspired and get...

Dr. Nina Franklin- That Salad Lady- Talks Us Through Her Journey of Food and Nutrition

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

On today’s episode, we will hear from renowned wellness expert and distance running enthusiast, . Also known as across multiple media including YouTube and TikTok. Dr. Franklin will talk us through her journey of keeping fit since the age of 12 to date even through motherhood. Dr. Franklin has extensive knowledge about food and nutrition given that she has a plethora of academic degrees and certifications. She will talk to us about her passion with food and nutrition how she moved from academia to create the “That Salad Lady” brand. Why she feels like this way she has more impact on the...

Pushing the Limits: The Story of Alex Torres and His Iron Man Journey

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

Alex Torres, an Ironman Triathlete, shares his journey of overcoming challenges and realizing his potential to become an Ironman. Alex started his athletic journey as the "runt of the Torres family," but through hard work and determination, he proved everyone wrong and accomplished his goal of becoming an Ironman. One of the key pieces of advice that Alex shares is to never forget your "why." This is what will keep you motivated and inspired during the long and tedious moments of training. He also emphasizes that discipline and perseverance are essential in becoming an Ironman, but these...

Team Culberson Shows Us That Health and Fitness Can Be A Fun Family Affair

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

This episode features two athletes sharing their journeys, successes, and challenges. This mother-and-son duo in sports always finds a way to support each other! Dr. Petriece Culberson started her fitness journey while serving in the US Army. Her son Jullien “Jules” CulbersonJules was exposed to sports even while in the womb. He was pushed in a stroller as his mom ran with her mom group. Dr Culberson attributes her time in the armed forces and participating in sports in making her disciplined and driven. She uses this drive in competition, pushing herself to be the...

Lloyd Henry Explains How Initial Failure Helped Him Become a Better Athlete

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

Some of the most important lessons are the ones we learn from failure. Lloyd Henry is a 32-time Ironman & long-course finisher. He overcame the stigma of athletes losing their drive after a loss. He had no background in sports, but progressed to become a sub-3-hour marathoner He has competed in numerous running events (5k to ultra-marathon) including the Boston Marathon and Comrades Marathon (South Africa). He has been running since 2002 and coaching triathletes since 2004. He uses all his personal experiences to coach effectively. Coach Lloyd Henry ...

Having Peace When You Have to Pivot In Life

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

Pivoting can provide stress and uncertainty as it is changed from an original plan. Change can also be somewhat scary. It can mean changing one's life, whether it's a job, a move, or a new journey. Pivoting can be risky yet beneficial. Pivoting lets people follow their passions, although with a new or renewed focus. Pivoting can foster growth. Adapting to a new setting may help one grow and further find themselves. It may allow a new sense of purpose, and a renewed passion. Changing one's life can initially be sad as you are in a sense saying goodbye or saying later to...

REBROADCAST- Who or What is Your Inspiration?

Running is Cheaper Than Therapy

As we go into a new season, let me start by thanking everyone who has taken even a minute of their time to listen to my podcast. It has been a challenging journey balancing podcasting with a full-time job and other adventures and I have learned a lot along the way. I am a strong black woman who may act as if nothing bothers me, but life sometimes sucks and we all need inspiration. My podcast is called Running is Cheaper Than Therapy. It features runners, triathletes, other athletes, and others who have overcome obstacles to make it to their finish lines. This episode I will talk about...

More Episodes

⁠Colonel Yvonne Spencer is an eight time full distance Ironman finisher. She is a 2020 long course triathlon team member, and multi-year all world athlete. In addition to the numerous triathlon finishes in all distances, she's an avid runner. She has completed 16 marathons and completed the Boston Marathon in 2021. She has also been coaching since 2017. Colonel Yvonne Spencer has a 28-year military career serving in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded organizations ranging from 300 to 1,200 personnel.

Building on her leadership talents, in 2015, Yvonne created a women empowerment and support network called Fast Chix. It is a national women's triathlon group, primarily women of color that strive to remove barriers by empowering and educating women in the sport of triathlon.

Recently Colonel Yvoone Spencer was appointed as a General Director of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. Her term will end Dec. 31, 2025. “On behalf of my fellow triathletes, I am absolutely thrilled for this opportunity to serve as a General Director of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors. I look forward to helping USA Triathlon fortify its commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive triathlon community.” Colonel Spencer stated.

Episode Highlights:

Yvonne starts endurance sports.
Some memorable marathons, the good and the bad.
From marathons to triathlons
Fast Chix is born and grows into a beautiful movement
Yvonne’s journey into coaching
Yvonne reminisces on her favorite triathlons
Why are women of color not taking up triathlons?
Some honors and awards Yvonne has gotten for being an outspoken triathlete
Yvonne shares some obstacles and wisdom in overcoming

Guest Bio

Colonel Yvonne Spencer is an 8-time Ironman and long course FINISHER. She is a 2020 USA Long Course Triathlon Team Member and multiple year All-World Athlete. In addition to numerous triathlon finishes in all distances, she’s an avid runner who has completed 14 marathons and completed the 2021 Boston Marathon qualifier. She has been coaching since 2017 and is a USA Triathlon Level 1 Certified Coach and RRCA Certified Coach.

In a 28-year military career, Yvonne has served in a variety of leadership positions and has commanded organizations ranging from 300 to 1,200 personnel. Despite living in 5 countries and relocating 14 times, triathlon has been a constant in her life. It has been key to her resiliency and work/life balance. In 2015, Yvonne translated her leadership talents into building a supportive, and empowering network of women known as the Fast Chix. It is a National Women’s Triathlon Group, primarily women of color, that strives to Remove Barriers by Empowering and Educating women in the sport of triathlon. Fast Chix provides a safe environment for positive engagement, shared experiences, and support for athletes at all levels. Fast Chix efforts include annual race meetups, educational clinics, fitness panels, book clubs and monthly challenges. To date, Fast Chix has nearly 1,200 online members!

Yvonne’s story has been featured in multiple social mediums to include Triathlete Magazine, Run TriBike Magazine and Mid Strike Magazine. In recognition of her efforts to “Be the Change”, she received the 2020 Outspoken Women In Triathlon Social Media Impact Award and the 2021 USAT Women’s Committee Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Yvonne still serves in the U.S. Air Force and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.

DISCLAIMER: These are the speaker’s/author’s personal views and not necessarily those of the DoD or the United States Air Force.