Meet Ironman Maryland Finisher Fran Mack

‍1. Tell us 3 things we should know about you.

1.) I'm determined

2.) I'm grateful to be able to do what I do as I'm old...lol

3.) I'm humble as I'm always happy to be cheerleader first. But I have a wicked sense of humor. I tend to give the impression that I don't always take myself seriously, but I have that competitive drive hiding inside!

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‍2. When did you begin your triathlon journey?

I've been a runner my entire life. My very first triathlon was in 2000. The Osprey Sprint in Public Landing Maryland. Ironically it was their first annual tri. I still have the t-shirt!!! I had no clue what to expect. I borrowed a mountain bike, no formal swim training, grew up around water. I'm very comfortable in open water. As far as transition, I just copied off of others as far as setting up. Beautiful scenery. Met great people on the way who helped me along as I looked like a deer in headlights. But had a great time and finished. I was instantly hooked.

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3. What do you love most about triathlon?‍

First and foremost the triathlon community. I'm a proud member of Wild Harbor Tri club. I love the fact that with 3 disciplines I have the opportunity to learn about each one separately. I never had formal swim lessons so I learned a lot. Cycling was new to me and I learned so much from my fellow road cyclists. Running has always been my strength. In the off season I run lots of 5k's. I also show dogs competitively. I have a Bulldog, Jose who is now competing as a veteran. He recently received an award of merit at the prestigious Westminster dog show. I am truly blessed to have such amazing friends in both the dog show circle and my triathlon family. The support is amazing.

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‍4. What made you keep attempting Ironman? What was your motivation to complete the race?

The loaded question; Back in 2019 I decided to enter Ironman Maryland after my dear friend Rose took me there to spectate the year before. We cheered on our club members. I didn't have a coach or anything. So my first attempt, 3 days prior my niece passed away. My family insisted I go. My head wasn't into it. I missed swim cutoff by 5 min.  Rose insisted I go volunteer as it was a long day ahead so instead of feeling sorry for myself, I met the most amazing volunteers working bike check out.
So I decided to try again a few years later. Hired my amazing coach Katie from Speed Sherpa. No clue what to expect. Yikes. Deferred due to Covid pandemic. So attempt #2 I was confident. Made it all the way to mile 16 only to not make run cutoff. I was devastated. It messed with my mind for months afterwards as so many people were rooting for me. I felt I let them down. I let myself down. Then the unexpected happened, my rock, my mentor, my dear friend Rose passed away suddenly in 2023. My heart was shattered. Attempt #3 I knew what I had to do. Try ONE MORE TIME...Yep. Signed up for IMMD 2024! Coach Katie on board again. Prove to myself I can do this. I swear Rose was with me the entire time. They say third times the charm. Was it easy? No..are any Ironmans easy? Fast and flat...swim/bike/run/swim ...lol. Here's the Delmo part; instead of complaining about the backstretch of a 3 loop run literally flooded up to our knees Steve's inner voice came over me.  Embrace the suck. Use it for recovery. Fight through it. I will never complain about Delmo sand again! Steve...don't get any ideas. Water walking SUCKS! Not to be denied, I kept everyone on the edge of their seats with 5 minutes to spare and finished the last 3 miles with negative splits!!! Whew. Those magic words: Fran Mack YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!I I am finally a crabbie Ironman!!!

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5. What is your race mantra?

KEEP GOING!!!!

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6. What is one piece of advice you have for anyone looking to get involved in triathlon?‍

I encourage all my friends and family to Volunteer. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get the inspiration and confidence. It's amazing when they meet athletes that tell them they never swam or rode a bike and are doing half and full Ironmans!!! That's the saying- Anything is Possible. I'm living proof. I became an Ironman at 64!!!

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7. What is your favorite DelMo event and why? ‍

t's a tie: Escape the Cape...because I am terrified of heights and it helped conquer a fear. I'm now a repeat offender..did every single one except the first!!! Tri the Wildwoods, I love ocean swims. The relaxed atmosphere. The awesome boardwalk run. And the fact that I made poster child for that race few years back with my Miss America jump at the finish!

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8. What is your favorite race memory?

A moment I will cherish forever; IMMD 2024, Fran Mack YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!! Never give up on your dreams. It takes a village, and I had a village supporting me throughout the entire  journey and for that I am forever grateful and thank each and every one of you who was there for me every step of the way!!!

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‍We're so happy for Fran Mack and all of her amazing accomplishments as a triathlete!