According to ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, Lao Tzu, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. The “journey” is different for everyone. For some it is a literal journey or trip, but for others the journey is working toward a goal; an accomplishment worth the effort. For a group of young Apex athletes and their devoted coach, their journey is one full of steps, laps, and miles.
The JUST TRYAN IT foundation began with a group of moms who started running together in the winter of 2007 and competed in their first Iron Girl triathlon in Colombia, Maryland. When Ryan, the son of one of the moms, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009, the moms joined together and changed the name of their group from “Just Tri It” to JUST TRYAN IT, in honor of their brave warrior. The mission of JUST TRYAN IT is to “instill the importance of philanthropy and service, promote wellness, and inspire tomorrow’s leaders to make a difference in their communities.” The initiative of the organization was, and still is, to hold fundraisers in the form of children’s triathlons. The group now holds races in Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and North Carolina, raising money, awareness, and spirits.
Lauren Updyke is the devoted coach for the Apex Training Club. The Apex Training Club is made up of 15 young athletes of all abilities with one common goal, to raise as much money as possible for the JUST TRYAN IT organization, and have a great time doing it. Coach Lauren is no stranger to athletics. As an athlete herself, Lauren managed the fitness and health education programs at Duke for 13 years, and is in her sixth year working remotely, managing the wellness program at the University of Washington in Seattle. But Lauren’s passion is training and coaching. As a mom of two, Lauren has always been involved in coaching and volunteering for her children’s teams. “My kids have been competing in triathlons since they were 5, and I’ve always been involved in coaching and volunteering,” she said.
Lauren started the Apex Training Club as a way for kids with different athletic and physical abilities to come together in a no-pressure atmosphere to find their passion. “I want to make sports more about who they [the kids] are, and who the true heroes are,” she said. Coaching for 6 years, Lauren spends 2 days per week training her young athletes for the
JUST TRYAN IT race, for free. They have local sponsorship, and each athlete has their own fundraising page. All of the donations go to the organization, and helps local families with patients at both UNC Chapel Hill and Duke Hospitals.
Apex isn’t the only place where Lauren’s hard work and dedication is being noticed. “I’ve been asked to create a training plan that other groups can follow in their own towns and communities,” Lauren said. The hope is that other towns and groups can follow Lauren’s plan to encourage athletes of all abilities to take that first step on their own personal journey to wellness, both physical and emotional.
Lauren’s athletes are always focused on what is behind the journey, not the journey itself. They know that what they do is to help children and their families. They know that it isn’t about who comes in first, or who has the best time, it is about doing your individual best. “I am always reminding them why they are doing what they are doing, and who they are doing it for.”
Lauren’s athletes might not grow up to be professional cyclists in the Tour de France or Olympic swimmers, but one thing is certain, they will grow up knowing that they impacted the lives of children whose journeys were more about surviving the next day than who wins the next race. They took those first steps for those who couldn’t do it themselves. Their hard work and dedication will have a lasting effect on others for years to come. Lauren’s work and passion helping not only her athletes, but the families that benefit from the JUST TRYAN IT foundation, is what defines being a true hero.
