Gulf Coast Cycle & Tri

Helen Ruckstuhl Cain


Nickname:  Mama Bear

Birthday:  Dec 21

Favorite Local Triathlon:  Grandman - I love the challenging hills and different kind of course - it's not a beach course like all the others!

Bucket List Race:  Ironman distance, but not a specific one.  Though I would LOVE to race in New Zealand!

Must-Have Gear:  I'm not really a gear kinda person, but I guess I have gotten rather attached to my Garmin watch - it's just nice to be able to track all the training AND races.  I can't seem to run without a Headsweats visor, and I love my GCCT one.  And of course every year I have to get a fresh new pair of TYR goggles.  Because a swim with leaky goggles is just miserable.

How I Got Into This:  I grew up swimming and running, and when triathlons started happening in the area my mom became very involved and hooked on the sport, so I've been volunteering *& swim support since the first SRITRI.  My first full tri was in Alaska in 1995 and I did four that year.  I have just gotten serious in the last 5 years though - I love the challenge, the variety in training, and the crazy people.

Favorite Part of a Tri:  The run is definitely my favorite!  I love digging deep and giving it all, until it's time to collapse at the end.  I also love talking to people during the run, giving out encouragement and receiving it when needed.  Can't really do that on the swim or the bike.

Goals:  I would really like to improve my bike, and be able to train and focus consistently enough to see what I really can do.  I also definitely want Ironman at some point, when the time is right.

Nutrition Advice:  Honey Stinger waffles are fantastic, I have recently discovered.  I'm also a big fan of Shot Bloks - margarita is my favorite.  Post-training:  chocolate milk.  Post-race:  beer.

FYI:  I am #9 of 10 children in my family.  I'm from Pensacola (yes, there are a few of us!) but have always had a strong desire to visit Wyoming - maybe I'll do my Ironman there, ha!  I'm a big Hobbit fan.

Day Job:  I have several actually.  My passion is the sport of triathlon, so teammate Dom Risola and I started a triathlon coaching business named TriPossibilities in 2015 - we are growing and loving it.  I have 3 young boys who keep me on my toes at all times, and I am also a part-time bookkeeper and tax preparer.

Why GCCT Rocks:  Patrick & Bryan at GCCT are knowledgeable and helpful, it's that simple.  It's not about the hype when it comes to Gulf Coast Cycle and Tri - it's about family and friends.  I'm looking forward to the camaraderie of the team and being able to learn and have fun together.  Because if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right.

2016 Race Schedule:
  • 4/16 - Mulletman Tri
  • 5/14 - Pensacola Beach Tri
  • 6/4 - Grandman Tri
  • 6/26 - Chattanooga Waterfront Tri
  • 7/9 - Muncie 70.3
  • 9/10 - Alabama Coastal 
  • 10/1 - SRITRI
Bragging Rights:
  • Boston Qualified at NOLA Marathon, 2016
  • 2nd AG at Bear Lake Duathlon, 2016
  • 3rd AG at Rock n Fly Half Marathon, 2016
  • 1st AG at Pensacola Beach 10k, 2016
  • 2nd AG at Pensacola Marathon, 2015
  • 1st AG at Santa Rosa Island Tri, 2015
  • Overall Masters at Alabama Coastal, 2015
  • 2nd AG at Sandestin Tri, 2015
  • Overall Masters at Gary McAdams 5K, 2015
  • 1st AG at Gulf Coast Half Ironman, 2015
  • 3rd AG at Pensacola Beach Half Marathon, 2015
  • 1st AG at Mulletman Tri, 2015
  • 3rd AG at Grandman Tri, 2015
  • 3rd AG at Sandestin Tri, 2014
  • 2nd AG at Santa Rosa Islant Tri, 2014
Twitter:  @TriPosse

Website:  www.tripossibilities.com

Instagram:  tripossibilities

Pinterest:  triposse

Facebook:  Helen R. Cain

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