Mother and Daughter
Rosalinda Pena, 64
Teacher & Painter
Austin, Texas
Tzatzil LeMair, 37
Fitness Coach
Austin, Texas
Rosalinda: "After 43 years of what I thought was the perfect marriage, my husband announced he wanted a divorce. I needed to rebuild my life, so I moved in temporarily with Tzatzil, my daughter, and her family. Since I didn't want to cry in front of my grandchildren, Tzatzil and I began taking long walks together.
"They were our therapy sessions; we cursed, laughed, cried, and let it all out. When Tzatzil suggested we turn the walks into training for the MORE Half-Marathon, I didn't think I could do 13 miles at my age. She assured me I could -- she would run and I would walk, or we would both do some of each.
"Race day was such a great experience. The other women excited and inspired me so much that I joined an all-women training group and have since finished three triathlons. I've dropped two dress sizes and feel so much stronger, and, as Tzatzil says, empowered."
Tzatzil: "When we crossed the finish line, all I could think about was how far we had come from those early, emotionally draining walks. Now we were celebrating the newly independent and powerful woman my mother has become! I've gotten to know a completely different side of her, and I'm prouder than ever to be her daughter."
