They always say don’t bury the lead, so here’s the lead on the amazing Amy Wendt: completed 45 marathons of which 35 are State Marathons and 18 Ironman. Holy Smokes girl!!!! And who’s up for a State Marathon V + V road trip?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I joined the team in 2019. Funny story, by 2019, I had been doing triathlons for 9 years and swore that I would never join a team….until I came across this team via my husband Chris Wendt. The people seemed fun, competitive but laid back and very welcoming.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
I literally went from couch to a marathon in 2009 and signed up for my first IM November 2010 (Cozumel).
I literally went from couch to a marathon in 2009 and signed up for my first IM November 2010 (Cozumel).
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
Prior to January 2010, I didn’t know how to swim. I did a bit of track and field in High School and nothing else for 15 years except stayed focused on higher education and my career. In 2009, I met a group of girls and joined them to the neighborhood “bootcamp.” They encouraged me to sign up for the Rock n Roll San Antonio Marathon in November 2009 and the Houston Marathon January 2010. After Houston Marathon, I started running with a group of triathletes that encouraged me to purchase a bike, so I did. Once I started running and riding with them, I realized all I needed to do was learn how to swim and I could have a full weekend of outdoor activities, sun tanning and burgers. Since, I have completed 45 marathons of which 35 are State Marathons and 18 Ironman.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
This is a hard question; I have been lucky and have loved all my destination events. Most people would say Kona but that is not the case for me. Ironman New Zealand was amazing, and Ironman Cozumel will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first and last (for now). Honestly, Kona was just okay. I can explain why if you are interested but I think Ironman Texas is harder…personal opinion.
This is a hard question; I have been lucky and have loved all my destination events. Most people would say Kona but that is not the case for me. Ironman New Zealand was amazing, and Ironman Cozumel will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first and last (for now). Honestly, Kona was just okay. I can explain why if you are interested but I think Ironman Texas is harder…personal opinion.
As for marathons, Mad Marathon in Vermont has been one of the hardest and IS the most beautiful marathon in the US. Look it up! Big Sur is a must do and very beautiful but my most favorite marathon has been Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon (aka America’s Toughest Road Marathon) in Roanoke, VA. This marathon is NOT for the faint of heart as total elevation gain is 7500 feet and very rewarding to finish.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
FINISHING, staying healthy and mostly injury free for 14 years. I do this for fun and sometimes I cannot train like I would like to, but my body has always been good to me regardless of my training load. The below are the years that I am most proud of and happy that my body held up regardless of the craziness that I put it through.
2017 – 1 IM and 10 State Marathons while qualifying for Boston Marathon
2016 – 3 IM’s (Kona)
2014 – 4 IM’s
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Again, this is a way for me to stay balanced with work, life, and health. Sometimes I have time to train and other times I don’t. Therefore, I guess time is my biggest challenge.
Again, this is a way for me to stay balanced with work, life, and health. Sometimes I have time to train and other times I don’t. Therefore, I guess time is my biggest challenge.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Cheeseburger!
Cheeseburger!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
It’s just me and my hubby, Chris Wendt who introduced me to this team and great people like Steve and Ana Hardy. We just lost our 14-year-old Great Dane Lilly and gained a Great Mutt named Wiggles. She is a hot mess, but we are working on her…..or she is working on us.
It’s just me and my hubby, Chris Wendt who introduced me to this team and great people like Steve and Ana Hardy. We just lost our 14-year-old Great Dane Lilly and gained a Great Mutt named Wiggles. She is a hot mess, but we are working on her…..or she is working on us.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I grew up in West Texas and quickly left after graduating HS. Went to college in Hawaii and later moved to San Diego where I received my Master’s in Organizational Development and Human Resources. I have been working in Human Resources since 2000 and have been blessed with the companies and teams that I have had the opportunity to work with from national to global levels. I recently made a change in August of 2023 after 9 years and currently working with Alcon as HR Head.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The people! There are only a few of us members that live in the Heights area, therefore, we don’t get to see or train with everyone too much, but we feel right at home when we do see other team members at events.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Really just depends on what I’m into at the moment. My go to is Tim Ferris and David Goggins.
Really just depends on what I’m into at the moment. My go to is Tim Ferris and David Goggins.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
La Lucha, they have the best pharmacy burger.
La Lucha, they have the best pharmacy burger.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Another hard question, I have been lucky to also have great business mentors that are amazing friends….to many to name but they have been very inspiring throughout my professional career. My dad was also inspiring and always motivated me to do more.
Another hard question, I have been lucky to also have great business mentors that are amazing friends….to many to name but they have been very inspiring throughout my professional career. My dad was also inspiring and always motivated me to do more.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Not sure if this is exciting but when we are not working, running, or riding bikes, we will be training our new family addition, Wiggles! Yep, she’s a handful. We also have a few active trips planned, Puerto Rico 70.3 in March and a very active Cost Rica vacation in April along with at least 4 state marathons this year. If you’d like to join us on a state marathon, let us know! It would be great to have a team destination event. Hint, hint!
