Our athlete spotlight today is on our sweet Lacin Coetzee. This Valkyrie sister has accomplished a lot and has big goals for the future! and the cutest daughter ever!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2018
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2018
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
My first triathlon was the Tri Girl Super Sprint in May 2018.
My first triathlon was the Tri Girl Super Sprint in May 2018.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I first became interested in Triathlon after volunteering at IMTX and was inspired to start my own health and fitness journey after seeing all of the athletes racing. I completed my first sprint triathlon in May of 2018 and loved it. Since then I have completed a few sprint triathlons, duathlons and was on a relay team for the Cypress Triathlon and Ironman Texas 70.3 in 2019. (Unfortunately we DNF because of the crazy storm that blew in). I completed my first half marathon in 2019 and am currently training for half marathon #4. Since COVID, I have only been doing 5Ks and my first 10k in 2022. I am trying to get back into triathlon in the near future.
I first became interested in Triathlon after volunteering at IMTX and was inspired to start my own health and fitness journey after seeing all of the athletes racing. I completed my first sprint triathlon in May of 2018 and loved it. Since then I have completed a few sprint triathlons, duathlons and was on a relay team for the Cypress Triathlon and Ironman Texas 70.3 in 2019. (Unfortunately we DNF because of the crazy storm that blew in). I completed my first half marathon in 2019 and am currently training for half marathon #4. Since COVID, I have only been doing 5Ks and my first 10k in 2022. I am trying to get back into triathlon in the near future.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
The Woodlands Half Marathon
The Woodlands Half Marathon
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Completing my first sprint Triathlon in 2018 and finishing my first half marathon in 2019.
Completing my first sprint Triathlon in 2018 and finishing my first half marathon in 2019.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Staying consistent with training while working full time and being a single parent.
Staying consistent with training while working full time and being a single parent.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
GF Pizza from Crust.
GF Pizza from Crust.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I am a single mom to Mackenzie who is 11. She loves running and we enjoy taking walks and running 5Ks together. She has been my biggest supporter and is my motivation to keep pushing myself to be better.
I am a single mom to Mackenzie who is 11. She loves running and we enjoy taking walks and running 5Ks together. She has been my biggest supporter and is my motivation to keep pushing myself to be better.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I graduated from Sam Houston State University in May of 2023 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Education. I have worked in parks and recreation with The Woodlands Township for almost 7 years and have been on the Special events team for just over a year now.
I graduated from Sam Houston State University in May of 2023 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Education. I have worked in parks and recreation with The Woodlands Township for almost 7 years and have been on the Special events team for just over a year now.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am originally from South Africa and speak Afrikaans.
I am originally from South Africa and speak Afrikaans.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
My favorite thing about the team is the camaraderie and support the team provides. Finishing my first half marathon would not have been possible without the loud cheers and support from the team. I will also never forget The Woodlands Half Marathon in 2020 when Dorian stayed with me the whole race and got me to the finish line.
My favorite thing about the team is the camaraderie and support the team provides. Finishing my first half marathon would not have been possible without the loud cheers and support from the team. I will also never forget The Woodlands Half Marathon in 2020 when Dorian stayed with me the whole race and got me to the finish line.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Brene Brown. I mostly read non-fiction.self-help/ personal development books.
Brene Brown. I mostly read non-fiction.self-help/ personal development books.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Republic Grille
Republic Grille
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Everyone on this team. Seeing everyone accomplish their goals in this sport inspire me to challenge myself and to try new things.
Everyone on this team. Seeing everyone accomplish their goals in this sport inspire me to challenge myself and to try new things.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
I am currently training for Half Marathon #4 (Cypress Half in November). I am also looking into doing the Brazos Bend race (half marathon) in December. I have a long term goal of completing a full marathon in the next two years and eventually training for a full Ironman once my daughter gets older.
