Today we spotlight Nilay Dinc. They say good things come in small packages and never underestimate this tiny powerhouse! She’s currently training for the MS 150 so find her link and support her ride!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I guess 2017 or 2018.
I guess 2017 or 2018.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2017 with the swim leg of the CB&I Sprint Relay
2017 with the swim leg of the CB&I Sprint Relay
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I’ve always been relatively active, and people who are fit and prioritize working out have always inspired me. In 2017, just two weeks before the CB&I race, a mom (Heidi Adams, former Valkyrie) from my son’s daycare approached me during an event and asked if I could swim. I told her I could—I was even on a swim team as a kid! She was thrilled and said, “Great! Let’s do a triathlon relay here in The Woodlands.” She then asked another mom if she’d like to join as the runner. And that’s how the Creekside Moms Tri Relay Team came to life.
That night, I told my husband that I was going sign up and do the swim leg. His first question was, “When was the last time you did laps?” I said, “Probably when I was 9 or 10 years old.” He looked at me and said, “You do realize you’re 40 now, right?”
I went to the YMCA pool a few times to practice before the race, and for the record, my swim time was about 20 minutes for 500 meters, using a mix of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. It was probably one of the scariest time in my life
In 2018, I raced in the CB&I again, but this time, I completed all three legs. Since then, I’ve participated in several sprint and olympic distances, off-roads, and even 1x swim-run and 1x 70.3.Triathlons are more of a social event for me—I wouldn’t even consider racing if friends weren’t involved. I genuinely enjoy working out, but structured training for long-distance races stresses me out. Maybe I’ll have bigger goals and race more after I retire. I absolutely love relays, so if you’re ever looking for a teammate, reach out—I’m your person!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
The Odyssey swim-run at Pacebend Park was by far the craziest adventure I’ve had in this sport—I couldn’t stop laughing the entire race! Lisa Plank will always remain my favorite racing partner. Despite both of us dealing with some health issues and pain, we still rocked the day and made it unforgettable.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
I think becoming a runner, cyclist, and swimmer after age 40 is a huge accomplishment—don’t you think so?
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Finding time to workout while balancing work and family life.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST-RACE FOOD?
I usually go for a protein shake or chocolate milk. I’m not a fan of race-site food—I am a food snob.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I’ve been married to my husband, Brian, for 14 years, and we have an 11-year-old son, Arda. We also have two orange cats who definitely keep life interesting. Brian isn’t really into sports, but he was crazy enough to join me for a few relays—with absolutely no training!
When I had a stress fracture in my heel and couldn’t put weight on my feet, I was signed up for Cypress Sprint and somehow convinced him to run for me while I did the other two legs. He jokingly said his running was my birthday gift (it was literally on my actual birthday) and not to ask for more! Later, he stepped up again and biked 56 miles at Waco 70.3 because I didn’t feel physically ready to complete all three legs.
I think it’s safe to say he’s been pretty supportive of my triathlon adventures
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
Oh, this is a long story—ask me more when you see me in person if you’re curious! Currently, I work for HP Inc. as a technologist, Before that, I worked for ExxonMobil for 15 years as a geoscientist.
If you’re wondering about my accent, I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey, where I lived for 27 years. In 2005, I moved to Germany for my PhD in Geophysics (specializing in seismology). I’ve been living in the US since 2008.
I love traveling, discovering new places, and immersing myself in different cultures.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I attended a boarding high school for boys in Istanbul after it was transformed to a co-ed school. We were the first group of girls! As you can imagine, there are a lot of stories from that time too.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The people—you all are so cool! And our beautifully designed and high quality racing kits.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I think I have lots of favorite authors but lately I really enjoy reading Kristin Hannah (ficton); Abby Jimenez (fiction) and Brene Brown (non-fiction)
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
It used to be Tris, but sadly, it’s closed now 
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I’m incredibly inspired by people over 60 who stay fit and active—especially women. They are my role models.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
I’ve signed up for the MS150 again this year, and I’m planning to run the Istanbul Marathon in November. In between these two, I’m thinking about sprinkling in a few local sprint-distance races.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
While reflecting on this, I realized just how active I was back in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Things have slowed down significantly since then. I also realized how much more we were training as a team during those days—I truly miss that time.
