Today we spotlight our 2023 Valkyrie team co-captain: PAM MEAUX!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM? Dec 2018
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON? First tri was 2014 but I didn’t really get serious until 2016
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY: I was always a runner, and swore I would never do a triathlon because I couldn’t swim. In 2014 I was working at Entergy and our CEO who is an Ironman sponsored a team to race CB&I. I was initially going to just run on a relay team – I did not know how to swim, and I didn’t own a bike – but then decided, now was the time to try this new adventure. I kind of sort of learned to swim in the pool (open water was a whole other scary story) and borrowed a bike. It was hard. I had fun but quickly gave it up after not making progress with my swimming. Then in 2016 at 55 years old, I retired from Entergy, started swim lessons with Gemma and bought a nice tri bike. I had to justify the bike purchase and from that point on I was committed! So I raced a sprint, and then I raced Galveston 70.3, and then I raced IMTX 2018! Though I still struggle with the swim, my triathlon journey continues. I have found that it is easier to keep trying than to quit triathlon. I’ve just decided to pick races with fun swims! Oregon 70.3 is up next summer and maybe N Carolina in the fall.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
I have two: IMTX 2018 and The Woodlands Marathon 2012 where I had my marathon PR.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Tough question. So many challenges that I’ve overcome – learning to swim, learning to bike in aero and learning to use clipless pedals. But really and truly it would be completing IMTX at 58 years old.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? Swimming !!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Burger, fries with lots of ketchup and a Blue Moon beer.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I’ve been married 30 years to Jeff, who loves to travel near and far with his photography hobby. My son Connor is 27 years old working for PWC in Houston. My daughter Camille is 25 years old living in Lubbock where she stayed after graduating from Tx Tech. It’s hard having her so far away!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I’m a numbers geek who graduated in Math with an MBA. I retired after 30 years with Entergy where I started out of college in New Orleans where I was born and raised. I also had a brief stint with another electric utility in Atlanta GA but came back to Entergy when they opened offices in The Woodlands. Any questions about our crazy electricity markets? I can probably help!
Jeff and I love traveling. Two of our favorite vacations were to Antarctica where I ran the marathon and to Kenya for an amazing photographic safari.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Some things are better kept secret! Let’s just say that I led a crazy single life in New Orleans in the 80s! On the boring side, I know how to sew!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The amazing camaraderie, encouragement, and support I get when things like my bike tire is spewing sealant all over my living room!!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? Kristin Hannah
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
R&Os in Metairie (a suburb of New Orleans).
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
The weekend warrior balancing family, career and training. No clue how you do it, but truly an inspiration!
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR? Tokyo Marathon in March to complete the 6 world major marathons, Oregon 70.3, and the El Cruce Race next December – a 3-day 100 km race across the Andes.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Starting to run again in 2001 with Team in Training after a 6-year hiatus to have kids, completely changed my life. Then I joined the triathlon community, which added even more color to my life. I am grateful everyday for the gift of good health and good friends.
