Thursday, October 8, 2009

Bo Arlander: A True IronMom

Today, we caught up with Bo Arlander, a longtime triathlete with an incredible story. Bo has raced countless Ironmans, and has been a regular in Kona since 1998. She counts herself as blessed, with a healthy body, a fulfilling lifestyle, and wonderful friends. But three years ago, she decided she was tired of having no one to meet her at the finish line.

After "a bunch" of IFVs, finally, in 2006, Bo was pregnant and overjoyed. A few weeks before the Hawaii Iroman, she had a miscarriage. Bo simply describes her Ironman experience that year as “really, really hard.” Kona didn’t carry its usually magic to inspire and renew. The race didn’t bring her spirits up--she felt defeated and depressed.

But after years of hard work and disappointment, on October 16, 2007 baby Mirabel was born. Bo’s face lights up when she talks about her baby daughter—it’s clear that Mirabel has given her a new lease on life.

Last year, Beau came again to watch the race, this time with her new baby in tow. Finally, she felt the old magic of the island working on her. “I got inspired,” she said. “I raced Florida a month later and qualified for this year.” Bo looks in great shape and happy with life. She’s nicely recovered from a shoulder surgery she had 2 ½ months ago, counts many as great friends in the world of triathlon, and recently quit her job to start her own business, a private equity company that makes investments in middle market consumer and retail companies called Moxie Capital. But best of all, she says with a twinkle in her eye, “Now I have someone waiting for me at the finish line.”

Congratulations Bo, and we wish you the best of luck on Saturday!

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