Thank you to everyone who commented and shared the post over the past week.  Jen Tuck (BlueSeventy) and Stefanie Ruge (Roka) are the proud new owners of two wonderful wetsuits.  I hope they will serve them well.

 

I understand that the expense of triathlon can be a huge limiter for people looking to enter (and remain in) the sport.  Nothing in triathlon is inexpensive — bikes, helmets, tri kits, running shoes, wetsuits, nutrition — it all costs a lot of money.  In the spirit of #WomenForTri and paying it forward, I decided to give away two very, very gently used (and very excellent) full sleeve wetsuits.

Here they are:

Roka Full Sleeve Maverick Pro in Womens Large/Tall.  I wore this suit once and it is essentially brand new.

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Blue Seventy Axis Full Sleeve in Womens M/L.  I wore this suit about a half dozen times.  It is in excellent condition.

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So what’s the catch?  Well there are two conditions.  First you need to plan on participating in a triathlon in 2015.  Distance doesn’t matter.  Second you need to check the size charts and make sure the wetsuit will fit you.  Once you’ve done that, all you need to do is leave a comment stating which wetsuit you would like and why I should select you.  There are no right or wrong answers, just let me know why the wetsuit is calling your name.  I’ll close the comments on Monday February 23, 2015 at 5 p.m. EST and will post the winners on Tuesday February 24, 2015.  Easy peasy.  If you have any questions shoot me an email at kelly@sonicendurance.com and if the wetsuits don’t work for you but you know someone who might need one please share this post.

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Kelly Burns Gallagher

mccarter english employment litigator / oiselle team runner / coeur sports triathlete / sonic endurance coach & race director / witsup.com writer / dartmouth '02 / emorylaw '05

49 Comments

monica · February 14, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Hi Kelly!!! I am commenting in hopes of claiming the beautiful Roka!! I have been waiting to order one until my budget comes together a little more. I don’t want to tell a sob story 😉 it’s not a sob story! I’m a single mama doing my first ironman (CDA) this year!!! So while I can make everything work, I can’t resist a chance to save more of my budget (for all the food!!!). Plus PINK!!! I am dying to be in a Roka suit for this racing season (and the next and the next) and would love a chance to wear that one!! Best of luck selecting Kelly!!! Thanks for the chance!!

Carolyn · February 14, 2015 at 1:27 pm

I don’t need a wetsuit but only wanted say that this is so incredibly generous and thoughtful of you and to wish everyone else luck who really needs one. I’m still over the moon with my Rudy sunglasses. 🙂

Anna · February 14, 2015 at 1:51 pm

What a kind and generous giveaway! While I would love the (pink!) Roka, the size charts indicate the Blue Seventy would probably fit better. And I do already have a wetsuit, but it’s a 10-years-old sleeveless hand-me-down that’s too short in the legs for me – it only goes down to just past my calves. Not exactly ideal for my first 70.3 coming up in April!

    Laura · February 15, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Hi, first thanks for doing this, no matter who gets it. I have slowly lost 170 lbs. Since my 3.5 yo daughter was born because I want to be able to keep up with her no matter what she asks to do with me. As a result my old suits don’t fit me anymore. I gave those suits away already to someone wanting to start their fitness journey. Normally I wouldn’t ask because under normal circumstances I could buy one since both my husband and I are public school educators and I would want it to go to someone that couldnt afford it but I am on money lock down right now as we are having a really difficult time selling our previous condo so are not able to make any purchases that we do not need this season. Thanks for considering me, if chosen I think the Room would be a better fit, and no matter what thanks for paying it forward to someone!

      Laura · February 15, 2015 at 9:45 am

      I don’t know if I was very clear, because our condo isn’t selling we are paying 2x mortgages, utilities, insurance pluses are going to lose at least 30g when it does sell… We knew it would be hard financially but felt we needed to move for my daughter to have kids in the neighborhood (there were zero in condo complex) and to give her to have the chance to attend a school where she will learn English and Spanish.

cheryl · February 14, 2015 at 2:01 pm

Great idea….I have always just given mine to a women’s tri club here in town, but this is a better way to got more involved I think! Thanks for idea!

Jen · February 14, 2015 at 2:07 pm

Hi! I’d love the blueseventy. I did my first triathlon last summer and fell in love! I’m losing weight in the process (75 lbs so far) and can no longer wear the wetsuit I had last year. I have been saving money to get a new one but this would help greatly. Thank you and what an awesome idea!

kimee Armour · February 14, 2015 at 2:24 pm

Howdy! Thanks for considering. I hope each suit goes to the best fit person. On that note… I’m training for my first Ironman and I know the water temp is only going to be around 60 degrees. I have a sleeveless 3/4 leg suit that will work if that’s what I have to use, I used it several times in temps that low and I didn’t die but was sort of a popsicle

onecrazypenguin · February 14, 2015 at 7:39 pm

Hi! The Roka would freaking make my year! I am racing a 70.3 in both April and October. I’m also getting married in March and that had made finances for triathlon gear tight. Winning this would be huge and would give me a huge leg up!

Helen Burdman · February 14, 2015 at 8:12 pm

OH please please please let me have the Roka! It would totally make my race season! I am racing my first ever 70.3 this year – Ironman Eagleman – and I am freaking out over the swim! I am also racing Iron Girl Columbia (Sprint – 10 year anniversary) and the New Jersey State Tri (Oly) among others. I have three little boys and I just cannot afford a new wetsuit. And I absolutely promise to pay it forward! Thank you very much for considering me!

Kim · February 14, 2015 at 9:32 pm

Calling my name because I am using a used – from craiglist – jet ski wetsuit.

I’m a triathlon queen no matter my finish, no matter my gear!

#gettingitdone
#noholsingback
#ain’tIpretty@40

stefanieruge · February 14, 2015 at 11:04 pm

Thank you for the opportunity Kelly! I think the drive behind #womenfortri is empowering and motivating. I love that they have put together a board of experienced women to fight for the fastest growing segment in the sport. As for the suit, I am stoked to learn about Roka. I am 5’11 @150 and it is SO awesome to know I don’t have to wear men’s suits anymore… I am just returning to the sport this year after being laid up last year from hip surgery. I had registered for Lake Placid and had to withdraw, as crushing as it was, it has made me more determined to get 140.6 under my belt. Runner by heart #oiselleflock member, my body is telling me it’s time to get back in the pool and on my trainer. I have plans for olympic distance this year, maybe a half in the fall, see how it feels, keeping the big picture in mind and respecting my body. Even if i am not the chosen one, which of course i hope i am, I think it’s amazing what you are doing here and would continue the pay it forward… Cheers to a great 2015!

    Kelly Burns Gallagher · February 23, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    Stefanie – Time to ditch the men’s wetsuit. Enjoy your Roka.

      stefanieruge · February 23, 2015 at 8:45 pm

      Stoked!!! Thank you so much Kelly! I promise to pay it forward and continue the generosity you have shown me (us)! Looking forward to an awesome season! #womenfortri

Audrey Natale · February 14, 2015 at 11:58 pm

I would love the blue seventy! I’vee done two 70.3s but will be focusing on Olympic distances this year with maybe a late season half.

Jen Tuck · February 15, 2015 at 8:30 am

I would love the blue seventy! I have registered for the gulf coast tri (70.3) and IMFL (saved for a year to pay that fee). This will be my first time doing either of these distances. I will not be able to purchase a wetsuit as I am a single mom living on a public school teacher’s salary and do not have the money. Every tri I have done has been a sprint due to an autoimmune disease that has not medically allowed me to train for longer distances until now. Doc FINALLY gave me the go ahead!!

Kate Pietrovito · February 15, 2015 at 8:40 am

Hi Kelly! So kind of you. I would love the Blue Seventy suit, it would be a perfect fit. I live in MA, so the water is coooold up here!

I have a sleeveless suit that has served me well, but I like to get in the water as soon as I can in the spring (mid to early May) and swim through September and into October when I can–a full sleeve suit would be helpful. I swim exclusively outside during the season, I’m not a pool lover.

My first race this year will be Greendale Tri in early June (my hometown race) and I hope to complete my second olympic distance this year. I like to call 2013 my year of couch to tri, I started training in May for my first tri without being able to run a mile or swim a lap. It’s been an amazing ride!

tina meza · February 15, 2015 at 8:42 am

I’m training for my first full IM distance and will start doing some open water swimming really soon. It would be greatly appreciated:) Thank you.
And I’m a Med / Large

Regina · February 15, 2015 at 8:51 am

Kudos to paying it forward! And yes triathlon is not an inexpensive sport. I did the same thing during my move. After reading the replies, you may need someone to help you choose. Have a great weekend!

Jacy Johnson · February 15, 2015 at 8:57 am

I would love the Roka Large/Tall. I am currently training for my first half ironman in April 2015, but I am only pool swimming since it’s too cold for open water training at this time. You’re extremely generous and this giveaway will make someone’s day. Rock on.

Alma · February 15, 2015 at 9:00 am

I am competing in my first full ironman and we all know to well the expense of triathlon in general. I have been looking to purchase a long sleeve suit and Axis would be perfect for me. Im still putting children through college and any deal or corner cut helps alot. I think it is wonderful what you are doing paying it forward. I will plan on doing the same in the future. God bless you!

Samantha Wood · February 15, 2015 at 9:01 am

Hi Kelly…awesome idea to pay it forward! I am planning on participating in my FIRST triathlon this year…Timberman Sprint in Gilford NH…The swim is by biggest concern/fear in the race and would love to be able to pull your energy and confidence from your ROKA Full Sleeve Maverick Pro Large/Tall wetsuit to help me through the swim portion. I am loving the fact that there are so many supportive people in the tri community and willing to help the newbies! Thank you again and good luck in your season!
Samm

Sallie · February 15, 2015 at 9:31 am

Awsome! Roka please. I am more of a “sinker” than a swimmer but am trying really hard to improve. This would be perfect to use for Escape the Cape!

johanna carrion · February 15, 2015 at 10:23 am

Hello, thanks for such a nice a sweet idea. I’m going to be honest but I have not much idea about triathlon, I’m currently training for my first sprint april26 Riverwinds, nj, I am very excited and nervous on the same time, I started to be more athletic and loosing 14 pounds have being my motivation. I being want to have one piece of the swim suit but I have no idea which one. Thanks and good luck to all the newbies out there like me!

johanna carrion · February 15, 2015 at 10:27 am

I forget to said that I am interested M/L Blue-Seventy-Blueseventy-Womens-Wetsuit

Shannon M. · February 15, 2015 at 10:36 am

Hello! I am a mother of four and completed my first two sprint triathlons last year. I won the lottery to partipate in the Tri for a Cure (Women only) sprint in Portland, Maine that raises money for cancer research. However it’s in the Casco Bay and I only have a sleeveless wetsuit I bought on eBay.
I would be so grateful to get the Roka Maverick wetsuit for this tri. Thanks!!

Kelly · February 15, 2015 at 10:40 am

Hi!! I will be doing my FIRST tri this year! What better way to start than by jumping off the Cape May Ferry! I plan on trying to borrow a wet suit from someone because the cost of starting tris has really hit us hard. I’m a 5’10” mom of 3 and borrowing clothes from other women is nearly impossible, so the thought of having my own wet suit in a size tall is amazing!! If you do select me, I promise that when I can afford to buy my own, I will donate the Roka wet suit to someone else just starting out. From one Kelly to another, thank you. 🙂

Brandi · February 15, 2015 at 10:52 am

This is such a wonderful gift you’re giving. I’m planning to complete 3 sprint triathlons this year. My 1st official triathlon will start w/ Trigirl in May! I also plan to do one this summer & absolutely without a doubt completing the 5150 for my 42nd birthday September 22!

Bonnie Stern · February 15, 2015 at 11:15 am

Oh wow. You are so generous! Thanks for doing this. I love paying it forward! The Roka looks like it would be a fit for me. I’ve registered for my first half distance Iroman in April, the Galveston, TX 70.3. I’m not going to lie, I’m freaking out because it’s the biggest thing I’ve ever attempted to do, but I’m confident that my coaches will get me there. This will be my 2nd triathlon ever; I did a super-sprint last May and now I’m going for 70.3! Yes, I’m crazy! Anyway, I hope you pick me, but if you don’t, I still think you’re awesome for doing this!

Jonathan Mason · February 15, 2015 at 11:21 am

Thank you so much for doing this for our sport! I’m requesting either (or both) of the wetsuits for the Colorado State University Triathlon Team (www.csutri.com). I’m the head coach of the team and every year, we have over 80 members with this year over half of them women and the majority do not even own a wetsuit. That’s over 20 female members that have to borrow, rent, or go without in our conference races. Our next race is in 5 weeks at Lake Havasu where water temperatures in March are usually in upper 60s to low 70s. This is such an expensive club sport and the expenses outweigh our fundraising by over 10X and they spend a lot of time fundraising when they could be studying or training. All for the love of the sport and building towards the future where triathlon becomes NCAA and receives more funds and scholarships, but that could be years away. We would use these wetsuits not for a specific athlete but collectively for the group for whoever needs for that race. Thanks!!!

cat Nowinski · February 15, 2015 at 11:27 am

I would love to be considered for the second weTshirt I am training for my first 70.3 after battling a chronic disease I am finally getting to a point where I can finally train but my medical bills have taken a lot from my race funds. Since I am in need of a wetsuit I would love to be considered for getting one. If it doesn’t fit I’ll pay it forward and give it to someone else as I have had a lot of support during my ongoing medical battles, it’s nice to be able to do something nice for others. Thanks for your generosity and I am sure whoever you pick will be very deserving of it.

Lovelight Gumble · February 15, 2015 at 11:51 am

I’d LOVE the blue seventy axis. Perfect fit for me. I’m signed up for two races this year. I love the pay it forward, I do the same thing with items I’m no longer using. I’m fairly new to the sport and slowly building my collection. Last year 3 months and 1 day after finding a hole in my heart and having surgery to have it closed I finished my 2nd IM 1/2. Due to all the heart meds it is very hard for me to warm up. Wet suits are an absolute must for cold water racing. Syracuse is one of my races so this will come in handy. I promise to make you proud if you allow me to wear your suit.

Jenn Porter · February 15, 2015 at 11:57 am

Hi Kelly! I’m commenting in hopes of claiming the Roka wetsuit. I’m registered for my very first triathlon, an ironman 70.3 in July. He cost of triathlon has been prohibitive for me in the past because of my job – I’m a public defender with a lot of debt. I love my job and am happy to do it but it does make the sport difficult! I’d love to win the Roka for this season and then hopefully be able to pay it forward next year to someone else 🙂

Heather Bardot · February 15, 2015 at 12:11 pm

I would be thrilled to be chosen for the blue seventy axis. I have been toying with the idea of a tri for about a year now. I had not exercised regularly for 4+ years, after the birth of my last child. in 2014, I joined a local Mother’s Run This Town (MRTT) group to get back to running. It took me a while, but a challenge hit in November that inspired me. STREAK!! Run 6 days out of 7 between Thanksgiving and December 31, 2014. I hit that, after being a couch potato for years, and when Christmas hit, I decided if I could run 6 days out of 7, I could surely run every day. So, since December 26, I have run every day. My running is now in good shape, and it is time for me to find another challenge, so I think it is the year for my first tri. The wetsuit would surely prompt me to schedule a tri. Thanks for considering, and thanks for your generosity.

lauren vogel · February 15, 2015 at 3:08 pm

I will take the roka maverick pro please! Im doing my first cold water race in sfo and need a fullsleeve to escape from Alcatraz . #womenfortri #50women2kona

Sandy · February 15, 2015 at 5:51 pm

Hi. I would love the roka. I am a 64 yro single female who started running about 3 years ago. Finally comfortable with the 5K. And hope to do a 10k or 2 this year – and a tri sprint. I have never tackled anything like this before but am determined to accomplish this. The suit would give me extraordinary motivation to think that someone believed in me enough to help me!! Best of luck to whoever you select – what a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do!!

Kari lindahl · February 15, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Kelly Burns Gallagher, first I have to say I love that you pay it forward. Given back is important. I would love you black and pink L T. I am 5 10.
I am training for my first Olympic tri. I am signed up for two sprints. If chosen, I too will make sure to pay it forward when I can.

Jenna D'Amico · February 16, 2015 at 5:02 pm

Hi Kelly, thank you for giving someone else the opportunity to perhaps, have a better race because of your generosity. The Roka would be for me, not only because of the fit/sizing, but because it has pink on it, which is perfect because I am a breast cancer survivor. I currently, race with Betty Design’s kick cancer tri suit, have survivor and pink ribbons on my bike, and I pay it forward volunteering not only for my hospital but also a non profit, helping others get through their own journeys and hopefully inspiring others that they can too, go on to live healthy lifestyles. I have done 5 sprint tri’s, MS150 bike ride, and a handful or so of runs from 5K-half marathon and longer rides as well. I am doing Kemah this year and a little nervous about being in something other than a lake. lol I would love the suit and be honored to wear it.
thanks a bunch for your kindness,
Jenna

Jennifer Wagner · February 16, 2015 at 11:07 pm

I’ve been looking for one for a while. I am signed up for the Town of Huntington TRI. It will be my first. Last year I signed up for the Tobay TRI but got injured and broke my foot the week prior to the race. I had trained so hard and dedicated so much time to making sure I was ready for my first TRI. I was devastated by my injury. The Huntington one will be in much colder weather in which I would need a full wetsuit. Not sure if the Blue Seventy M/L would fit me.. I’m 5’4″ and weight 135.
Very nice gesture of you to pay it forward!

moirahoran · February 17, 2015 at 4:33 pm

Generous offer! I don’t need a wetsuit but will share this with my Club members as some of them have budget issues.

heather · February 17, 2015 at 4:48 pm

The blue axis full sleeve would be helpful to me. I am doing my first tri in May. And I do not have anything now to wear. So this would be a great start. I am also doing on in Aug. So I have 2 planned in 2015. And a few months apart. I am a little nervous for 2 of them but excited also.

Deb · February 17, 2015 at 6:35 pm

this is an amazing idea and so kind and generous. I’ve been wanting to do my first tri for years as my two best friends do them, but I have been unable to afford the expense of a wetsuit. The blue seventy would be perfect and it would be the best birthday present a girl could ask for as my bday is feb 25th

Julie Zapatka · February 17, 2015 at 6:46 pm

I’ve done one triathlon and my goal is Olympic and 70.3 this year. I am a marathon/half Marathon runner and I love to prove to people that ANYTHING is possible. I have asthma and I was FINALLY just diagnosed with SVT an arrhythmia that causes my heart to run in the mid 200’s. This is a scary, but mostly benign heart condition. When people say they could never “run a half marathon, full marathon, or complete an Ironman” I like to be able to say, “I can, so ANYONE CAN! ” I could use a wetsuit, especially since my first sprint is in May. This is an extraordinary thing you are doing and anyone will be lucky to have either one! Keep on being awesome! I’m not picky btw, either would work…
Julie Zapatka

Amanda Remlinger (@Momwhotris) · February 18, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Hi Kelly! I would love the Pink Roka full sleeve suit. I’m wearing an old 10+ year hand me down. I actually have cut it with scissors a few times to try and make it fit better. Of course I would love to be able to use this suit but what I think you are doing is AMAZING and has inspired me to do the same with some of my gear that I don’t use anymore. Good luck to whoever wins the wetsuit!

triathlonmami · February 20, 2015 at 3:20 pm

Hmmmm. I thought I left a reply but maybe not because i am so late? I just saw this today! duhh. And I had written (I think) that I would love the Roka because every time I race I need to borrow a long sleeve wetsuit, and I am racing IMLP this year and will need one … again. However, it won’t have much use year round because I am in Miami and well, it’s warm. So, what I can do is be custodian of a long sleeve wetsuit for any woman like me, who cannot spend $$ on a long sleeve wetsuit that will only be worn a few times. Between our community here, it would get plenty of use. Thank you for doing this, it is so generous of you, and whoever gets it I am sure will be very happy and deserving. Kudos and keep the karma rolling 🙂

Kathy · February 20, 2015 at 8:47 pm

Neither is my size but just wanted to say you are awesome for doing this! #payitforward

Kristin · February 23, 2015 at 9:51 am

I would love to get the Roka suit. I don’t have a long sleeved wetsuit currently. I am doing Challenge Williamsburg this year for sure and might have additional races later on in the season.

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