460. Sika Henry, Professional Triathlete

Ali on the Run Show

Ali Feller

Run, Health & Fitness, Women, Inspiration, Runner, Entrepreneur, Sports, Fitness, Health, Running

4.9 • 3.7K Ratings

🗓️ 16 December 2021

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“I hit a severe low. I went through a bout of depression, actually. I felt lost, in some ways. I had this dream and this goal, and I was so focused, and then I achieved it…and then it was like I didn’t have anything.”

Earlier this year, Sika Henry made history, becoming the first African American woman to become a professional triathlete. She's an Ironman, an ultramarathoner (she just completed the JFK 50 Mile last month), and a Hoka-sponsored athlete. But the road to trailblazing status hasn't been without its challenges. In 2019, Sika was competing at an Ironman 70.3 event in Texas when she crashed her bike and had to be rushed to the hospital. On this episode, she recalls that day, and talks about the road to getting back on the bike, and back to herself. She talks about earning her triathlon pro card this year, and about dealing with a bout of depression afterward. Plus, all about the breakup that inspired her to get her start in triathlon (relatable!), what it was like completing the JFK 50 Mile, and why representation is so important to her. (For more from Sika, check out her recent profile in the New York Times.)

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you’ll get on this episode:

On working full-time and being a professional triathlete (2:15)
Why Sika wanted to run the JFK 50 (5:25)
Sika’s JFK 50 race plan (11:45)
Sika’s JFK 50 recap (16:00)
How the ultra community compares to the triathlon community, in Sika’s experience (22:00)
Sika’s highlight reel (27:00)
All about Sika’s family and childhood (30:15)
How Sika got into triathlon (39:35)
Sika’s bike accident in 2019 (41:30)
All about Sika’s first Ironman at World Championships in Kona (46:50)
On becoming the first African American woman to earn her triathlon pro card (50:00)
Sika talks about making her pro debut (56:15)
What Sika wants to do next (1:00:25)

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode of The Alley on the Run Show is brought to you by Aftershocks.
0:04.4	Go to ontherun.aftershocks.com to say 15% on all wireless headphones.
0:14.6	Welcome to The Alley on the Run Show. I'm your host, Allie Theller, and every week I talk with
0:19.9	people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond. We all share that love for running,
0:26.3	and that's what brings us all together. But of course, there is more to life than what happens
0:30.7	on the run itself. The show is about the in-betweens, the water stops, the bathroom breaks,
0:36.4	the moments and decisions that have shaped who we are today, and the wise. Why do we do what we do?
0:41.9	And how does getting sweaty factor in? My guess today is the trailblazing professional triathlete
0:49.1	Sika Henry, the first professional black woman triathlete. Sika is an iron man, an ultra-marathoner,
0:57.7	and so much more. And earlier this year, she became the first black woman to earn her triathlon
1:04.3	pro card. She's sponsored by Hoka. She just completed the JFK 50 mile, and she also works full-time.
1:13.4	Sika has a great story, and I loved learning more of it on this episode, so let's get right into it.
1:18.7	Please join me in welcoming Sika Henry to the Alley on the Run Show.
1:25.1	All right, Sika Henry is here with us today. This woman is making big moves this year,
1:30.7	and I'm so excited we're about to hear all about it. So Sika, thank you so much for being here.
1:35.6	Welcome to the Alley on the Run Show.
1:38.0	Thank you for having me, Allie.
1:39.7	All right, we start every episode with a warm-up, just like any good race, any good run,
1:44.1	any good workout. Can you warm us up by telling everyone who you are, where you call home,
1:50.1	and what it is that you do?
1:51.8	Sure, so my name is Sika Henry. I currently live in Newport,
1:56.0	Newspaper, Virginia, so about 30-minute drive from Virginia Beach,
	...

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