Weekend Warrior – Linn Woo,Triathlete – Chris Sheffield, Triathlete

Lin Wu, Running, Swimming, and Biking

62; Associate Professor at University of Tennessee Health Science Center

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I want the ability to live and maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. Being physically fit is the foundation of acquiring that ability.

MY GROUP: I’m a member of the Memphis Running and Track Club (MRTC). I also train with the BPC Triathlon Training Group.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: I ran my first marathon, the Paris Marathon, on my birthday with my son cheering me all the way.

I f MY SPORTS: I love the process of consistent training. The training helped me learn a lot about myself, hydration, nutrition, and my body’s limit, and it’s an opportunity to challenge and improve myself, which I always enjoy.

GO-TO GEAR: Running shoes and Garmin Watch

RECENT RACES: MRCT Members Only Race Experience 5K (age group 1st place), MRCT 2nd 5-miler (age group 1st place), and Dragon Fly Sprint Triathlon (age group 3rd place).

FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: I completed my first half IRONMAN Memphis 70.3, in 2021.

BEST EATS: Sakura Japanese Restaurant - the mango roll is always my go-to order.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Jeff Preston Bezos for his creativity and interesting personality.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear. I found his framework of 1% better every day inspiring.

SPEED BUMPS: I had struggled with arthritis back pain for years, and weight lifting and running have strengthened my back muscles. As a result, I’ve been pain-free for a few years.

BUCKET LIST: I want to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), which goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland over the course of 11 stages, approximately 170 kilometers long.

QUOTE: “Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better.” –Jim Rohn

Chris Sheffield, Running, Cycling, Tennis

57; Internal Communications Manager at Youth Villages; U.T. Extension Master Gardener

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: My grandchildren and I want to live long enough to experience as much as the world offers.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Winning my first 10K at 16 in my hometown of Oxford, Miss. I was led through town and around Ole Miss with a police escort – it was quite the thrill and encouraged me to keep running.

GO-TO GEAR: A hydration container. I’m a heavy sweater and have only recently learned to appreciate the importance of replacing those important fluids.

MY GROUP: Running Republic, BPC, Breakaway/St. Jude Marathon Training Group, and Memphis Runners Track Club

BINGE-WATCHING: The Brokenwood Mysteries, or any good British mystery.

FAV INDULGENCE: Cookie dough. It’s SO good!

BEST EATS: Café 1912 or Huey’s hamburger with cheese fries - I split those with my wife.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: The original IronMan, Gordon “The Man” Haller. I have so many questions.

BUCKET LIST: Top of the list, and a long-term goal, is to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Previously, I was an assistant director for the Appalachian Regional Commission and visited many states encompassing this 2,200-mile trek.

UP NEXT: Finishing the Road Race Series, Youth Villages 5K - I’m a team captain.

SPEED BUMPS: In my mid-20s, I suffered a serious ankle injury that first put me on the path to incorporating more cycling and swimming into my workouts. I eventually recouped enough to focus primarily on running, but now Father Time harkens me back to a more diverse exercise regimen.

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Hiking a week on the Appalachian Trail during winter in knee-deep snow and ice.

RECENT RACES: Northwest Arkansas Tour de BBQ 30-miler cycle, Dragonfly Tri, Sardis, Miss., MRTC RR Series (5K, 5-miler, 10K and 10-miler), West Cancer Center 62-miler cycle, St. Jude Half IRONMAN ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants” by Malcolm Gladwell