The story Behind our Teams and Founder Angela Naeth

Redefining Strength: The Story of IRACELIKEAGIRL and GirlsGetGritty

As a professional triathlete and the founder of IRACELIKEAGIRL and GirlsGetGritty, I've always believed in the transformative power of community and the importance of supporting women in endurance sports. Today, I want to share the journey behind these initiatives that have become central to my mission, and explain why we proudly embrace the term "girl" in our team names.

The Birth of IRACELIKEAGIRL

IRACELIKEAGIRL was born in 2016 during a challenging period in my life. Facing personal struggles and injury, I realized I needed to reconnect with my sense of purpose. This realization sparked the idea for a community that would go beyond just racing - a platform to help women become the best versions of themselves through triathlon.

What makes IRACELIKEAGIRL unique is its focus on connection and support. We're not just a team; we're a global family of over 130 members. Our community spans all ages and abilities, from first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors. We support each other through monthly challenges, daily interactions, and team events.

The heart of IRACELIKEAGIRL lies in its ability to create a "home away from home" for women in triathlon. We share knowledge, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other's successes. Whether it's providing a homestay during races or offering training advice, our members are there for each other every step of the way.

Expanding to Gravel: GirlsGetGritty

My journey into gravel cycling opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities - and challenges. After competing in the Unbound Gravel race, I noticed a significant gender disparity in the field. This observation led to the creation of GirlsGetGritty, an extension of the IRACELIKEAGIRL spirit into the world of gravel cycling.

GirlsGetGritty is all about inclusivity and adventure. We welcome everyone from competitive Unbound Gravel 200 racers to beginners looking to explore off-road cycling. Our mission is to empower women through gravel riding, creating a supportive environment where all women can grow and thrive.

Why "Girl"? Embracing Our Inner Strength

I often get asked about our choice to use "girl" in our team names. To me, the idea that being called a girl is a negative term is an unfortunate mindset. I know that not all women feel this way, that perhaps one feels when they are referred to being a girl, it's an attempt to deny a woman of her power, grace, maturity, and strength. But IRACELIKEAGIRL and GIRLSGETGRITTY are just the opposite - it's about celebrating what it means to be feminine!

We recognize that the term "girl" often carries a stigma in adult contexts. It's sometimes used to infantilize women or deny them their power and maturity. We're here to challenge that notion head-on.

As we grow older, society often pressures us to suppress our "inner girl" - that part of us full of enthusiasm, wonder, and uninhibited joy. Our teams encourage you to reconnect with that inner girl, to tap into her strength, resilience, and zest for life.

Remember the fearlessness you had as a girl? The willingness to try new things, to get dirty, to laugh loudly? That's the energy we're channeling. Being a "girl" in our community means embracing both playfulness and power.

As a team, we are emboldened with the same fierceness as women embrace during a night out with the "girls". This is the strength behind the girl. We are a community of women/ladies/gals that use 'girl' to support all ages and all abilities in sport - all with a bit of splash of feminine sass!

Our Mission and Values

Our mission is simple yet powerful: To inspire, empower, and motivate women in endurance sports - triathlon, cycling, running, and ultrarunning. We promote fitness and positive change while participating in local and global events and giving back to the community. We connect women from across the globe and inspire our youth, all while having fun along the way!

We are a community of athletes from all regions and neighborhoods collectively engaged in support, inspiring and enabling individual goals and dreams. We provide motivation and encouragement through events, both virtual and in person, to create an inclusive and supportive team.

Importantly, our team is open to any person who identifies as a woman, including cis, trans, non-binary, or any significantly female-identifying persons.

The I Race Like a Girl Podcast: Keeping It Real

To further our mission of education and empowerment, we launched the "I Race Like a Girl" podcast. Co-hosted by myself and Amy Woods, an age-group athlete, the podcast serves as a platform to discuss all aspects of sport and life.

Our goal is simple: to educate, enlighten, and keep it real. We share our experiences, offer insights, and tackle topics relevant to women in endurance sports. From training tips to life balance, we cover it all with honesty and humor.

A Message of Empowerment

At the core of IRACELIKEAGIRL, GirlsGetGritty, and our podcast is a simple message: women are strong, capable, and unstoppable when we support each other. We believe in the power of community to transform lives, not just in sport but in all aspects of life.

Our initiatives are about more than just crossing finish lines or winning races. They're about building confidence, fostering friendships, and creating a supportive environment where every woman can thrive. We're redefining what it means to "race like a girl" and showing the world the grit and determination of women in endurance sports.

Whether you're a triathlete, a gravel cyclist, or simply someone looking for inspiration, remember this: you are part of a powerful community of women who are ready to support you, cheer for you, and help you achieve your dreams. Together, we are changing the face of endurance sports, one race at a time.

Join us in embracing the power of "girl." Reconnect with your inner strength, joy, and fearlessness. Become part of our vibrant, supportive community where every "girl" is celebrated for who she is!