August Athlete Spotlight - Sage Hanner
- Amy Higginbotham
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Sage is a fearless adventurer who traded horse trails for bike lanes, proving that two wheels are better than four legs. A devoted equestrian-turned-cyclist and unapologetic pizza enthusiast, Sage can handle just about anything - unless it lives, floats, splashes, or lurks in the water. Read more about this determined, fearless and enthusiastic woman!
Age: 34
Who is your coach? Coach Amy-MY HERO!
Occupation: Chief Mission Officer for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?
I started training in September of 2024 with absolutely no endurance sports background! I had done the occasional fun run, etc., but never was able to stick with any sport or exercise for very long. I grew up riding horses competitively- very different!
What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?
What I enjoy most about training and racing is constantly proving myself wrong. I am constantly reminded that I am capable of far more than I ever thought possible both physically and mentally. I also enjoy being humbled on a regular basis throughout this journey LOL.
What has been your favorite training or racing event and why?
My favorite race so far has been my first triathlon (SPA GIRL sprint). I remember genuinely having so much fun, which was unexpected because I was so nervous! Knowing that I had committed to something and saw it through until the end was so fulfilling.
What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?
PIZZA!!! I could eat pizza for every meal for the rest of my life.
What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?
One recent triathlon-related accomplishment I am proud of is swimming in open water! As someone who just learned how to swim within the last couple of years and who has always believed in keeping a HEALTHY distance from creatures that dwell in rivers, lakes, and oceans, this is a very big deal for me!
What do you want to be when you grow up? (We're all still kids at heart ❤️)
I hope I never completely grow up! If I had to choose, though, I would say a professional vacationer! I believe I would be GREAT at that....
What is something no one knows about you?
I have an alter ego that only comes out at a karaoke bar....
Why do you race/train?
A little philosophical, but some people race for family, others to redefine themselves or chase down old demons, others because of lovers or friends or spirituality -- what's your reason?
I love this question. I decided two years ago that I refuse to live a life that is built around comfort. I have many favorite quotes, including "The Man in the Arena", but a shorter one that inspires me is "To uncover your true potential, you must first find your own limits, and then you have to have the courage to blow past them." - Picabo Street I want to prove to myself every day that I am someone who can commit to something and who can show up for themselves. I want to know what it feels like to do hard things and realize I am capable of more than I ever thought possible. I want to be the person who pushes themselves through sport because I believe it generates such a positive ripple effect in every other area of life. I could go on, but that is a snippet of my "why".
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