McMenamy sets three records in World Games
“I was watching my daughters compete in triathlons and was bored to death, so I took up cycling.”
By Mike McMurran
Of the First Capitol News
Charlene McMenamy has earned her retirement and deserves to be able to enjoy her golden years as she pleases, and that she does. A native of St. Charles City, Charlene does what many do after successfully raising their children, they find other hobbies and interests to fill the void. Many turn to painting, some turn to arts and crafts, and more and more are turning to physical activities such as swimming or walking. McMenamy not only has decided to take the physical activity route, she has selected the “high road,” literally.
McMenamy recently returned from St. George, Utah where she competed in the 2004 World Senior Games. Her specialty is cycling, and specialty may be understating her commitment. She presently holds three national records: 5-kilometer hill climb (23:05.35), 20K road race (38:37.76) and the 37K road race (1:26.21). “I first started cycling almost twenty years ago,” says McMenamy, “I was watching my daughters compete in triathlons, and was bored to death, so I started cycling.”
Getting her to talk about herself was no easy task, however when talking about the World Senior Games and the Senior Olympics it was hard to keep up with her. “Don’t write about me, write about our local games here the first week in April, that’s what you need to write about,” she directed.
McMenamy cycles about 150 miles a week, weather permitting. “If I can’t get outside I cycle inside,” she humbly states. Yes, that is one hundred and fifty miles, she was asked to repeat the figure. She has competed in San Antonio, Tucson, Orlando, Baton Rouge and Virginia in recent years –and no, she did not ride her bike to these competitions.
McMenamy attended “the old St. Peters High School for two years and graduated from Francis Howell.” Is cycling all she does in her free time? “Nah, I am currently studying algebra and Tae Kwon Do at St. Charles Community College. Its free you know?”
Presently she is training for the local games to be held the first week in April, and as promised, The First Capitol News will be there to cover “the real story.” For now though, there is no question about it, Charlene McMenamy is the real thing.
