By Heather Posey
Staff Writer
Signal Hill business owner and Long Beach resident Ann Tyler Allen competed and came in 10th at the Arrowhead Day at the Races Triathlon on Oct. 5. Presented by Toyota Engines of Change in Hermosa Beach, Allen’s participation is nothing short of a miracle for the 49-year-old mother of two.
Allen’s journey to the finish line was not an easy one. Having survived a hurricane in the open sea when she was in her early 20s, she had an intense fear of the ocean, which, through perseverance, according to co-worker Scott Johns, she was able to overcome. She also endured hours of physical therapy after her hip surgery at age 45, which was sped along by competing in races.
“It has been a saving grace for me,” said Allen. “It’s allowed me to do something when I thought I couldn’t do anything.”
Since the surgery, she has participated in marathons and triathlons, and she’s hoping to run in an Ironman competition within the next year.
“It’s such an exciting and wonderful thing,” Allen said. “It promotes people making changes in their lives.”
