Iron Girl is different. Iron Girls are encouraged to "find your inner Grace." Grace is the "name of the symbol used within the Iron Girl logo, within us all," the homepage says. Grace, they say, makes "a woman special, unique and strong. Grace acts with truth, beauty and spirit. Grace is within you, and you are Grace."

I could not have said it better. When the PR firm that approached me about this story mentioned that there is an Iron Girl event in Syracuse, NY...just an hour and a half from my house, I couldn't believe my ears! How could something so exciting be happening so close, and me not know it? (like, I should know everything female-focused within a 200 mile radious, right?) He also said there was time to register, the day he called. I got a good laugh out of that!

The Iron Girl events are sponsored by Aflac, our favorite duck, which is fitting, I guess. Aflac is a company that's there for you, when you need them most. Like women.

The release has the good info, and I think it's better to share that, than try to make up my own content about this fabulous event. As of January 2009, they write, "Today, Iron Girl announced the addition of a new triathlon to the 2009 Aflac Iron Girl National Women's Event Series calendar. The Aflac Iron Girl Syracuse Women's Triathlon will take place on Sunday, July 26th, 2009, in and around Oneida Shores Park."

Ok, they say Aflac too much but this is a press release, folks. Point is - there will be bike riding, an 800-meter swim (count me out, I don't go near the water), 30k bike and and 5k run...with approximately 1500 women of all ages and fitness levels.  

Here's a link to more information, including Iron Girl videos. Iron Girl is on Facebook and Twitter, too.

You will be reading more about this, on Lip-sticking. Would that I were 20 years younger and able to compete. Would that I were in better shape and able to compete. I know I am marking my calendar and will be a spectator on July 26th. And, I hope to have an email interview with VP, Judy Molnar...a woman to admire and emulate, if ever there was one. Here's a short intro to her: "Molnar's own personal pursuit of a healthy lifestyle came after many years of failed diets and struggling with her weight. One day, she noticed on a doctor's checkout sheet that she had become a statistic; morbidly obese. It was at that moment that her weight was no longer about a certain dress size, vanity or how she looked to others. Since that day, Molnar has lost more than 100 pounds. She continues to work on losing more, while living life to the fullest."

This woman is an Iron Girl. She's participated in over 35 triathlons and numerous 5k, 10k, and marathon events. Let's hear from her, in the near future - and let's cheer on all the girls and women who are out there challenging the status quo to become Iron Girls of the highest order - women and girls who won't let society dictate their achievements. Women and girls who will not accept anything less than a full commitment to life, to good health, and to each other.

I'm on board. Will you join me?