Shred Girl Natalie Majors Swims, Bikes and Runs!

WhenShred Girl  Natalie Majors got her first balance bike, as a Floridian near the beach, triathlon was sure to follow. Now, she’s having a great time swimming, biking and running in sunny Florida! I wanted to talk to Natalie because Shred Girls don’t just ride bikes—there’s plenty of awesome other activities (like triathlon) that are just as rad, so it’s all about finding what you love!

Which came first, swimming or running? What made you want to try your first race?

Biking came first. I was two when I got a balance bike for Christmas. I used to take it on camping trips with my dad and rode it while my mom exercised at boot camp in the park. I started riding a pedal bike when I was 4 and have always ridden bikes a lot with my dad and brother.

My Dad does triathlons and I heard there was a kid’s race, so wanted to try it. My first race was a duathlon and I have done that race 3 times. I did my first aquathon in May and my first triathlon 3 weeks later.

Which is your favorite so far?

My favorite part of the triathlon is swimming because I spend a lot of time in my MaMaws pool and I like diving to the bottom of the pool for toys.

 I saw you’re now training for a triathlon—what’s been the most fun about that?

I like to ride bikes so it is one of my favorite parts of a race.

 And what’s the hardest of the three sports? Why? Have you had any challenges getting started with riding bikes?

Running is the hardest because my legs get tired easily and I am not that fast.

From her Dad: “She has been in tears during the run portion of her first two races, but is very persistent. She finishes and keeps wanting to do more races. She had a breakthrough this year at the aquathon. It was the first race she did not cry and struggle during, which has been a huge boost to her confidence.”

(Shred Girls, take note: It’s TOTALLY OK to cry during a race sometimes—it happens to all of us!)

 What was the best tip or trick you’ve ever been told?

A consistent pace wins the race. Don’t chase after everyone who sprints in the beginning because they will get tired.

Best racing tip?

I repeat “Do your best; Don’t stress” to myself to overcome the race day nerves

Proudest accomplishment, sports-wise?

I finished third in the Pensacola Cycling Classic kids race.

Goals in triathlon (or duathlon)? What’s coming up next?

My goal is to get faster with running. I just finished my first Triathlon, Jubilee Kids race in Fairhope, AL on 6/2/19, and have two more races this season – Wild Things in New Orleans LA in June and Sea Turtle on Pensacola Beach in October.

Advice for younger girls interested in trying a new sport?

Don’t be scared to try it. If you try it and don’t like it, you can always go to another sport. The hardest part of trying a new sport is not knowing anyone.

Advice for making friends in sports? — for me, that was the tough part and something I know is hard & intimidating for a lot of girls!

The best way to make friends is to give others compliments and encouragement.

 I know you have a copy of Shred Girls—has it gotten you more excited about riding?

Yes, it has. It has made me want to try new tricks on my bike. My new goal is to learn to jump.