Triathlon Adventures Across America * Senior Triathletes

Triathlon Adventures Across America

Triathlon Adventures Across America

Swimming, Biking, Running, and Making Memories Together

What happens when an empty-nest couple turns a passion for road trips and the outdoors into their next adventure together? In Triathlon Adventures Across America, Terry and Joy VanderWert embark on an extraordinary quest to complete a triathlon in all 50 states—turning each race into an opportunity for adventure, discovery, connecting with family and friends, and adding to the memories from their 50 years of marriage.

From 2011 to 2023, the couple crisscrossed the country, experiencing both well-known tourist attractions and hidden gems, meeting new friends, and reconnecting with family and existing friends. As Terry raced, Joy often volunteered—sometimes having the more interesting stories to tell. Along the way, they navigated career transitions, cross-country moves, and the challenges of endurance sports, proving that it’s never too late to embrace a new adventure.

This heartfelt memoir is a testament to resilience, active aging, and the joy of shared experiences. Readers will find:

Inspiration for Active Aging – Terry’s triathlon journey, which began in his late 50s, proves that fitness and adventure have no age limit.
A Front-Row Seat to America – Through their travels, the VanderWerts uncover the beauty, diversity, and unexpected magic of each of the 50 states.
The Power of Relationships – More than a travelogue, this story highlights how shared goals and adventures strengthen relationships.

For anyone who loves travel, endurance sports, or uplifting stories of transformation, Triathlon Adventures Across America is a celebration of living boldly and intentionally—one swim, bike, and run at a time.

390 pages.

Please note: A portion of proceeds from sales of Triathlon Adventures Across America go to support SeniorTriathletes.com, a website that provides free information and inspiration for the community of beginner and intermediate triathletes age 50 and over.

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*Note: Clicking the link to order on SeniorTriathletes.com will take you to the website of the printing company, Ingram Spark, where you can place a secure order. With the discounted paperback price on Ingram Spark, where you pay for shipping, the net price is within pennies of the price for most other booksellers who provide FREE shipping.

Trailer – Triathlon Adventures Across America

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About the Author

Terry VanderWert is an average athlete who began his triathlon adventure in his late 50s. About seven years into his goal to complete a triathlon in the 50 states of America, Terry retired as president of a laser-based manufacturing company. This position followed a career which began as a metallurgical engineer and continued as user and manufacturer of industrial lasers for materials processing.

Terry VanderWert and his wife Joy have been married for over 51 years. They have three children, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. They continue an active lifestyle in The Villages, Florida, ever mindful that their next adventure together could be just around the corner.

The picture is of them on the afternoon before the triathlon at Bass River State Forest near Tuckerton, New Jersey. The triathlon swim the next day took place in the lake behind them.

Terry & Joy in New Jersey for Triathlon Across the USA

Reviews

“This book is an absolute gem. Following a couple as they travel across the country, it beautifully captures the spirit of adventure, the thrill of triathlons, and the deep connections with friends and family that truly make life meaningful. Their shared passion for travel and adventure is inspiring. Whether you’re an athlete, a traveler, or someone who cherishes meaningful relationships, this story will resonate deeply. Uplifting, real, and full of heart—I couldn’t put it down.”

“Both my husband and I could not put this book down once we started reading it! The adventure that the Vanderwerts went on in each state is beautifully described. It’s worth your time to experience this book. You will learn from it, be inspired by it and also have a lot of “feel good “ moments.”

“I bought this book for my husband as a Father’s Day gift. He read it and found it interesting, entertaining and very well written. As an avid reader of many books and a degreed journalist, his comments about this high quality journal is indicative of its excellent attention to the author’s many interesting experiences. He says it’s a must read for every athlete and retiring business executive committed to living healthy.”