The Courage to Tri: Cori James
I still remember the day Cori walked into Energy Lab. “I met a girl you should meet,” John said. “She’s really excited, wants to do well, really bubbly. I think she’s going to love triathlon and do well.”
It was exactly as he said. Over the past few years, it’s been so fun to watch her grow in her journey and now she’s one of the head run coaches at Atlanta Tri Club, too. A talented artist, Cori now has her own tattoo shop, Sparrowhaw Studio. She also uses her influence for good to help women in need.
Why did you decide to create the Girl Power kits?
I was inspired to create the Girl Power kits because I really believe in the importance of women knowing their worth and strength. Women are still fighting for their rights on a daily basis and I want to fight with positivity. And by uplifting women everywhere- giving them confidence. I found it really important to make the kits in men’s sizes too, because I really believe that feminism is about everyone and having men show their love, support, and belief in women, too.
Their lives are so important to me. This year I chose the Girls on the Run program because they are all about teaching young girls how to believe in themselves from the start. I wish I would have had that kind of influence when i was younger and I think that’s why I was so drawn to them. They have local chapters too and I love the idea of donating locally.
What are the best parts about triathlon to you?
My highlight for finding triathlon is the community I’ve found. The friendships and the bonds I’ve formed with such amazing people. Triathlon has also helped me battle with my eating disorder, as has sharing my struggle with others. Some people don’t realize that recovery isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a process. Falling back into self hate is like relapsing. It was easy return to what I knew.
What’s the hardest part, then and now of recovery? What allowed you to make a change?
It’s easy to fall back into a cycle of hating myself and punishing myself for no real reason. Finding the light after falling back into that cycle was definitely the hardest part for me. An eating disorder never really completely leaves your mind…you just find ways to shut it up more often and not listen. I think finding a positive mindset was the biggest game changer for me. Finding the strength to look in the mirror and say, “you’re beautiful and strong and healthy and that’s so badass” instead of the usual self deprecating bologna I was accustomed to, helped me so much.
Positivity changed my outlook on life and my outlook on myself. Being positive isn’t always easy, especially when you struggle with depression and anxiety, but reminding yourself that there’s always light somewhere can keep you “above water”-no triathlon pun intended. 😂 I still remember the day where I ate 3 normal meals, like a normal human being, and didn’t beat myself up about a single bite of it. It took years to get to that point, but I wanted to be strong. I wanted to be a triathlete. I finally understood that in order to become the athlete I had always dreamed of being…I needed fuel and lots of it. I needed to give my body love and nutrition. It was huge.
Who Inspires You Most?
My mother. She’s my best friend and just such a bad ass. My best friend, Becca. Her support has always meant the world to me. My amazing partner, Jason. His love has lifted me up since day 1. This list could go on for days. I’m so lucky to be surrounded my so many amazing people.
Any epic race plans this year?
Well I’ve crossed the finish line of 9 half ironmans in 3 years-and countless short course tri’s. I just can’t keep up with how many. I’m headed to my first full Ironman at IM Wisconsin this year!
What is your advice to others with similar struggles?
My advice to others going through something similar is to try and find support. Other people you can talk to about what you’re going through such as a therapist, other eating disorder survivors, etc. Also, be honest with yourself. Saying, out loud, the things that I was saying internally really put things into perspective and helped me start the process of change. Reading books like Chrissie Wellington’s “A Life Without Limits.” Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness continue to help me to this day.
Anything else?
I like cats. 🤷♀️
