Since Barbra Fagan started running seriously 25 years ago, she hasn’t stopped. Fagan, director of workforce health at Wauwatosa-based Froedtert Health, has competed in 12 Ironman Triathlons, nearly a dozen ultra-marathons, and hundreds of races altogether.
This past summer alone Fagan, 52, participated in a 50-mile race, a 100-miler, the Pikes Peak Marathon and a 50K course.
Part of her athletic motivation stems from her position at Froedtert in which she coaches community employers and employees through fitness, nutrition and prevention programs to lead healthier lives.
“In order to do that, I think you have to take a step back and take care of yourself as well,” Fagan said.
She also competes to honor the memory of a friend and fellow racer who lost her life in 2008 after being struck by a drunk driver while biking.
Fagan’s athletic pursuits have taken her all over the world from Australia to Hawaii to Catalina Island to Big Sur in California.
“It becomes a destination besides a competition,” she said.
For Fagan, staying active and working with others to help them accomplish their goals is among the most rewarding parts of her career and life. She challenges herself and those she coaches with the mindset of, “argue your limitations.”
“I’m blessed to be in a job that really is an extension of me and what I believe in, which is living a healthy lifestyle and helping those who also wish to live a healthy lifestyle,” Fagan said.
