Our (#WCW) Woman Crush Wednesday this week is Colleen Cannon.  Colleen founded Women’s Quest after a highly successful career as a professional triathlete. In her racing days, she was World Champion in 1984, and National Champion in 1988 and 1990. She also was a multiple U.S. National team member.  You only need to spend a little time with Colleen to see how passionate she is about life and including everyone in her adventures.

Her passions, besides chocolate and being in nature, are liberating and empowering women through movement and balance, and targeting their true “hearts’ desire.” Colleen continues to evolve the adventures for Women’s Quest, taking joy in ways to enchant women with the experiences that bring happiness from adventurous & physical experiences.

Here is a little more about Colleen in her own words:

My Day Job:

I am the founder and CEO “Chief Everything Officer” of Women’s Quest Adventure Retreats for the Body, Mind, and Spirit which I started 27 years ago after retiring from the sport of Triathlon.

Favorite Sports and Hobbies:

My favorite hobbies depend on the time of year and where the WQ retreats take me, however: I LOVE TO PLAY OUTSIDE!!  I have 2 horses so I love horse riding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains any time of the year, I love everything on or in water including surfing in the warm waters of Costa Rica (I only started surfing at age 45!), after my first triathlon in Hawaii, I fell in love with swimming with the wild dolphins in Hawaii.  In the Winter I love to Nordic Ski, both classic style, and skate ski, and you’ll definitely find me out snowboarding when there is powder.  I have a new Mosaic Road Bike and I just love riding it anywhere and everywhere, I love yoga but I am more like a downward camel then a downward dog.  My Hobbies… hmmm.. I don’t have any time left in my day so I guess it is meditation or napping.

Who has inspired you lately? why?

The person that has inspired me the most lately is my surf shaman/guru/instructor Ismael Araya from Costa Rica. He was hit and crushed 4 years ago on his motorcycle by a bus. They wanted to amputate his legs and they said if he lived he would never walk again. He has slowly recovered the use of his arms and he is back in the water. He went from intensive care to the bed, to the wheelchair, and to crutches.  Today he can surf on his knees!  This last weekend he was in San Diego at the ISA Adaptive Surfing World Championships and he almost made the finals. He has come a long way and he has never lost his positive attitude, determination or joy for life! He inspires me when I get down, sad or wimpy about life or my circumstances. 

My Favorite Quote:

“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief, and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!” – Bob Marley

Who do you hope to inspire?

I hope to inspire everyone at every age to be a better human, and to smile, be nice, and give back.  To help women understand THAT EVERYONE IS AN ATHLETE (no matter the size, shape or AGE!!

How do you #liveboldly?

I definitely think I push the bold boundaries of age.  I started doing things at 50 that most start when they are 20 because I have to fit it all in while I can still move. I also think the real bold moves come from speaking up for what your truth and meaning are without fear of what others may think. As an athlete, I had to be pretty bold as a pioneer in the sport of triathlon and stand up for equal prize money and other things. Living boldly to me also speaks to helping the planet, taking a stand to help the environment and animals and to educate the younger generations .

If you are living… you are living boldly because it is not easy out there!! Waking up each day with a smile is a great bold move!

What are you most excited for in 2018?

I have to say, I am excited about our two Costa Rica Surf and Yoga retreats in February and I am looking forward to a winter "thaw out” and rejuvenation time in the warm ocean.  I am excited about all of our retreats but my other favorite trip is in Iceland in July, I always look forward to riding the horses and soaking in the hot springs in Iceland. Now that I am thinking about all the trips it is unfair to play favorites...I love them all!

For $200 off either of our Costa Rica Surf and Yoga Retreats (Feb 4 – 10 or Feb 11-17), use code KLOVERCR. (This code is only valid on full amount or balances due, code does not apply to deposits).

To get more information and to follow Colleen and Women’s Quest events you can find her here: 

Website: www.womensquest.com

Email: info@womensquest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womens.quest.retreats/

Instagram: @womensquest

Twitter: @womens_quest

If you have a #wcw you'd love to see highlighted here, please send us a note at customerservice@krimsonklover.com.

We hope to see you out there!  #liveboldly #krimsonklover #slowfashion