Diane Cridenda's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for triathlons that has spanned decades. Beginning her journey in triathlons in 1985, Diane is now competing in the 70-74 age group. Beyond her athletic pursuits, she is an acupuncturist specializing in women's health, working closely with reproductive endocrinologists to balance hormones and assist in family planning. Her interest in acupuncture and Chinese medicine was sparked by a personal health challenge during her 20-year career as an X-ray technician, which led her to explore the integration of Eastern and Western medical practices.

Her athletic career faced a significant hurdle in 2013 when she developed leaky gut after following traditional carbohydrate-heavy nutrition advice for athletes. This experience led her to discover Vespa, a nutrition approach that helped her become fat-adapted. The change in her diet not only resolved her gut issues but also enhanced her mental clarity and reduced physical discomfort during races. This new approach contributed to her winning first place in a race and qualifying for the world championship. In 2018, she achieved a remarkable third place in South Africa.

Diane's journey with Vespa has transformed her experience in triathlons, notably improving her recovery times and reducing post-race fatigue and brain fog. She recalls a notable instance at MontreBlanc where, after completing the race, she felt energetic enough to go shopping, a stark contrast to her previous exhausted states.

Her husband, initially thinking she would compete in just one half Ironman, has seen her complete 33, with Diane expressing her intention to continue as long as she enjoys it. Her story took another turn when she faced a knee injury, which she addressed with the help of the OFM medical board, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. Despite losing eight weeks of training, she finished in the top 10 in a race in Finland, further proving her resilience and the effectiveness of her holistic approach to health and training.

Diane's journey is a testament to the power of integrating different medical and nutritional philosophies, and her determination to continue competing and enjoying triathlons well into her 70s.