Andrea Larson, Executive Director – IRONBULL
What do you do?
I am executive director at IRONBULL, a new Wausau non-profit, formed to promote outdoor recreation and healthy living. I am also a mother of three (5, 3, and 2). So basically I’m either out running on the trails / roads or after my children!
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
My education is chemical engineering, where I worked a decade as a research & development engineer for Siemens. As an engineer, you learn how to think. You may not know the answer, but you know you can figure it out.
Why did you choose this sort of work?
My passion is outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyle. When I found out about IRONBULL, I felt I had reached a fork in the road. Although I loved being an engineer, this was my opportunity to make a difference in our community, where I grew up.
What do you like best about your work?
I enjoy hearing other people’s stories and hope to make a difference in our community.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
I have two daughters and I hope they can see their mom as someone who can do it all. As mothers we can still pursue our passions while balancing motherhood and a career.
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Despite having three children in four years, I didn’t let that kill my passions. At the same time, I don’t know how I could have done it without the support of my husband. With so much in life, we need to take a team approach and leverage their strengths.
My last three races prior to having children included podiuming at the Leadville 100 trail run, setting the course record at the 50 mile North Face Challenge Madison, and mountain biking 225 miles at the Wausau 24. My first biking race after having children I won the Wausau 24. My first running race after having children I set the women’s course record and was the first person to cross the finish line at the Marji Gesick 100 – a race that only had a quarter of the field finish.
Anything else we should know?
Our family enjoys gardening, cooking, and being active – you can read more at https://www.ironbull.org/blog
Thank you Andrea Larson!
Andrea has written some great posts about getting outside with kids:
– Eau Claire River Trail in Weston
– Bike Path – 51/29 and HWY R Loop
– Bike Path – Cedar Creek Trail
IRONBULL has some great activities to help you stay active:
– Island Hop Adventure (Click here to see the Facebook Event)
– River Runs Wild Virtual Run & Walk (Click here to see the Facebook Event)
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.