For Adrienne McCarthy, Windham is more than just the place she calls home; it’s where many of her dreams have become realities. Although Adrienne spent her childhood in Dracut, Massachusetts, her summers were always spent at her family’s cabin on Cobbetts Pond in Windham. Those summers were filled with late-night swims, long days on the water, and plenty of laughter, memories that shaped the community she would one day proudly return to. During high school and college, Adrienne worked her first job as a lifeguard at the town beach, further deepening her connection to the town.

Adrienne and her husband, Ken, later lived in Alberta, Canada. It was during this time that Adrienne’s passion for endurance sports began to grow. While living there, she competed in the Grizzly Ultramarathon, a challenging 50-kilometer trail race in Canmore, Alberta. At the same time, she was developing a strong love for fitness classes — particularly Pure Barre.

However, when she lived in Canada, the nearest Pure Barre studio was far away. Determined to stay involved, Adrienne purchased Pure Barre DVDs and spent countless hours exercising at home and the gym where she worked as a personal trainer, continuing to do what she loved most. Adrienne first discovered Pure Barre through her sister, and the family would continue to play an important role in her business ventures. Later, she partnered with her sister, Ellen, to open Boss Blow Dry Bar in Hudson, New Hampshire.

While these businesses have achieved tremendous success, Adrienne says her proudest accomplishments reach far beyond entrepreneurship. She is deeply passionate about helping others live their healthiest lives and finds the greatest reward in watching members' and clients' confidence grow across all three locations. Adrienne is also committed to setting a strong example for her nieces and nephews — not only through business ownership, but also through another pursuit that demands dedication and perseverance: Ironman triathlons. An Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run.

Adrienne competed in her first Ironman in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2021. Preparing for the race required countless hours of rigorous swimming, biking, running, and strength training. She had originally planned to race Ironman Mont-Tremblant, but the event was canceled due to COVID. Since then, she has completed four full Ironman races in Wisconsin, Lake Placid, Ottawa, and Barcelona. She has also completed 14 half Ironmans.

In 2022, Adrienne reached a major milestone by qualifying for the Half Ironman World Championship in St. George, Utah. Her training paid off again in 2024 when she qualified for the Half Ironman World Championship in Taupō, New Zealand.

Like any endurance athlete, Adrienne has faced difficult moments during races. One of those particularly tough times was a very hilly bike course. “I was out there for a long time. But a friend gave me advice that has stuck with me--when you’re having a dark moment, have a snack,” she says with a laugh. “It will get better in a few minutes."

Adrienne’s advice for anyone considering their first triathlon is simple: “Always have fun,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s a hobby. If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.”

She also encourages beginners to connect with the local triathlon community. “There’s a lot to learn, but it’s an incredibly welcoming sport,” she says. “Find a local club and don’t be afraid to ask questions--someone will always be happy to help.”