Sarah Laviner, the Wellness Director at Scotia Village, recently completed the IRONMAN Chattanooga, one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. The competition includes a 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon — a true test of physical strength and mental resilience.
For Sarah, the race was an opportunity to live out the same principles she encourages among residents every day. Wellness, she says, is about more than fitness; it is about perseverance, gratitude and setting meaningful goals.
Her commitment to that philosophy has grown over years of competition, from marathons and obstacle courses such as the Spartan Ultra, which includes a 50K (31.07 mile) trail race. The Ironman triathlon became her biggest goal yet.
Preparation required months of structured training. With guidance from a local coach, Sarah focused on swimming, cycling, running, nutrition and recovery. Her determination was also shaped by personal experience. Following a serious motorcycle accident three years ago, she learned to celebrate progress one step at a time. “Each goal deserves to be celebrated,” she says, a belief she now shares in her classes with residents.
During the marathon portion of the race, fatigue set in. Sarah relied on an “attitude of gratitude” to carry her forward. “When you take the focus off yourself and just feel thankful to be in the moment, it helps you keep moving,” she says.
Back in Laurinburg, residents and team members at Scotia Village followed her progress in real time through the Ironman tracking app and gathered to watch her cross the finish line on the live broadcast. By the end of the night, Sarah had received more than 100 congratulatory messages from residents, colleagues, family and friends.
“It was incredibly heartwarming to know people were cheering me on from miles away,” she said.
Sarah’s achievement is both personal and communal. It demonstrates resilience, gratitude and determination while also reflecting the culture of support that defines Scotia Village. Her Ironman accomplishment is a source of pride for the entire community — a reminder that at Scotia, wellness is lived out, and victories are celebrated together.
By Jessica Ford
Kintura Content Specialist