[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s not often politics and athletics harbor similar ideals and philosophies.
For those who choose to run for political office, however, the feeling is often compared to running a marathon or triathlon.
Dripping Springs resident Taline Manassian is lucky enough to now have experienced both.
Last week, Manassian was one of three to earn a place on the Dripping Springs City Council dais. She became only the sixth woman to be elected to the Dripping Springs City Council since the city was incorporated in 1981.
For Manassian, the experience of running for office paralleled her hobby of competing in triathlons and Ironman competitions, where focusing on goals surpasses the race itself.
“It’s about the vision I want to have of myself and the hope I want to carry forward into whatever I choose to do,” Manassian said in an emailed response. “Each time I cross that finish line, I feel like I can do anything, so my dreaming gets bigger.”
Manassian, originally a Corpus Christi native, grew up playing competitive tennis in her youth. As a child, Manassian and her mom traveled to play tennis.
Once she got into college, however, Manassian said the “elliptical was the most I did.”
She found her love of running in 1999. Then in 2000 a friend introduced Manassian to the triathlon lifestyle. Manassian said her friend wanted to do her first triathlon, but wasn’t comfortable with the swimming portion. She called Manassian to assist with that particular leg.
Little did Manassian realize participating in the event, which was a women’s only triathlon, provided the inspiration she needed.
“It was so inspiring to be in this women’s only event, women in all shapes and sizes and it looked like a lot of fun,” Manassian said. “Everyone did it their own way. Some were racing and some were having a good time. That was my very first introduction to try it. It piqued my interest.”
Manassian began to train shortly thereafter. Currently, she trains with Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy.
Training consists of an hour workout during the week, with the entire process lasting six to seven weeks total “if you do it right,” Manassian said.
Eventually, Manassian worked her way to her first triathlon in 2003. Since then, Manassian has competed in six Ironman triathlons in Coeur d’Alene, ID, Madison, WI and two in British Columbia, Canada.
The races each consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.22-mile run, all done without a break.
She’s also competed in several half-Ironman triathlons, along with various local races in the Austin area.
What Manassian found was each race run offered a parallel for life, which she said was a “beautiful thing.”
“There’s an aspect of picking a goal and laying out a plan and committing to it and working through it,” Manassian said.
Manassian employed that same mentality when approaching her May 2017 city council campaign, which included a six person field.
But the ability to be flexible when needed, as well as setting goals for herself paid off in the long run, Manassian said.
“When I need to cheerlead for myself, I go to those medals and remind myself that I’m capable of more than I sometimes think I am. I did that when I was struggling during the campaign, and I’m certain I’ll do it again during my term on city council ... Those reminders help me maintain my focus and press forward, whether I’m racing or doing anything else that challenges me.”
Taline Manassian, Dripping Springs city council member and marathon runner
Manassian is also cognizant of the historic significance her election had in the community. She already felt the weight of the responsibly and gravity of the position.
While she doesn’t know any of her six predecessors personally, she hopes to learn what the five previous women on the Dripping Springs City Council dais did beforehand.
“To see the history adds to how important it is to do a good job,” Manassian said.
She also hopes her victory encourages not only more women to run for office, but for those who are not “traditionally part of the political process” as well.
Manassian said the city council has been “wonderful” in preparing her for the first day on the dais this week.
Ensuring the council has a vision on where the community is headed and the council makes decisions consistent to that vision is paramount.
“We’re all different and we all bring different skill sets to this conversation,” Manassian said. “Women have a lot to offer and I hope I do my part in doing that role well.”
