Tracy Erickson completed her first Danskin Triathlon in 2001.

Afterward, she shared the experience with her family and friends.

"It's such an empowering event," she said.

Erickson figured her enthusiasm might inspire someone else to give it a shot, but she never expected who that turned out to be.

"My mom said, 'Well I would like to try that,'" she said. "I thought she was kidding."

Her mom was not joking. At the age of 74, Phyllis Mann completed her first triathlon.

Now at age 80, she's looking to do it again.

The Danskin Triathlon includes a .5 mile open water swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run or walk.

"It's always been a challenge," Mann said.

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"I had to learn how to work the gears," she said. "I didn't have any idea what to do with them and how to make it go."

With a little help from her daughter, Mann crossed the finish line each time. She's managed to do it in less than three hours.

"The first year I saw her cross the finish line, I was very emotional -- I teared up," Erickson said. "I was so proud of her, but not just for doing it herself, but for so many other people who think, 'I'm not sure I can do that."

Over the years, Mann has become a bit of a Danskin celebrity.

"It's fun to see all the attention she gets from the younger women," Erickson said.

Mann said she's convinced she's found the secret to a long life.

"I really think it's because of the exercise that I don't have to take medications," she said.

Couple the health benefits with the thrill of crossing the finish line, and Mann said you can expect to see her again in the future.

"It's such a happy thing to do," she said. "Especially when you can do it with your daughter."