Michelle Blessing was a notable triathlete in the mid'90s, coached the triathlon teams in the 2000 Olympics, and in less than a decade returned to average physical condition.

Since last competing, she has not slouched around. Instead, she raises two daughters, works as a real estate agent and volunteers in excess of 50 hours a week.

Through all that, Blessing, 45, refuses to make excuses. She has trained vigorously the past six months to return to form and compete in the inaugural State Games of the West, which is expected to draw 6,600 competitors to the 31-sport event. The event opens today, including the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. at World Arena, and goes through Sunday at various venues in the Pikes Peak area.

Convinced by her friends to sign up, Blessing used the event as motivation to get back in shape after gaining 25 pounds. It certainly hasn't been easy for the former athlete, who won the Empire State Building Run-Up - ascending 86 flights of stairs - in 13 minutes, 3 seconds in 1995.

"You know, it's been hard not to compare myself to how I used to be," she said. "I want to run six-minute miles, but I can't anymore.

"I haven't really been in good shape for a while."

Even if she does not mirror her once-athletic form, Blessing has come a long way the past few months, losing an estimated 15 to 20 pounds. She has freed up her schedule now that her daughters - ages 16 and 17 - have gotten driver's licenses.

"Before that, I used to be a taxi driver," she said.

Blessings now swims regularly, runs almost daily, takes a cycling class and lifts weights three times a week.

"For me it was probably more about getting into good shape than anything else," the Colorado Springs resident said. "I thought the State Games would be a very well-run race."

The State Games of the West, unlike the State Games of America, is for residents within 13 Western states. The Rocky Mountain State Games, another event that has been held in Colorado Springs, is for state residents.

So Blessing will compete in the State Games of the West because she enjoys "being part of a big deal." She experienced that as coach of the U.S. men's and women's triathlon teams when the sport debuted in the 2000 Olympics.

Still, her competitive nature is intact. Blessing noted Saturday's upcoming triathlon is shorter than what she's accustomed to.

"I'm more of a distance girl," she said, citing a previous race that spanned 10 hours. "This is a short race."

In returning to form, Blessing has certainly already won the long race.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0215 or mario.aguirre@gazettecom

STATE GAMES OF THE WEST

Opening ceremony: 7 p.m. today, World Arena; tickets available at the box office, $10 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors.

Sports charging admission: basketball, gymnastics, softball, soccer, track and field; (individual day pass) adults: $5, 18 and under $3, seniors 55+ $3 (sold at venue only); car/family day pass: $10 (venue only); car/family four-day pass: $20, venue only

Registration, information: www.stategamesofthewest.org

Schedule: gazette.com