Running has always been a part of my life, whether I was running track, playing sports or running recreationally.  It is funny the random ways running has continued to resurface in my life.  Back in the summer of 1998, I was home on a summer break just before my senior year of college.  One of my college roommates came to visit and as we watched a marathon on television over our tall bones of beer at Joe’s Crab Shack, she looked at me and said, “I have always wanted to do one of those!”  Without giving it much thought, on a whim I replied, “Me too,” and we went on to train and finish Columbus marathon in 1998.

Then my running sort of took a back seat to life, graduating college, my first job and then in 2003, I was asked to organize some employees in the office to support one of client’s charity runs.  After that first slow race, my excitement for running re-sparked and my recreational running was taken to the next level.  I started to enter more running races and started to work on my pacing.

With some focus on my training, my running times became faster and I started to enter longer races.  Early in 2006, I decided I was ready to enter into the world of multisport and went on to purchase a bike and start swimming.  Then it was on to all new challenges such as ultra runs, endurance mountain bike races and xterra triathlons!  This lifestyle was awarded me with so many treasured friends and memories that will last forever and I cannot wait for what 2010 will hold!

Who/what shares your home with you:  My husband, Joey, who likes to play with Matches (our golden retriever) and Zippo (my fat cat)!

Years in triathlon:

4 years

Where do you stand on coffee:

Gotta have it (especially Pumpkin Spice Lattes, nonfat of course!)

Favorite race:

Buckeye 50K Run…just love losing myself on the trails for hours with friends!

What’s one trait that you hate about yourself:

My once very cute feet have now become possessed by monsters.

Favorite pre-race food:

Coffee with a peanut butter covered bagel

Chocolate or salted chips?

Salted chips, preferably nachos with salsa!

Triathlon goals for 2010:

Get in great shape and race the REV 3 Series!

Advice you would give to a new triathlete:

Get involved!  Training with partners keeps you motivated, can provide a ton of insight and can make everything more fun!

Thoughts on the sport

In my opinion, triathlon offers a little something for everyone!  Triathlon is a way of life.  It seems to bring so many people together through the love of the sport and the spirit and endless energy that most triathletes have!

What’s in store for the future

For 2010, I am stoked to participate in the REV3 series which will include my first full!  While I am sure 2010 will also include a couple mountain bike races and marathons, I am excited to focus on the REV3 series and my goal is to be in the best shape that I can be!

Final words

I am thankful for this active lifestyle that I have chosen, all the wonderful friends I have made in the process, the beautiful scenery I get to see through it, how much better I feel and the way it has fulfilled my life.  It is my goal to help share this passion with others in the hopes that they too can experience these wonderful things!