I am a 20-something graduate student studying biomedical engineering in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I have been a runner for as long as I can remember, and am a proud, self-proclaimed endurance junkie.

I ran cross-country and track as an undergrad, and got “suckered” into skiing for the Huskies during my senior year [and loved it, by the way]. After I graduated from Tech,  I made my way to the Big Sky and scored a master’s in health and human development. My master’s thesis was on the influence of downhill running on asymmetry and tibial impact shock. I discovered my love for the long stuff while in Montana, and ran a few longer trail races [the Old Gabe and the Bridger Ridge Run]. I raced my first marathon in California, and was hooked. Since then, I’ve competed in four open marathons [and qualified for Boston in each] and one Ironman triathlon [that counts on the marathon list, yeah?]. It’s my goal to run 50 marathons, one in every state, before my 50th birthday. I hope to BQ at all of them, too!  I started racing triathlon in 2009, and I’m hooked. I may have missed the boat on the “beginner triathlete” stages, because my first race was a half iron distance tri. I love to talk and live the tri-life. I’m excited to be able to race as much as I do and still accomplish my goals in academia. Luckily, I have a very supportive family, advisor, and group of friends.

So, come follow me on my adventures in academia and outdoors, one mile at a time.

Who/what shares your home with you:

Boyfriend and training partner extraordinare, Adam, and crazy Siamese/clumsy barn cat, Absaroka (Abbie for short)

Years in triathlon:

Our one year anniversary is in June, 2010!

Where do you stand on coffee:

I like my coffee black, just like my metal. [taken from a song by Mindless Self Indulgence]

Favorite race:

The Bridger Ridge Run was probably the most beautiful race I’ve ever done, and the longest time at which I’ve had my heart rate above 180bpm.

What’s one trait that you hate about yourself:

I have a REALLY hard time saying no to people- [eg. 'Want to sign up for a long course, even though you've never raced a triathlon before?']

Favorite pre-race food:

Peanut Butter Panda Puffs!

Chocolate or salted chips?

Salted chips, extra salty.

Triathlon goals for 2010:

Shoot for the moon, and even if I miss, I’ll be that much more motivated to chick some dudes in my next race!

Advice you would give to a new triathlete:

Recover right. Train smart. Remember that every day isn’t a race. And most importantly: Listen to your body, and to good music.