Q: What made you want to start participating in triathlons?
A: I did a few running races and I watched my uncle participate in the 24 Hour Bike Challenge. I was really interested in getting into cycling. I knew some people who did triathlons, and figured that I might as well learn how to swim as well. I had my first swim lesson (from my future husband) and bought my first bike in the same week. I was hooked!
Q: What is your motivation/inspiration for being a triathlete?
A: I love the lifestyle… Simple as that! I love seeing how much I can physically and mentally push myself. I love the challenge of seeing if I can go faster, keep on improving, and learning. The people in this sport are some of the coolest people that I have ever met. I guess I have a hard time answering this question, b/c I have a hard time understanding how someone could NOT be motivated to be a triathlete.
Q: What is your #1 rule when it comes to training?
A: Listen to your body. We can be our own best or worst coach, supporter, and critic. We have to listen and follow what we instinctively know what is best for us… not the necessarily the latest training theories/methods. A program is never written in stone.
strong>Q: What have been some of your favorite races? Why?
A: I really enjoy early/late season races… mainly because it’s cooler outside, and I like cooler weather! I did the Poconos 70.3 last October, and it was beautiful. Hy-vee 5150 Championships and Chicago are really cool races because of the atmosphere and the amazing competition. I really enjoy local races because I feel surrounded by friends…It’s awesome being able to share pre-race nerves and post-race stories with your local triathlete buddies.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your favorite race day or training stories?
A: Oh, there are so many good stories, and memories are made every day! It’s hard to pick just a couple! However, I will never forget my first overall win. It was at the Millennium triathlon in its inaugural year. I worked so hard to get that win… even puking half-way through the run. Then, my husband and I drove 3 ½ hours that afternoon to race the next day in Sylvania, Ohio. We slept in back of our car in the transition area. I had no expectations for that race, and was still excited about my win the day before. And then I won that race! My first two overall wins were in the same weekend! Needless to say, I was flying high for a while after that! With training, there are so many wonderful stories, because I get to train with so many wonderful people. However, just earlier this year, my husband and I were out on what was supposed to be an 1 ½ hour ride. 15 minutes into the ride, I saw two baby squirrels on the side of the road. I thought one was dead before we noticed he was still breathing. Up in a branch that extended over the road were 3 more babies. They were obviously left on their own for quite some time. After a 3rd had fallen out of the tree onto the pavement, my husband climbed up in the tree (in his bike shoes and gear) and got the other 2 squirrels out. We biked home with them in our jerseys and got to care for them one night before I brought them to a wildlife refuge the next day. We obviously didn’t get much training in that day, but you never know what a training day can lead to!
Q: What motivated you to participate in the Grand Rapids Triathlon?
A: First of all, it was in Grand Rapids! It’s at an awesome time of year (early season). I knew the directors were going to do an amazing job and that there was going to be a terrific turn-out. And with it being local, my parents and brother are able to come out and cheer me on. How could I NOT do this race?!
Q: How has being a triathlete changed your life?
A: Being a triathlete has changed my life completely. Everything from the people that I hang out with, to my career, to what I do in my free time, to how much sleep I get at night! I met my husband through triathlon (he taught me how to swim and guided me on how to train). I took my passion for teaching and my physical education degree and expanded it to personal training and coaching. My life is completely different than where I thought I would be 10 years ago… but it’s pretty cool how God tends to work like that. He has blessed me so much with allowing me to participate in something that I have become so passionate about… And it’s even more of a blessing to be able to share this passion with others.
Q: What would you say to encourage others to participate in triathlons?
A: I can’t even begin to describe how fulfilling and rewarding it is to participate in a triathlon. There is always so much to learn, and the training seriously gets even more fun as time goes on. You get to experience accomplishment after EACH workout. You will meet some of the nicest, generous, and fun people. You are able to have fun as you live a healthy lifestyle. Did I mention that it’s FUN?!
Q: Any other information, stories, thoughts, inspirations, tips, goals, etc., you would like to share with us?
A: If I can do this, anyone can! I started racing after I had only 2 swim lessons (couldn’t put my face in the water before that!) and had my first bike for only a couple of months. During that first race, I thought I was going to drown in the water! I spent about half of it on my back trying to breathe! I struggled through the bike, but I looked forward to the run as I figured that would be my strength. At least I had some background with running. However, I never had practiced running off the bike and wasn’t prepared for how “jelly-like” my legs were going to be! I walked about half of that run! But I finished, and I was hooked! So, again, if I can do this, anyone can…and the journey is amazing!
