1 Who are you?

Charla Avery, 31, Spanish Teacher

2 Favorite Athlete:

The Hoyt father and son are an incredible team and have overcome obstacles unimaginable to most humans. Together they have completed 911 events (including marathons, Ironmans, duathlons) w/ the son being physically challenged. Their story is touching!

3 Favorite Quote:

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

4 Favorite Sport:

Does salsa dancing count as a sport? Triathlons are my new fave, of course; football and basketball to watch in person (I’m not much of a TV sport watcher).

5 Favorite Food:

Anything Mexican, Italian, or Greek.

6 First Triathlon? If not, which ones have you done?

My first triathlon was the Danskin Sprint in June 2006 and second was the Santa Barbara SuperSprint in August 2006.

7 What inspires you to do triathlons?

My friend and fellow Diva, Cora, was my inspiration to start training for a triathlon. I never would have even contemplated doing a triathlon if it wasn’t for her persistent nagging (HaHa). In fact, if you told me a year ago that I was going to do a triathlon, I probably would have fallen out of my seat laughing. The day I started training with her was also the day I quit smoking. Triathlon training has kept me from smoking for over six months now! YAY!

8 WHO inspires you?

Cora, Coach Kelly (two UltraMans, what?), the Divas, and my sister Jeanene – whose done two marathons after having two babies and is now training for a triathlon.

9 What is your biggest challenge/fear?

My biggest fear is swimming in the open water. I was so thrilled after the Santa Barbara race because I felt I had overcome a major fear in the swim leg. Running is still a challenge for me.

10 Any advice for future TriDivas?

Just go for it! Stop thinking you can’t do it, and just do it! Follow the schedule…it’s logical and it works! Showing up is half the battle.

11 What do you enjoy most about training with the TriDivas?

The women are amazing and super supportive (did I mention funny too?)! It keeps me accountable and out of trouble (most of the time anyways).

12 What are your future goals?

I’d like to do a half marathon in February and complete the same races next year but hopefully speed up my race time. Maybe even an Olympic distance next summer.