1. Who are you?/Age/Occupation

Valerie Dykes     yikes! 47 (shhhh!)      8th grade History and English Teacher!  Best job in the world!

2. Favorite Athlete:

Anyone who follows their heart, no matter what is expected or normal and ends up changing the future!  For example, the first woman that ran the Boston Marathon in the 1960's while race officials were trying to push her off the course because they did not think women could/should run that length of a race. She wasn't a professional athlete, just someone who believed in herself and decided to change the world, one race at a time!

3. Favorite Quote:

Each one, teach one

4. Favorite Sport:

Running is my love, my zen! It is what gives me balance in my life.  And I love to watch baseball and football.

5. Favorite Healthy Food:

My two favorite meals that I eat every day: cottage cheese and tomatoes; plain yogurt with blueberries and granola...yum!

Favorite indulgent Food:

chocolate chocolate chocolate chocolate..did I mention chocolate!  I'm convinced it's what makes me run fast so I have to eat it!

6. Are you training for your first triathlon? If not, which ones have you done?

Last season was my first triathlon season and I completed three sprints.  Each one was very different and each one was a blast!  Okay, maybe the San Diego triathlon wasn't a blast, but I'm glad I competed in it.

7. What inspires you to do triathlons?

Learning something new is very empowering.  I learned to swim laps just about one year ago and while it is my weakest aspect of triathlons, every time I finish the swim, I feel so powerful!

8. WHO inspires you?

My fellow tridivas.  It is inspiring to see others who struggle with certain aspects of the competition face their fears directly, courageously, positively. The power of support from my fellow tridivas is immeasurable!  

9. What is your biggest challenge/fear?

My greatest fear is diving into that big blue ocean!  You never know what lurks below!

10. Any advice for future TriDivas?

Just buck up, buy the gear and then have fun! Although the training is about the races, remember that it's not just about the races; it's about feeling good each time you work out.  Enjoy the journey!

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

I have been a runner since I can remember and I have always run alone; I relied on the solitude of running.  But now that I work out with a group, my solo work outs feel so lonely!  I cannot believe how much more fun it is to work out in a group.  Every time I work out with the divas, I work harder but always have a blast!  Besides, it is so much more relaxing to let Kelly worry about the details of the work outs and to let Kelly worry about being prepared for an event!  I so appreciate you, Kelly!

12. What are your future goals?

I have many future goals.  I would love to qualify for the Boston Marathon, run the New York City Marathon as well as other marathons throughout America.  I would also like to believe that a half-ironman is in my future