1. Who are you?/Age/Occupation: 

I am a 42 – soon to be 43 – year old mother of Emily (7) and Mia (5 months), and wife to Marsh, who completed his first ironman under Kelly’s coaching.  Also, I am an environmental engineer who enjoys (most of the time) the balancing act of family life and independent consulting. 

3. Favorite Quote: 

I’d like to say that this is my favorite quote:   “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”  (Gandhi).  But really the following is more my speed:  “Marge: Homer, the plant called. They said if you don't show up tomorrow don't bother showing up on Monday.  Homer: Woo-hoo. Four-day weekend.”

4. Favorite Sport: 

Ultimate Frisbee (because my total lack of athletic ability still allowed for a good time).  Hopefully my triathlon training will get me back out on the field some day.  Of course, Tri is great too.  I mean, how cool is it that you can start this sport an ANY age and in ANY shape, and accomplish amazing things!!!  (like finishing, which is always my goal…that and reducing my transition times, since I can actually do something about that).

5. Favorite Healthy Food: 

yogurt with almost any golean cereal with fresh strawberries

Favorite indulgent Food: 

starbucks mud pie ice cream

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

First tri was with Kelly and the divas a couple years ago.  Long Beach I think.  Since then we have tried Redondo Beach, Newport Beach, Long Beach again, and the San Diego all women tri.

7. What inspires you to do triathlons? 

Triathlon provides a great excuse to work-out.  Maybe I should use the word “purpose”.  It’s always much more fun meeting friends for bay swims and bike rides than going to the gym.  For me, running is never fun, even with friends, though that does help a lot.

8. WHO inspires you? 

Knowing what it takes to finish a tri, I am always inspired at each race.  I remember one diva who did her first tri for her 60th birthday…amazing!

9. What is your biggest challenge/fear? 

Swim starts are always good for an adrenaline rush.  If that is not enough, wiping out on the bike is always a good thing to worry about too.

10. Any advice for future TriDivas? 

Go for it and join – all the ladies are very nice, extremely interesting and way cool.   And you will learn cool tips like:  “Don’t put your chocolate gel packet in the butt pocket of your cycling shirt/shorts and then sit down to put on your shoes.  (You do the math).

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

Of course, the peer pre ssure of showing up to work out helps, but really it’s the support and excitement at the races.  Also, the “formula” works.  If I can do, and thoroughly enjoy, such an athletic endeavor…ANYONE can.  Just ask any of my pre-triathlon friends, who usually say: “you did what?” when hearing about another completed tri.

12. What are your future goals? 

I am still trying to cope with the trauma of child birth (something tweaked in my back ever since Mia’s birthday), but the pressure of Newport Beach on 4/22 is pushing me back on the bike, out on the running path (though only walking still) and eventually, if I can zip up the wet suit, out to the bay.  Long term goals include the completion of an Olympic distance tri…and continuing in the sport long enough (hopefully beyond my own 60th birthday) to do triathlons with my girls.