Who are you?/Age/Occupation:Denise Bardsley Favorite Quote:“Do not go where the path leads, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Favorite Athlete:Sister Madonna Buder, a nun, 77 years old, over 300 triathlons, including 34 full Ironmans and 37 marathons. She didn’t even start running until she was 50 and didn’t start triathlons until she was 52. How is that possible? She’s my favorite athlete because she’s the person I’d most like to interview – I have so many questions I’d like to ask her about her journey. My second favorite athlete is the speed skater Apollo Anton Ono because I love the strategy of speed skating, and it doesn’t hurt that he is so cute. Favorite Healthy Food:Mangos, hands down – fresh mangos, mango salsa, mango chicken, mango ice cream . . . . Favorite indulgent Food:Cream puffs – the mini ones because you can eat more! Chocolate on the top is a bonus. Pet Peeves?I hate it when I’m driving through a parking lot and people walk in front of the car and don’t even look, especially when they have children with them. It’s not that I don’t want to stop, but . . . . . Top five IPOD selections?Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash (loved the movie) Are you training for your first triathlon? If not, which ones have you done?I’ve done four triathlons – Camp Pendleton Sprint, Pacific Coast, Mission Bay and Subaru Women’s, and two relays. What inspires you to do triathlons?I wanted to do a sprint, but when I watched my husband do the California 70.3 last year, I knew I was going to do that race. At the time I couldn’t swim across the pool or bike very well, but it was so incredible seeing the men and women, especially the women, of all ages, shapes and abilities push themselves for over seven hours. It made a big impression on me. Who inspires you?My husband, Blane. He is a true man of integrity. You will never catch him trying to impress anyone or act like something he isn’t. What you see is what you get with him, and he is someone you can always count on. He helps me be the best I can. What is your biggest challenge/fear?My biggest fear is riding my bike fast and falling off. I don’t let it paralyze me, but it does pop into my mind occasionally. Any advice for future TriDivas?Be consistent with your training and trust Martha. You won’t believe you will be able to swim the distance, or bike or run, but she will get you where you need to be because she knows what she’s doing and she cares. What do you enjoy most about training with the TriDivas?The wonderful women is what I enjoy most, seeing all of us grow, not just athletically, but as strong, confident women. I think you form special bonds when you grow together. What are your future goals?I’ve signed up to do the California 70.3 in March of 2008. Now I have to figure out how to get prepared. I have a lot of work to do. Tell us one dirty little secret about yourself.I’m a little obsessed – okay, a lot obsessed with my times, and if you are in my age group, I know your times too. I’ve been known to spend a little time on athlinks.com checking out my competition. Luckily, in my age group there aren’t too many women. The weird thing is I’m not even close to a podium spot, but I just like to know I can beat a couple people – it helps me push myself.
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