Who are you? /Age/Occupation:

Tink R Cleland / 48 / Homemaker and Mom

Favorite Quote:

Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You are the only one who can do it permanently.
- Zig Ziglar

Favorite Athlete:

My brother-in-law, Alex Suchey

Favorite Healthy Food:

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Favorite indulgent Food:

Starbucks Classic Coffee Cake with an Ice Tea

Pet Peeves?

The way thin people treat overweight people.
Especially athletes!

Top five IPOD selections?

1- Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson (It really is
the story of my life!)
2- Don't Stop Me Now, Queen
3- Shine, Newsboys
4- Indescribable, Chris Tomlin
5- (2AM) Breath, Anna Nalick

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

Four Total.
I've completed 3 Sprint Triathlons: Iron Girl, Las Vegas x2 and Danskin at Disneyland x1. Plus one Super Sprint: Subaru at San Diego

What inspires you to do triathlons?

Wow. How do I put this in just a few words?

Eight years ago I was in a roll-over accident. I suffered brain damage, a broken skull, neck, nerve damage, double vision, etc... I should have died or been a quadriplegic. After learning how to walk again and other basics, I decided to become as healthy as possible. I lost 170 pounds, and started running. I ran several races including marathons. However, the chronic neck pain I suffer caused me to start looking at multi-sports. That turned to Triathlons. I found TriDivas and found I loved Tri's. From the first finish, I knew I'd found my new sport! (And made some forever friends along the way)

Who inspires you?

My husband Joe. He is ALWAYS there for me.

What is your biggest challenge/fear?

I have a couple:
1-Give me an ocean with things swimming this way and that any day but I hate lakes!
2- I'm slow at all 3 events, but, swimming is my slowest. SLOWEST. of the three! That really bothers me.
3- My neck fractures. They fused the 2 crumbled vertebras together and put a plate in the front and back of my neck. This causes definite disability in all 3 events of this sport. My vision prohibits me from seeing at certain head positions, and my neck doesn't bend enough to allow me to see potential season (or life) ending occasions!

Any advice for future TriDivas?

You CAN do this! Our coaches are UNSURPASSABLE and the camaraderie is phenomenal!

What do you enjoy most about training with the TriDivas?

I look forward to Sunday's and Tuesday's every week! I have friends who are there for me. We all look out for one another.

What are your future goals?

I DESPERATELY want to do an Olympic distance Triathlon.

Tell us one dirty little secret about yourself.

I love wine tasting!