Age: 47

Home town: Grand Rapids, MI

Occupation: LiveRoof Sales Specialist

Past history of sports participation: Singles tennis in high school

Primary athletic focus currently: Triathlon training, nutrition, yoga.

Favorite training or racing experiences: My favorite training experiences are when I learn something new. My favorite racing experiences are when I learn something new......AND crossing that finish line.

Races/events completed this year:Bayshore Marathon - marathon, Johan's Trifest - Oly, Muncie Endurathon - 1/2 IM, Ironman Louisville - ironman

Favorite race/s: Reed's Lake events because I placed!!!!!! I also love being in events with my TRI friends, it is great to see them through out the day and hang out with them after.

Personal Records/Best races: I set a goal for the Ann Arbor Triathlon, it was my third time there and I was determined to break 2:00, I trained hard for that one and met my goal! In addition to that would the two Reed's Lake events where I placed! They called my name, I went up to recieve a very cool lucite plaque and they took my picutre....that was awesome! Best races.....My best races/events were the ones that presented the biggest challanges like swimming in the ocean for the first time (drinking salt water and losing control in large swells was not fun), swimming in rain followed by lighting (not one I wish to repeat ever!), biking in a pelting downpour, running in wet socks......I think you get the picture. But, all of those events are the most memorable and I revisit often when I find myself in a new challanging situation - those experiences have made me stronger.

Athletic achievement/s you are most proud of: Learing how to ride a TRI bike, completing a 120 mile solo bike ride as IronMan prep, training for and finishing my first marathon, training for and finishing my first IronMan in Louisville, 2008! Crossing the finish line, no matter what the event or distance is always an achievement.

Racing/training tips: I think it is critical to have a weekly training plan - working with Dara made all my race goals possible by helping me fit in the right work out within my limited schedule. It's a challange to juggle everything that demands your time and still get in "the right" work outs. Dara trained me through all of my 15 Triathlons with my most current being IM Louieville. Thanks Dara for being so great at what you do!

Goals for the coming year/season: PR at IronMan Louisville, 2009. Support my TRI friends in their training and attend as many of their events as possible.

Races you are planning on next season: A sprint, an Oly and a half all in prep from IronMan Louisville, 2009.

Favorite racing and/or training tip: My only racing tip would be to stay focused. Training tips would be to select your A race and stick to the plan that will get you there. Listen to your body, follow your instincts and get to bed early consistantly.