Age: 24

Home town: San Francisco, CA

Occupation: Medical Device sales

Past history of sports participation: High school athletics

Primary athletic focus currently: Triathlon, Running

Favorite training or racing experiences: I came into the sport of triathlons with very little running background. I actually hated running. Dara helped me get past that and I started to develop a joy for running. With all the run training and drills Coach D had me do, I saw each of my 5k times during all my events drop. That was truly motivating!!

Races/events completed this year: Tri-Miami (sprint), Key Biscayne Trilogy's #1-#3 (sprints), Publix Miami Beach Triathlon, San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island

Favorite race/s: San Francisco Triathlon, Key Biscayne Trilogy's

Personal Records/Best races: 59:48 sprint distance (Key Biscayne Trilogy #1), Publix Miami Beach (4th in AG)

Athletic achievement/s you are most proud of: My first Key Biscayne Trilogy in under an hour, 6min ahead of my goal (59:48). Publix Miami Beach triathlon, 4th in AG

Goals for the coming year/season: Next year will be a big year for me. It is my second season in triathlons and I will be focusing mostly on Olympic distance races with one maybe two 70.3 distance races.

Races you are planning on next season: As of right now: Avia Wildflower (Olympic), Vineman Showdown (sprint), Escape from Alcatraz, Vineman 70.3,

Additional comments/info: Coach D was vital to all the fun and success I had competing this past year. It was my first ever triathlon season and with her training plan I was able to surpass all of my goals. She took me from an inexperienced first time triathlete to a hungry AG competitor. Many training memories and race memories that Dara has instilled in me during this past season will motivate me to do that much better next season. She started as a coach and I consider now a FRIEND!

Favorite training tip: Don't try to make up missed workouts you'll burn yourself out!! Just make sure you get in those KEY workouts and ALWAYS keep tabs with coach on how your workouts went!

Favorite racing tips: No matter how good or how bad you're feeling stick to your PLAN! Not doing so can cause you to burn out too soon or cause you to underestimate yourself! Race the clock and yourself, unless your an ELITE or PRO athlete or a podium finisher don't worry about what everyone else is doing!