How’d you get started in tri’s and/or running?

I started running because I’m a little stubborn. The doctor told me “I could never run unless I loss a substantial amount of weight.” Last year I ran my first 10K after losing a whole person (130 lbs)… Right afterwards I signed up for my first sprint triathlon (Emmett’s Most Excellent Triathlons) because I figured it was now or never.  Doing a triathlon had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember – I was hooked once I crossed the finish-line last August.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

I have a list of challenges, however; my biggest challenge right now is to make sure I fuel properly for training and racing.  It’s an ongoing learning process on when/what to eat before, during and after training. It’s only been in the last 6 months that I was told by my coach to fuel during training (longer than 60 minutes). I had to learn to eat when riding or running.

What has been the greatest benefit of having a coach?

I absolutely love having a coach! Michelle sets up the training plan and all I need to do is execute the plan. As long as I follow the plan, Michelle will have me ready for my first Olympic distance triathlon and my first marathon. Plus, she is always available to answer my questions, to squash my doubts/concerns, encourage me, or give me a little push in the right direction.

You drive from Mtn Home 3x per week (in the early AM’s) to attend swim workouts!  What’s your biggest source of motivation to do this come rain, shine, snow, sleet…

My motivation comes from within me – I look at how far I’ve come in the last 2 ½ year and there is no turning back. In order to accomplish my goals I need to be willing to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong it hasn’t been easy, I did think about giving up last September and October. I thought I was in over my head on more than one occasion. I told myself if you want to do a 70.3 Half Ironman then you need to push yourself to be a better and more efficient swimmer and the only way to accomplish that is to attend the swim workouts – regardless of how far I have to drive or how early I need to be up.

Thanks Shelley! 😁