How old are you?
44
Where do you live?
Naples, FL
What do you do?
SAHM (former teacher for 15 years)
Strava
What is your history with sports and athletics?
Childhood athlete….I did everything I could – soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, etc. but I quit it all to swim year-round when I was 13. Swimming was my everything in high school- I made states All four years and my relay team won states and broke the state record in PA. Went on to swim at a smaller D1 school for college. Quit swimming junior year after total burnout. My hugest regret…as I was mentally unprepared for life outside of swimming.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I love so many things…I love to challenge my body physically and mentally. I love the hard work, sweat, and endorphins. I love the camaraderie of my friends and teammates. I love having goals. I love what the journey toward a goal brings and even the daily grind.
Have you experienced any obstacles or challenges?
I would say two big ones for me were as follows….when I quit swimming in college I suffered mentally immensely. I struggled to figure out who I was outside of swimming. Swimming kept me disciplined and motivated. When I stopped I was anxious and depressed. I didn’t know what to do with time, where to seek an outlet etc. it was several years of this. Then, I discovered running!
More recently I was T-boned by a car while cycling (September of 2020). While it was my first accident on the bike, it was the first one that was out of my control and caused severe PTSD on the bike. Physically my injuries healed much faster than my mental injury. I had always prided myself on being fearless (or as my teammates say “tough as nails”) but suddenly I was having a panic on the bike. It was delayed panic. I made it through my race less than 8 weeks after the accident and qualified for World Championship 70.3. I think just kinda bummed myself. But after that I had a full year of just hating the bike, panicking, etc. I would have full panic attacks- which is not a safe way to ride. I worked with a sports psychologist to pray for Worlds. And while worlds were the slowest most pathetic of my cycling (never mind the elevation we had to climb that I could not train for in Florida- I was freaked out about that!!! And never mind the insane wind, hail, and lightning storm that happened while on the bike!!!!). It was such a proud moment to finish that race!
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
Mostly, this participation keeps me mentally healthy…..I took up triathlon after my third child was born (a few years after) and it gave me a purpose and a goal when I was feeling I needed something outside of my kids. It keeps me mentally on track and makes me a better mom, wife, and friend.
What is your “why?”
What drives me is feeling like we only get one chance to do things we love…what also drives me is. Sign a role model for my girls. They are all athletes and I think showing them hard work, facing challenges, and having fun with sports, has been great for them. They are very proud. They also have completed triathlons. My 12 year old recently did a full USA tri as the youngest competitor. It’s been fun to see them love their own sports (swim, track, soccer, etc). The daily endorphins also keep me going!
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I hate equipment. This is funny since this sport requires so much of it.
I have been a huge fan of HOKA shoes for years, but more recently started trying out the Saucony endorphin line.
I love my Roka wetsuits. I have fun with my paddles and fins while swimming.
My bike is a Trek speed concept- courtesy of being hit by a car and totaling my old bike.
Do you have a favorite race or venue?
My favorite race has been Augusta 70.3. It was my first half Ironman and a couple of years later my fastest.
My most unforgettable race was World Championships in St. George Utah. So challenging, so fun having my entire family there.
What’s next?
Good question. I am enjoying doing what I want right now- which means a lot of running – and lifting. I am doing a few run races before I figure out my 2022 season. I don’t mind changing it up here and there to prevent total burnout from triathlon. I love running and love being in the weight room….until I get antsy for another goal!
Any fun facts about yourself?
I am a mom of three awesome girls!
I have lived in a lot of fun cities (Boston, Paris, DC!) before settling in Florida.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t be intimidated. Start slow and don’t worry about anyone else but whatever you set out to do. I started to run races not even knowing about times. When I started triathlon I had the worst gear and was all heart. It worked for me. Celebrate small victories and goals.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
It’s never too late to start something new!!!!! You don’t have to be competitive to be an athlete.