How old are you?
46
Where do you live?
Mckinney, TX USA
Strava
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I grew up a gymnast from age 4 & did competitive gymnastics until age 15, leaving the sport towards the end of my sophomore year in HS. Then I cheered my last 2 years of HS and continued cheering 4 years in college for the University of North Texas on their Co-Ed squad. I was on the national competition squad for 2 years where we placed 3rd as a 1st-year division 1 school & then 2nd in prelims my last year.
I took up triathlon when I quit my corporate job after having 2 girls & at the age of 40 completed my 1st triathlon. My husband got me into this crazy sport & I fell in love! I have completed 3 full Ironman’s (Louisville, KY, Boulder, CO & Cozumel) plus numerous half Ironman’s.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
It’s a great way to stay in shape, connect me & my husband & be part of a community. Plus I can eat ALLLLLL the food which as you get older is much harder to do 
. 
.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
COVID was a big setback. I didn’t get to race & have found getting my motivation back is harder than I expected. Life got full of other distractions as we enter another phase of life with kids sports but I’m still making time for some training & think my 2022 focus will be 70.3 distances.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
Yes!! After quitting my corporate job it was very hard to find my place. I’ve worked since age 15 & didn’t really know what to do with myself, where did I fit in, who are my people, etc. I am very much a people person & I needed a tribe. I found my friends in triathlon. They are all so welcoming, encouraging & accepting!!
What is your “why?”
Growing up as a gymnast I struggled with eating disorders & body images. I’ve finally found a type of exercise that focuses on “strong & healthy” vs what your body looks like. It’s all about what it can do & loving that it can take you to new levels if you fuel it properly!!
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I’d have to say my wahoo kickr & Roku remote with the headphone jack
. I can get on the bike, get in a great workout while zoning out to some of my fav shows & just have some me time!
Do you have a favorite race or event?
IM Cozumel is hard to beat, the swim was AMAZING, seeing all the fish!! IM Galveston 70.3 is great because it’s a team race for us & racing with teammates is so much fun!!
What’s next?
I think I’m going to give IM Lubbock 70.3 a try next year. My husband & I have done galveston for the past 5 years but my daughter has a cheer competition that weekend so it’s time we make a change!
Any fun facts about yourself?
As much as I’ve competed in life & in racing I don’t think I’m a very competitive person – maybe at least not compared to some of my teammates. I think as I get older I realize I’m just in this all for fun!!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t let fear stop you – EVER!! The body is an amazing thing & can do so much more than you think possible. The people in this sport all have a story, I feel like we all know life is hard & most of them will help you reach any goals you have – “anything is possible”!!!
Love this, Julie! So fun to learn more about you. 🙂