How I Got Started in the Sport: Ironically, I started training for triathlons when I was still playing soccer at the University of Kentucky. I was a keeper, and I started to get really bored standing in goal six hours a day, watching everyone else running around on the field. At that time I was working at the pool at UK and met a very interesting guy, Eric (who is now my husband). He told me that he competed in triathlons, and that I should start training too! At that point I had really no idea what a triathlon was, but he looked like he was in great shape, and he seemed to be really happy, so I said what the heck!!!

During the early part of 2000, I started swimming again. I had been a swimmer all my life, but had not been in the pool in over three years. I also started running and biking a little. I continued to train a little bit throughout my soccer season and decided to sign-up for my first triathlon in June of 2001. However, the night before the race I woke up in the middle of the night, dizzy, nauseous and very upset. I knew that I was not going to be able to race the next morning. I was so disappointed that I had to put my first race on hold.

Then in 2002 I had this crazy idea to sign-up for Ironman Wisconsin. Let me remind you that at this point I still had not competed in any triathlon. I ended up competing in my first triathlon, a sprint distance race in June 2002. I then went on to compete in Ironman Wisconsin in September of 2002, and have been addicted to the sport ever since!

I still enjoy competing in Sprint and Olympic distance races, but my real passion is Ironman and Ironman 70.3. I have competed in four Ironman so far, and plan to compete in my next IM in 2010 or 2011. I will be competing in several events during the 2010 season, including Ironman Florida, Memphis in May, Kansas 70.3 Heart and Sole, just to name a few!

I have been coaching/working with triathletes and endurance athletes for over 5 years. I currently work with athletes of all levels, including true beginners to professional triathletes racing in ITU style racing. I received my USAT level 2 Certification, and also had the opportunity to complete an Elite Mentor Program with the Elite Coaches at USA Triathlon. I feel that I have a vast knowledge base in developing annual training programs for athletes and feel that I can prepare an athlete for all distances, from a sprint triathlon to an Ironman Triathlon. I have a solid foundation in nutritional strategies in endurance sports and can help athletes implement a solid nutrition plan. I have also been a race director since 2003, and I am the Race Director for the Tri for Sight Triathlon in Lexington, KY, as well as for Ironman Louisville. I love this sport not only because of all the great friends I have met, but also because I am able to help so many others get involved in triathlons! This sport makes me smile!

USAT Level 2 Certified Triathlon Coach
USAT Certified Race Director
NSCA - Certified Personal Trainer
MS In Health Promotion
Experience in coaching athletics of all levels, from beginners to elites
Experience in coaching athletes competing in ITU style racing

Masters of Business Administration
University of Kentucky
Program: MBA with an emphasis in marketing
May 2005

MS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion
University of Kentucky
Program: Health Promotion
May, 2004

BA in Education
University of Kentucky
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Business
December, 2001

2009
Augusta 70.3
3rd pace age group

USAT Age Group National Championships
4th pace age group and qualified for Age Group World Championships in 2010

Lame Duck Triathlon
1st place overall female

Memphis in May Olympic Triathlon
Fastest Olympic Distance Race So Far

Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon
1:33:42

Heart and Sole Sprint Triathlon
Overall Female Winner

2008
Columbus Marathon
3:34:29

Toyota Challenge Olympic Distance
2nd Place Overall Female

Whirlpool Steelhead IM 70.3
Finisher

Heart and Sole Sprint Triathlon Overall Female Winner

2007
Ironman Wisconsin
11:52:47 – My best finish at Ironman Wisconsin

2005
Memphis in May Triathlon
1st place Athena

Ironman Florida
11:33:03 - My best finish yet at Ironman!

2004
Memphis in May Triathlon
1st place Athena

Ironman Wisconsin
12:18:29

2003
Memphis in May Triathlon
1st place Athena

Pigman Triathlon
first half iron-distance race

Shelbyville Sprint Triathlon
1st place overall women

2002
Ironman Wisconsin
second triathlon I competed in and first Ironman race