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 five Ironman so far, and plan to compete in my next IM in 2011 when I compete at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona!. I am currently working on setting my 2011 racing schedule, and may be adding a few more races. In addition, in January, Eric and I took the USAT Youth Certification Clinic in Colorado Springs and are now USAT Youth and Junior Certified Coaches! We look forward to starting a Youth triathlon team in Lexington, KY in early 2011. Check back for details regarding the youth team!

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 and the Markey Race for Women's Cancer Triathlon/Duathlon. 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!

2012 Tentative Race Schedule
Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon, March 31st
Memphis in May Sprint Triathlon - May 19th
Memphis in May Triathlon - May 20th
Ironman 70.3 Muncie - July 7th
Ironman Florida - November 3rd

USAT Level 2 Certified Triathlon Coach
USAT Youth and Junior Certified Coach
USAT Certified Race Director
Newton Natural Running™ Certified Coach
NSCA - Certified Personal Trainer
MS In Health Promotion
TRX Suspension Training Course and Group Training Course

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

2011
Ironman World Championships: 10:43:24
Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead 4th place AG
Ironman 70.3 Muncie: 3rd Place AG
Southern Indiana Olympic Triathlon, 1st Place Overall
Memphis in May Amateur Challenge, 3rd Place
Memphis in May Sprint Triathlon: 1st place AG
Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon: 1:28:59 (PR)

2010
Ironman Florida 2010
1st Place Age Group, 10:14

Ironman Kansas 70.3
5th Place Age Group

Heart and Sole Triathlon
1st Place Overall

Lame Duck Triathlon
2nd Place Overall

Flying Pig Half Marathon
1:32:55

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

2005
Memphis in May Triathlon
1st place Athena

Ironman Florida
11:33:03 - First time doing Ironman Florida