I have always enjoyed a very active lifestyle. I was an equestrian athlete for many years, competing in show jumping, and 3 day eventing. I eventually became an exercise rider at Longacres and Emerald Downs. My job was to ride 10 to 15 horses every morning, conditioning them to run in races. I did this for over 15 years. It was a thrilling way to make a living, but it was a very high risk occupation.
I decided to make a career change in 2001, and became a personal trainer at a local gym. I met a lot of very active people. Runners, triathletes, and fitness buffs. Some of those people have become my very good friends, and team mates. I have always been a runner. I used to run to stay fit for the demands of riding race horses, but only shorter distances of 3 to 5 miles. My new friends got me interested in training for, and running ½ and full marathons. I also started doing a lot of cycling, and loved it! After completing the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride in 2001, and my first ½ marathon in 2002, I wanted to do more and more. I loved the challenge of being an endurance athlete. The following year, with the encouragement of my friends, and local triathlon legend Dr. Franc Cokan, I signed up for, and completed my first sprint triathlon. My life was forever changed when I crossed that finish line. I had a blast, and loved it! Triathlon has been a big part of my life ever since that day.
I have now competed in every triathlon distance. I had a very good season in 2009, with age group wins in every triathlon I competed in. I am a 7 time Ironman finisher, with the most recent being the Ironman World Championships in Kona, 2009. It was an amazing experience, and my goal is to qualify, and race there again.
I also enjoy running marathons, 50ks, and trail running. I strive to become a better athlete. The good news is that I am constantly learning new things, and there is always room for improvement!
I really enjoy sharing the knowledge I have acquired with anyone interested in getting into this sport that I love so much. I get just as much satisfactions helping others achieve their goals, as much as I do my own.
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