Tell me about your triathlon history & how you got started in the sport...
I began my tri career with a duathlon in Prospect Park when I was 19 years old, so that was 6 years ago, I raced it, loved it and the prospect of finishing/racing triathlon was the next natural thing to do and so I did.  This is my third season racing IM distance, and racing ‘seriously’, but as always in life, triathlon was a progression, it began small and got a lot bigger, racing every weekend, putting in a lot of miles in training, traveling to race and having a great time and lots of adventures in the process, ones I would not trade for the world.

Looking ahead, what athletic goals have you set for yourself in 2008 ...
I hope the 2008 season is wonderful, fun, injury free, without any hospital admissions, and fast. I will look to take top 3 at 50k nationals again, go sub 3:12 at the Boston Marathon, qualify for the 70.3 world championships, be up on the podium at IM France, go sub 12:30 at IM Lake Placid and even faster at IM Arizona, defend the titles I have won in 2007 and have a great time doing it! I think with the support of my team, family, friends and staying healthy, the 2008 season will ROCK!

What is your favorite thing about competing in triathlons?
My favorite thing about competing in triathlon… oh, I don’t think I have just one… the feeling of excitement and nervousness pulling into transition at an ungodly early hour in the morning before race start, the change every time you are out there to challenge yourself and prove yourself again, crossing the finish line, being up on the podium, getting back into the car/home with a great feeling of accomplishment

What gets you motivated for a big race, or hard training session?
The motivation to train/ race comes from somewhere deep inside, it’s the knowledge that there is a potential inside that needs to be let out and proven, the knowledge that due to circumstance, will, determination, love for the sport I can do something most people can’t even imagine and that’s an awesome feeling, it pushes me, it makes me want to be better and faster and stronger and to set the bar and beat that bar, just because I can and I love it. 

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
Favorite meal pre-race would be a banana, coffee, usually some Hammer gel, I’m not a big consumer of food pre race, my stomach handles things much better on half empty.  Post-race or a good training day I love a big cup of coffee, a muffin or some sort of small treat and for an actual meal, chicken with mushrooms is always great.  Of course, after IM, just about anything solid is great!

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
What else do I do besides the constant training and racing?  I love music, can’t play anything to save my life but listening to it, rock concerts, training with it, music just makes things happier and prevents boredom.  I love the cultural stuff in the city, a new museum exhibition, an opera, a broadway show.  A great book and a cup of coffee are wonderful, especially after a long day.  Indoor rock climbing and kayaking are always way fun.  I love a good drive with a great CD blasting and of course, great company, people that can make me smile.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other triathletes?
My best advise for other triathletes is go out there and have fun, enjoy it, love it and be proud to be a part of the awesome trithlete community and the will to be out there, that little thing makes us all united and special and makes life so much more exciting.  Other advice, if you are allowed to wear a wetsuit, DO, speed laces, your own nutrition in the long distance raced.