Tell me about your triathlon history & how you got started in the sport...
I went to college to play baseball and quickly found myself on the track and field team pole vaulting, go figure. Long story short I was sick of just running so I purchased my first road bike during my senior year and one thing led to the next. Before long I was entered in my first duathlon and not long after that my first triathlon, I could barely swim. I immediately fell in love with the sport. This will be my 4th year in triathlon and each year my passion has grown as have the distances I have covered. I have raced sprint triathlon distance - Ironman distance in addition to various running events, including about 4 marathons to date.

Looking ahead, what athletic goals have you set for yourself in 2008 ...
This year my focus will shift a bit, after 2 Ironman's last year and a personal best of 9:21 at IMFL I will concentrate on 1/2 IM distance this year, with a variety of sprints and olympics included in the training and racing schedule. Key races will be the 70.3 Rhode Island and 70.3 Timberman, I will be gunning for a spot at clearwater in the 25-29 age group. In the past the 1/2 Ironman distance has always been an opportunity for me to get in a long training day in preperation for an IM, this year I would like to focus on bringing down my times, particularly on the bike and run. I will focus on much more speed work this year in an attemp to get faster. Early season I would like to race around 4:30 and later in the season I would like to break 4:15 (I know, I like stretch goals)!

What is your favorite thing about competing in triathlons?
The race environment and the wonderful people you meet. This was one of the number one thing that grabbed my attention at my first race. The athletes, volunteers and race environment couldn't be a better scene (at most races anyway).

What gets you motivated for a big race, or hard training session?
The anticipation of racing, I love it. I know I'm not a strong swimmer, so coming out of the water and picking people off on the bike really fires me up. For training sessions I get really pumped up for hill workouts as I'm from VT and love riding/running hills.

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
I live off of PB&J sandwhiches while training, however before a big race I love a big pasta meal with chicken and TONS of bread! I love a glass of chocolate milk after any training session or race however I will typically eat anything I can get my hands on!

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
All of my hobbies are tailored around the great outdoors. I love to hike, kayak, camp, golf, etc. If it involves a body in motion chances are I will enjoy it.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other triathletes?
Always make sure you are having fun! Whether you are training or racing, if it stops being fun take a time out and figure out why. Also, always listen to your body, this is the best way to prevent an injury.