Tell me about your triathlon history and how you got started in the sport:
The night of August 15th 2005, I was surfing the web looking for a pickup softball game in my area when I came across an intruiging ad that said "Overweight,couch potato? Want to become an Ironman? We'll train you" I weighed 237 lbs at the time,had just quit a 17 year pack a day cigarette addiction. That ad resonated so deeply within me. It was if someone hit a switch inside me and said "This is what you have been looking for your entire life." I poured my heart out in response to that ad, got called back for an interview,ultimately selected along with Michael Nelson. It was the start of an unbelievable journey for myself,Mike and Christophe that didn't just end when we crossed that finish line in IMFL 2006.

Looking ahead,what athletic goals have you set for yourself in 2008:
I'd like to sucessfully complete Ironman Lake Placid. Continue to balance work, training, marriage and raising my two wonderful daughters. To smile when the going gets tough. And maybe,just maybe get a little faster :)

What is your favorite thing about competing in triathlons:
I always have such a profound sense of gratitude for the incredible gift I've been given. The friends I've made along the way. When Christophe selected me for the Overweight Challenge 2 years ago, it was like he handed me a jumbo box of crayola crayons when I had just had the box of 8 before. I have such color and excitement in my life these days.

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
I always eat the same breakfast-oatmeal with a bannana and some trail mix. Afterwards, I love a nice high octane cup of coffee! In my opinion,coffee should be made a food group!

What other hobbies do you enjoy:
I love softball. I play in a lower East Side league and I coach and umpire in my daughters' leagues. I read constantly. I'm a Mets fan of the highest order. If I have time to kill, I'm at a Museum learning something.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other triathletes:
Enjoy it. Savor the journey,the people you meet and the places you see. Think positively.Keep a sense of humor about the whole thing. When I was having a pretty yucky race in IMKY , I remember bellowing out to the penalty tent people "Listen, I don't have a penalty but how about I just stop anyway and keep y'all company? " The ensuing laughter lightened a difficult moment. There's a lesson in every race,every training session. Embrace it Don't turn something joyful into work!And most importantly,smile and thank a volunteer.

Regards-Margaret