Why do you want to race for Team Eleonore Rocks?

My goal is to do 50 triathlons in 50 states by the time that I am 50 years old.  I will be competing throughout the United States and will be able to spread the word about Eleonore Rocks in every state!  I would love to be part of a team that has a common goal: to raise money and awareness for sick children and their families by donating rocking chairs.

Why should we choose you?

I truly believe in what Eleonore Rocks stands for.  As soon as Nick posted that they were looking for athletes to be part of the 2012 team, I was eager to learn more about this.  I think that it is very important to give back and help someone else out if you are in the position to.  Many of my friends have had children lately and some have had to stay in the hospital due to low birth weight or medical problems.  

What philanthropic endeavors are you involve in?

The past two years I have been a part of MS: Pedal to the Point.  This is a 150 mile bike ride that helps raise money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  Also, this past Thanksgiving, my twin sister and I donated 13 inches of hair each to Pantene Beautiful lengths, which helps makes wigs for women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.  We will be donating our hair every year and a half.

What is your background (school, hometown, current town, major, etc.)?

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas!  This will always be home for me! I went to Grove City College in Pennsylvania where I was on the Swimming and Water Polo teams.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Communications.  After college, I went to Salem International in West Virginia, where I received Masters of Education Degree in Coaching and Exercise Science with a specialization in Aquatics and was also the assistant Swimming and Water Polo coach for this university.  I currently live in Columbus, Ohio.

How did you get involved in triathlon?

I have always been focused on athletics; after college, I wanted to continue with my commitment and focus on athletics, so I started running half and full marathons.   When I moved to Columbus, OH in 2008 , one of my friends was competing in Ironman Louisville. I went down to Kentucky and watched his race.  As soon as he finished, I said in two years I would be doing a full distance triathlon and did just that in 2010 at Rev3 at Cedar Point.  I have been hooked every since! J

What is your favorite of the 3 sports in triathlon? Why?

Without a doubt….Swimming! I started swimming without floaties when I was two years old, and swam on a team from the time I was 4 years old through college. I am also a three time All- American Water Polo player.  I just wish the swim leg of a triathlon was longer and the bike leg was shorter! J

What inspires you?

People inspire me!  Hearing about someone’s goal and seeing them accomplish a goal is very inspiring to me.  When you see someone cross the finish line and the smile and joy that they have on their face is incredible!  No matter what shape, size or athletic background you come from, you can accomplish anything that you set out for! Everyone has challenges, whether visible or not, I have respect for everyone!

Do you have a significant other? Children?

I have a wonderful boyfriend of 3.5 years named Ryan.  Although he does not understand how and why I would want to put in the long hours of training for races and why I go on 3-6 hour training rides/long runs, he is very supportive of me doing triathlons and Ironman races.  He is a body builder, so while he is lifting weights, I am doing cardio.  I do not have any children, but I do have a nephew who is absolutely adorable!

What is your big boy/girl job?

My big girl job is an Assistant Property Manager for Associated Estates.  I am also a Swim Coach for Buckeye Swimming (an age group swim team) which I do a couple of nights a week.  I love to coach and it helps pay for my triathlon fees.  Recently I was able to go with one of my swimmers to the Paralympics in California where he is working on qualifying for the London 2012 games.

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

My main goal is to raise at least $2,000 for Eleonore Rocks this year.  I also would love to go under 13 hours at Ironman Texas in May.   Since this is in my hometown of Houston, TX, my entire family will be there to cheer me on! I am very excited for this race!  I also want to go under 5:30:00 at Ironman 70.3 Muncie in July.

What is your favorite training spot?

I don’t have a favorite training spot, but I do have a favorite time of year to train.  My favorite time of year is the middle of summer.  I love the summer heat and there is nothing better than a great workout and being drenched afterwards. J