As a six year old girl growing up in a suburb of the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area, one summer I discovered my passion for swimming! I signed up for the team, stayed after practice as much as I could, and started winning almost every race I entered.

As I grew older and started swimming two times a day all year round, that passion and excitement got lost. Therefore, when I went to college I took a break from the sport.  Somewhere in my third year of college I realized that I really missed competing, so I decided to train for a triathlon.

I got a clunky red road bike, and started running and riding through the hills of Blacksburg, Virginia (I went to VA Tech). I think my first race was the Columbia Triathlon - I WAS HOOKED. What an amazing group of people doing the race, from kids in their late teens, to men and women over 60. I was struck by how supportive and friendly all the athletes and volunteers were toward each other, and each one SO different.

I frequently was in the top 5 in my age group, but I never thought I would be any good at the bike or the run. After I moved to Texas, met my husband Jude, and fulfilled my lifelong dream of getting married and having kids, I had this feeling there was something more I needed to do with my life. Somewhere in the back of my mind I thought there was so much more I could do in the sport of triathlon, so in  February of 2004, at the age of 34,  I decided begin the journey of being the VERY BEST I can be!

I began by completely changing my eating!  Most of the starchy, sugary, unnatural carbohydrates I had previously lived for were no longer part of my diet.  I REALLY struggle with my eating, even today, so that was a big deal - and very tough. It paid off though, and I lost about 20 pounds! 

I also got a lot of encouragement and advice from my friends at Austin Tri-Cyclist.  In April of 2005 I attended a triathlon clinic there called the Science of Speed.  It was there I met former world champion triathlete and coach, Siri Lindley.  After talking with her briefly I knew right away I wanted to work with her.  I have been honored to have her as my coach ever since. Now I had a chance to really get fast if I worked hard enough. Over the last two years I have kept the weight off, worked very hard, and have ended up winning 5 triathlons! Every day I have to choose training over excuses, good food over junk, and keep a positive attitude - even when I don't want to! Thanks for letting me share this wonderful journey with you.