What accomplishment are you most proud of:
Making it to the finish line in Maui during the 2005 world championships. After my fall on the bike in 2006 I have a newfound respect for this course, the mountain, and the athletes that complete this race.
When you’re not racing, you like to:
Ski, go trail running with friends, travel, and work in my garden.
What’s the craziest experience you’ve ever had with XTERRA (traveling, racing or training)?
Securing sponsorship to race on the XTERRA Europe Circuit in 2006, and quitting my job to do it. Brian and I started the year by traveling around the South Pacific and found a way to compete in the New Zealand race with rented and borrowed gear. I then went on to XTERRAS in Denmark, Wales, Germany, and Holland, meeting fantastic people along the way.
What’s the best thing about racing?
Making it to the finish line with the encouraging words of other Xterra athletes each time you pass, or get passed.
What is the coolest piece of gear you own?
My biodiesel fueled Volkswagen Golf that reliably gets me & my gear to the races at 45MPG.
What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?
Margaret Mead: “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Role model/Inspiration/Favorite athlete:
My husband / XTERRA athlete Barbara Peterson / Martina Navratilova
What do you do when you aren't training/racing?
Spending time with Brian and great friends in Seattle, and trying to incorporate more sustainability work into my career.
Which 2007 XTERRA races do you plan to attend?
Solstice, Vashon Island, Sisters High Cascade, Titisee Germany, one of the championship races, Tahoe, and Maui.
Favorite XTERRA venue:
Titisee, Germany: Tough bike course, easy run, and great spectator support topped off with tasty German beers.
Dreaded XTERRA venue:
Maui, after taking a nasty fall there last October and not being able to complete the race.
What’s your favorite aspect of XTERRA?
The community – a different kind of athlete is drawn to XTERRA: athletes who will stop their own race to help others in need – even during the world championships! My sincere thanks goes out to the gentleman who helped me off the trail and comforted me until help arrived after my fall in Maui. I don't know who you are, but thank you – you’re a true XTERRA hero!
Define / describe XTERRA:
Race hard, get dirty, travel the world, meet wonderful people, live more, and love our planet.
