XTERRA Ambassadors

What accomplisment are you most proud of: Hands down, my children. 

When you're not racing you like to: Do anything that has to do with sports and the outdoors.  I love to play tennis and soccer, snowboard in winter, skim board in summer (on the shore of chilly Lake Michigan), kayak, and roller blade. I also dig building Legos with my kiddos, reading, and writing.

What's the craziest experience you've ever had with XTERRA: The second XTERRA race I ever did I was in the lead on the bike when I looked down for a split second to see how my bloody ankle was doing.  The next thing I knew I was off the path, flipped over on my bike, buried in the woods.  I couldn't get my shoes off my pedals to save my life!  I saw all my competitors’ bikes past me and there was nothing I could do.  Finally I got out of the mess and ended up catching up to all but one woman.  After crossing the finish line I could hardly breath and later found out I cracked a rib during my fall.  It was all worth it of course!

What's the best thing about racing: There isn't one single thing that stands out in my mind.  It's all wonderful and crazy and exhausting and fun. 

What's the coolest piece of gear you own:  My Gary Fisher mountain bike and my helmet.  It's not that it's really all that cool, it just gives me a (false) sense of security as I'm screaming down the single track!

Role Model: My mom--she raised 3 kids essentially by herself and taught me strength, courage, compassion, and the importance of enjoying each day.Roger Federer is my favorite athlete.  His athleticism and accomplishments are unparalleled. 

What are you doing when you aren't training/ racing: Aside from collapsing from exhaustion...I love to go to the beach and play in the waves, hanging out with my kids/family/friends, baking, gardening, and coaching my daughter's soccer team.  And, last but not least, drinking a beer (preferably a Fat Tire) on a Friday night to toast the weekend!

Which 2010 XTERRA races do you plan to attened: XTERRA Last Stand, XTERRA Torn Shirt, XTERRA Dino Logansport, XTERRA Dino Versailles, XTERRA Nationals and Worlds (hopefully if I qualify).  I'll also be doing some local road triathlons.

Favorite XTERRA venue: Since this will be only my second season I haven't had the opportunity to venture out of the Midwest.  With that said; XTERRA Last Stand at Fort Custer is beautiful, challenging and a riot.

Dreaded XTERRA venue: None so far.  Clearly I haven't raced in enough places yet!

What is your favorite aspect of XTERRA: That it continually pushes me to limits I never thought I could reach.  

DEFINE/DESCRIBE XTERRA: Mud, sweat, adrenaline pumping, heart thumping fun (and insanity).