What is your favorite sport?:
My favorite sport to watch is football, especially college football (Let's go State!), and my favorite sport to participate in is open water swimming.

What are your goals?:
I have goals for swimming, running, and triathlon.  First, I would like to swim the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim under 1 hour 55 minutes.  For running, I would like to run a marathon under 3 hours and 30 minutes.  I would also like to run a marathon in each of the 50 states.  Last, for triathlon, I would like to compete in a Half Ironman distance race this summer.  Eventually, if I become crazy enough, I may think about tackling a full Ironman distance race...

What motivates you?:
A number of things motivate me.  First, I have an intrinsic desire to always improve my running or swimming.  I know that if I am going to do my best, I have to work hard to prepare for the event.  A second thing that motivates me is training with others.  I know that I would not be awake running, riding, or swimming at 5:30 if I didn't have great people to work out with.  I know that I can always depend upon the Running Club or Wave to help me through a difficult work out.  A last motivator for me was actually watching the Beach to Battleship Ironman Distance Triathlon.  Watching all of those committed athletes help me to commit to my training and goals.  When you see a woman in her 70s, you think to yourself, "If she can do it, what is my excuse?"

What if your favorite food?:
My favorite food is D&G pizza from Beaver Falls, although it is not the best food to eat the night before training (unless you want to spend most of the run in the Porta John!).  I am not very picky - I like seafood, American, Italian, and Mexican cuisine.  I am not a big fan of dessert, though.

What's your favorite song, band, or music to listen to when exercising?:
My musical taste is very eclectic, and what I listen to depends upon my what I am doing.  If I am going to be training with high intensity, I like to listen to alternative, rock or rap, such as Linkin Park or Snoop Dogg.  If I am doing more of an endurance work out, the sky is the limit!  I will listen to pop (Michael Jackson), country (Zac Brown Band), or classic rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd), as long it has a good beat to keep me going.

If you could pick one athlete to talk to or workout with, who would it be and why?:
If I could talk to any athlete it would be Bruce Jenner.  At one time, he was known as the World's Greatest Athlete.  Bruce is now a motivational speaker, and he has a great take on setting and working toward goals.  He has great insight into being a successful athlete and never giving up on your dreams that I would like to hear.

What is your favorite sports drink and energy fuel?:
My favorite sports drink is Lemon-Lime Gatorade, and my favorite fuel is Strawberry-Banana Powerbar Gel.  I also like to eat bananas, oranges, and fruit snacks when I am training.  (I am not really picky, especially when I need them!)

If you compete, what is the one race or competition that you would like to do at least once?:
If I could do any race, it would be the Maui Channel Swim, from the Hawaiian island of Lanai to Maui, a distance of about eleven miles.  In running, I would like to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon.

What is your favorite race you've competed in?:
My favorite swimming race is the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim.  Because of the changes in conditions each year, it presents various challenges each year.  My favorite marathon that I have run is the San Francisco Marathon.  It was my first marathon, and I got to see most of the city.  I also got to run across the Golden Gate Bridge!

List some of your major athletic or health accomplishments?:
I had an excellent summer last year.  I finished first overall in the Lake Champlain 8 Mile Open Water Swim. I also finished second overall in the Cranberry Twp. Aquathon.  Finally, my relay team finished second at the Savageman Half Ironman Triathlon in Deep Creek, MD.  I ran the half-marathon portion of the race.  (Thanks to Ryan Sanders for swimming and Jason Jacobs for riding and making the success possible!)

Anything else to add?:
I know that I would not be the athlete that I am without the support of my friends and family.  They put up with my crazy schedule and still talk to me after I can't do things because of training.  They also ask about my work outs and about upcoming races.  It is great to have a wonderful cheering squad behind you!

Last, I need to thank Joella Baker for all of her guidance as I have transitioned into a long-distance athlete.  She has helped me plan for all of my races, giving me training, racing, and recovery advice.  I know that her impact is felt by all of the members of the Cranberry Y Dawn Crackers.  The club would not exist without her diligence.  Not only does she assist us in all aspects of our training, but she also cares about how we are doing.  She plays a great deal of roles - coach, team doctor, stylist, nutritionist, disciplinarian, physical therapist, cheerleader, chef, therapist, team mom, event planner, travel agent, teacher, and friend - all to help us succeed.