What activities do you participate in? (swim, bike, run, hike, etc.)

Swimming, biking, running and just being active outdoors...hiking, camping, skiing, etc.  I also try to mix things up between on and off road when I can to get in a change of scenery and explore new areas whenever possible.

 What was your favorite race in 2010?

St. Croix Ironman 70.3...as brutal as that race was for me I absolutely loved it, the island itself and the people there.  I plan to go back in 2012 to race the 70.3 and my Dad will race in his first sprint triathlon that's held during the half Ironman!

 What keeps you motivated as an endurance athlete?

For me, it's to see what my absolute limits are in both training and racing.  I love to race, to train and to compete against myself.  I'm motivated by seeing continuous improvements, no matter how small, as well as being able to train and race with some pretty amazing and inspiring people.

What is the one food you can't live without?

Seafood - salmon, tuna, sushi, crab, shrimp...you name it, I love it.  Also, I can't lie...peanut butter's a staple...especially Ballou Skies All Natural peanut butter!  All proceeds go directly to research towards Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy...check it out!

What is your favorite race day nutrition supplement and why?

Infinit Nutrition sports drink powder and Gu Roctane gels.  Infinit Nutrition makes customizable powders that you can order online that caters to your specific needs...I have a fairly high sweat rate and used Infinit's website to customize a formulation that's worked great for me this year and I've had zero hydration or digestion issues when I've stuck to my race plan (and that's key!).  I've finally dialed down nutrition issues using Gu Roctane and have not dealt with stomach issues other than taking in too much at once (which is my fault) since I've started using the gels.

What is your favorite post workout food or drink?

After a tough workout it would either be chocolate milk or a protein fruit smoothie that I make - frozen and/or fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, protein powder and milk.  It's easy and very quick to make to ensure I get the necessary nutrition in 30-45 minutes after a tough workout, which is vital to recovery.  And after a race nothing tastes better than pizza and beer in my opinion.

What were your biggest surprises from this past year in terms of racing?

Just how hard this sport really is and how much I have to learn to really succeed.  I had a really great time for my first Ironman in 2009 (9:58) and honestly, I didn't respect the sport or the Ironman distance like I should have and well 2010 was a tough year for me but I learned so much about myself and how hard I have to work to get to where I want to be. I'm going into 2011 with a whole new respect and motivation to push myself even futher.

What did you learn from racing so much this past year?

After it's all said and done I did one sprint triathlon, two Olympic distance triathlons, five half-Ironmans and one full Ironman this year and this is my second year of dedicated triathlon racing.  The biggest thing I've learned from racing so much is the importance of recovery.  Simply stated...since Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 in late June I haven't had time to properly recover from each race to be 100% for the next race.  I've also learned that I need to pick races that suit my strengths - tough, honest courses - I will never do a flat profile race course again!  I've also gained confidence while racing, especially during the swim start and while I still have much to learn, I'm getting better at handling large packs of people and getting knocked around.  Finally, the most important thing that I've learned is that I have to make it HURT on race day if I really want to do well.  Like Joella says, get comfortable with being uncomfortable!

What was your biggest racing accomplishment in 2010?

I would say that earning a spot on the 2011 Team USA Long Course National team and helping the Get Fit Families team win the USAT Division 5 National Team award was my biggest racing accomplishment on paper.  That was just awesome and I was really proud of all of us at that race.  For myself, the moment that I'm personally the most proud of is finishing Ironman Louisville in arguably the toughest conditions I've ever experienced during a race plus just coming back from a really nasty bike crash and not being 100% going into the race.  Those last 13 miles of the run are ones that will always remember and think about in the future when things get tough out there.

What are your goals for 2011?

1. Top 10 in my age group at 2011 ITU Worlds - I am PUMPED to tackle this race on the infamous Silverman course that has actual mountains on the bike and run course.

2. To qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona at Ironman Coeur d'Alene...after Ironman Louisville this year, I'm excited to tackle another 140.6 and go for a spot to the Big Island.

3. Shave several minutes off my swim time in both the 70.3 and 140.6 distances.

4. Have FUN with this sport and enjoy every day of my journey!

What's your favorite song, band or music to listen to when working out?

Really there's too much to list here but alternative rock, indie rock, some metal and some hip hop are a must on my iPod for training but Joella's spin class music has expanded my collection....thanks to her I'm a big, big fan of The Clarks!

If you could pick one athlete to talk to or workout with, who would it be and why?

Chrissie Wellington...awesome human being, who does a lot of work with non-profit agencies and charities, is always smiling in a race and is oh, WICKED fast! 8:19 at the Challenge Roth 140.6...enough said!

What is the one race you want to compete in more than anything?

For the prestige and history of the sport it would have to be the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii...I get chills just thinking about running down Ali'I Drive but I also want to try my hand at a few non-traditional races someday...Norseman and Ultraman.

How has Get Fit Families and the Dawn Crackers helped you this past year?

Umm..the question should be how HASN'T Get Fit Families and the Dawn Crackers helped!  Really without Joella and the Dawn Crackers family I would still be on my own, without a coach and awesome friends to train with and hang with.  I've been inspired by each one of them this year between starting on the road to a healthy lifestyle, setting a new personal best or qualifying for Boston and Worlds!  We help each other out every day to become better athletes and people...it's really amazing and I am truly blessed to have met them.  Some wise friends of mine have said that it takes a village to raise an Ironman...Joella and the Dawn Crackers are all definitely in that village.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Anything else you would like to add?

I'm very honored to be Get Fit Families Athlete of the Month and Year.  Again, I couldn't have done it without Joella's amazing coaching and the support of my family and the Dawn Crackers family.  I'm very excited about next year and seeing how everyone continues to improve as well as going after my own goals.  Thanks again everyone and keep up the great work!