Age
38
Home Town
Tucson, AZ (I did move away twice, but regained to my senses - It's cold in the rest of the world!)
Occupation
Veterinary technician
What do you like about TTG?
Camaraderie, friendships that I have built and the amazing support. Cool swag at the meetings - I'm all about the swag, man! No really, I've met some terrific people. And because of those friendships I've been on some great teams with outstanding people. Because of the Trigirls I've done things I never would have done. And also because of the Trigirls I know that everyone struggles with this sport - everyone thinks that they're way too slow, their swim is a thing of horror and the run was designed to kill any survivors. ...And then there's the swag...
Marital Status:
Been with my husband, Nate 13 years, He is awesome and supports whatever I do to the utmost! He'll even risk thumb calluses to follow me on the ATV when I'm mountain biking!
Plans for 2008 sporting wise:
Better and Faster. My goal is to try to qualify for Nationals In Tahoe for Xterra. I want to ride for a gold medal in El tour. It's also vitally important that I not fall off my mountain bike because I'm suddenly going zero miles an hour and can't unclip in time.
Favorite TTG training session and why?
I live in the sticks, never get to any - and there's no swag...
Hobbies:
I Sheep chase with my Border Collies. I try to read when I get a chance. I am trying to grow things on granite (with predictable results). When time permits I love traveling with my husband. And lastly, sleeping - I'm all about sleep. I don't know why I can't make that a career, then I'd have all day to train!
Favorite Food:
Taco Bell bean burrito right after a swim (I'm sure everyone says chocolate). But really, I was a vegetarian for years, and when I started cheating it was for a filet mignon - really is there a more perfect food? (well, unless you're a cow, they may have some objections).
Favorite movies:
When I was a kid I saw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and decided that was what I wanted to be. It is still one of my all time favorites. I also like Snatch (Brad Pitt no shirt, speaking unintelligibly and explosions: isn't that the definition of heaven?). Actually, anything with explosions and a modicum of plot to tie the explosions together is good for me.
What is the most treasured thing you own?
My home: every night I drive up my driveway I feel my blood pressure drop and I smile. I have the most amazingly heart stopping views from my house! It's probably the first thing I've ever owned that I couldn't imagine living without. Also, I love my awesome mountain bike that my husband drove all the way down from Phoenix to put into the back of my truck to surprise me for my birthday!
Who inspires you?
Anyone who is truly passionate about something. Anyone who sees life as brief and understands how important it is to wring every last ounce from it.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
I try to do something embarrassing every day. (Note how cleverly I got out of that one)
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because...
I was lying to myself when I started this sentence. I never find it easy.
Dislikes:
People who lack perspective, headwinds, dog farts, bills.
If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
A bird of prey because I see them standing on the air with the wind sifting through their feathers and I marvel at how awesome that must feel.
Favorite songs of all time:
Most anything by Melissa Etheridge, Bob Segar, or Matchbook Twenty. Actually, anything with meaningful lyrics and a backbeat.
Favorite article of clothing:
Tight jeans and whatever slutty top I look best in.
Favorite superhero:
Buffy the Vampire slayer, she's a chick with muscles who trains hard - what better roll model? (The rest wear stupid clothes and have deep psychological problems)
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first?
The beginning of life to see how it all began.
If you could take anyone on a date, who would it be?
Johnny Depp
Do you have a training tip for us?
Just get out the door and start - it's easy after that.
Former TTG Calendar Girls:
April
Leslie Howe
Age
38
Home Town
Silver Spring, Maryland, until moving here in June 2005
Occupation
Stay at home mom... what a stunner.
What do you like about TTG?
The fact that women of all backgrounds and ages come together to cheer each other on in a pursuit that most people find crazy. I have met wonderful people through the TriGirls.
Marital Status
Married to Ron.
Plans for 2007/8 sporting wise
I want to improve my bike speed and manage to do a flip turn during a race.
Favorite TTG training session and why?
Anything in the pool or on the bike - they are the most fun and don't hurt nearly as much as running.
Hobbies
Reading, cooking, baking, training.
Favorite Food
Anything sweet - especially chocolate!
Favorite movies
Anything with Audrey Hepburn in it.
What is the most treasured thing you own?
Well, my Cervelo is way up there, and I can't think of anything else since my husband and kids aren't "things" exactly.
Who inspires you?
All those fast people out there!
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
Aside from forgetting to bring my helmet to a race? There have been so many things. The most recent is being caught by a TriSports employee taking off the TTG bike jersey I was trying out in the TriSports back room. He came in when the jersey was all the way up, but not off. Good thing I was wearing nice underwear.
Finish this sentence.
Going to training is easy because... it is a chance for me to achieve something, even if the achievement is only getting on the bike and getting out of the driveway.
Dislikes
Running. Sprints of any kind. Brussel sprouts (how nasty are they??)
If you could be any animal what would it be & why?
An owl, because they are strong and efficient hunters.
Favorite songs of all time
Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen. Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds. Da Butt by E.U. Anything with a good beat!
Favorite article of clothing
Something that disguises my chest and makes me look smaller.
Favorite superhero
The Phoenix
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first?
1600s
If you could take anyone on a date, who would it be?
Clint Eastwood or Antonio Banderas
Do you have a training tip for us?
You can always do more than you think you can - push harder - don't let your brain stand in the way.
March
Kathy Cunningham
Home Town
Native Arizonan
Occupation
Paralegal
Plans for 2008 sporting wise
My first oly distance at Deuces Wild in May, then the biggie, my first _ Ironman at Vineman 70.3 in July.
Favorite TTG training session and why?
I love those long bike rides, they always end up being an adventure.
Hobbies
Home improvement and keeping my lawn green.
Favorite food
Sushi (Viva Las Vegas Rolls, Baby!)
Favorite movies
Napoleon Dynamite and An American President
What is the most treasured thing you own?
My family, I don’Äôt own them, but I treasure them.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who has finished an Ironman.
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because....
I get to hang out with some fun people and it usually involves food afterward.
Dislikes
Negative and mean people.
Favorite books
Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor and The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Favorite article of clothing
Summer: flip flops Winter: a big, fluffy hoodie
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first
Back to the age of the Egyptian pyramids. I want to see how the pyramids and sphinx were built.
Do you have a training tip for us?
Have fun, if you’Äôre not having fun, don’Äôt do it.
February
Abra McAndrew
Home Town
Chino Valley, AZ
Occupation
I work for the university in outreach to public schools, specifically supervising an afterschool college preparation program for low income and minority students.
What do you like about TTG?
Camaraderie-- there's always someone pushing themselves who will motivate you, or someone to ask for advice about an injury/gear/a good wine, etc.
Marital Status
Getting hitched in April
Plans for 2007/8 sporting wise
I want to remain injury free all year, while completing the Tucson Tri series and the Tucson half marathon
Favorite TTG training session and why?
Swim-- I just learned how last year, and I push myself much more when I go to this group session than I do on my own
Hobbies
I'm working, earning a master's and training and planning a wedding right now, so I don't have a lot of time for hobbies but I do love reading, hiking and music
Favorite movies
Being John Malkovich
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
I can’Äôt believe I'm going to tell this story on the internet, but those of you who have lived alone will understand how such a thing could happen. I once got up in the middle of the night to pee while staying at a boyfriend's parents' house and I didn’Äôt close the door to the bathroom. In the morning the guy's father pulled him aside and asked if this was normal American behavior.
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because...
I just think how much better I'll feel afterward
Favorite article of clothing
Cute shoes or anything green
Do you have a training tip for us?
If you feel pain and it doesn't go away with a short period of rest, give yourself permission to get some treatment.
January
Name
Shari Howard
Home Town
Tucson
Age
43
Occupation
Construction
Marital Status
Divorced
What do you like about TTG?
Making so many friends and having so much support for racing and training
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
Vineman 70.3, Deuces Wild Olympic and many other races
Hobbies
Racing and having fun
Favorite TTG training session and why?
Any session. I have fun at all of them.
Favorite food:
Pizza/chocolate
Favorite movies:
Pirates of the Caribbean
What is the most treasured thing you own?
Since I don't own my daughter. I guess that would have to be my two doggies at home.
Who inspires you?
All the TriGirls, Each one in a different way! Especially
Michelle Keilin for all you have done for me. Thanks!!!
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because...
Training is never easy, but the TriGirls make it fun.
Dislikes:
Vegetables.
If you could be any animal what would it be & why?
Cheetah They are so fast.
Favorite articles of clothing
My
Tri-Girls Ironman shirt.
Favorite superhero
Superman
Do you have a training tip for us?
Get lots of rest and eat right.
December
Name
Katrina Willey
Born
Texas
Occupation
Marketing Communications Coordinator
What do you like about TTG?
The great friends I've made! The awesome cheering and encouragement at races.
One of the best compliments I've ever received is from an athlete at SOMA who
told me that I must have the best cheering section in the sport. I told him
"That's what happens when you wear purple!"
Marital Status
Happily married to Neil!
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
Id like to do at least one tri, road race and mountain bike race in 2007. Since
Ive already done all those, can I take the rest of the year off? :)
Hobbies
Tapering for races, the occasional tri, making whimsy art, spending time with
my hubby, playing with Borris & Bella (our bullmastiffs), hiking, taking
way to many pictures, and laughing at myself.
Favorite TTG training session and why?
I really enjoy weekend rides with the girls. Thats definitely my favorite,
because we get to catch up on the previous week, do a lot of laughing, and
before we know it were finished with a long ride!
Favorite food:
Ice cream! A close second is moms Skor-bits cookies and a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Favorite movies:
Napoleon Dynamite; any Tom Hanks movie
What is the most treasured thing you own?
Hmmm this is a tough one. I dont really own my dogs but they are pretty cool.
Next to that, my bikes Nessie and Bucky are on the list of favorite things.
Who inspires you?
April -- She is resilient! There are a million reasons why, but the most
hilarious thing that comes to mind is that after spilling boiling hot coffee on
her mufti, she will still get back on the bike and ride home. She also teaches
me a lot of really fun phrases, and how to enjoy life by not to taking things
too seriously. As she would say "Oh, sod it!"
Whats the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
The list would be way too huge to narrow it down, so Ill just go with a
tri-related embarrassment. The first incident that comes to mind was at my
favorite race - Catalina Island Triathlon. The water temp was 58-degrees on
race day (YOW!), so even with a wetsuit my whole body was numb after getting
out of the water. This is where my downfall happened - whilst taking off my
wetsuit I didnt realize that I had also partially pulled down my tri-shorts so
the rest of the race was spent with an unsightly patch of white skin popping
out (dare I say bulging!) for the duration of the bike and run. To top it off
my friend Larissa and hubby Neil didnt even tell me!!! They said they didnt
notice. You can imagine my surprise when I received my professional race
pictures and the race photographer had captured it on film! Dislikes:
When your speedo is frayed, and no one tells you. Saying a friendly good
morning to other athletes who are out running or biking, and being ignored in
return.
If you could be any animal what would it be & why?
Definitely an elephant. They have a unique and elevated ability to understand
life, mourn death, and cherish family.
Favorite bands of all time:
Im a pretty big fan of Incubus, Vertical Horizon and Allison Krauss. Plus
anything bluegrass!
Favorite articles of clothing
gaucho pants, cute hats and Dansko clogs
Favorite superhero
My brothers and I never were one to follow trends we looked up to Deputy Dog!
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first
Id definitely go back to my childhood. It was so much fun!
If you could take anyone on a date, who would it be?
To be totally honest, Id rather go out with my husband Neil than anyone else in
the world
Do you have a training tip for us?
Stretch! Taper! Eat protien! And for the love of pete, have FUN while you train
November
Name
Anne Turner
Age
38
Hometown
I am firmly transplanted in Tucson after growing up in rural Missouri.
Occupation
Engineer
What do you like about TTG?
I really like being able to train with a great group of women who will only
occasionally drop me on the bike.
Marital Status
Married
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
Rebuild my base to be ready to do an Olympic distance race on a moments notice.
Do a half iron-distance every couple of years, and give myself an Ironman for
my 45th birthday, when my daughter is a bit older.
Hobbies
Triathlon, of course.
Favorite TTG training session and why?
I like the bike clinics, like bike handling, mountain biking, cyclocross. I
always learn a lot and it is a nice change of pace from pounding out miles or
yards.
Who inspires you?
My daughter inspires me to set a good example for her and keep myself involved
and in some kind of reasonable shape. She also inspires me to go running by
myself every time she pitches a tantrum.
Whats the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
I am not telling.
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because....
What a total lie!! Racing is easy because it is fun. Training is hard.
Favorite article of clothing
Really comfy sweats.
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first
Hmm, I have to say Im really happy with the discovery of antibiotics and
smallpox vaccine, so it would almost certainly be pretty recent.
Do you have a training tip for us?
Get enough sleep to recover properly and build fitness. Repeat.
October
Name
Julie Penny
Birthday
November 12th
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Occupation
Owner of two retail boutiques... Piece by Piece Wear & Butz Jean Co.
What do you like about TTG?
Making so many friends and having their support/giving them support through
training and racing.
Marital Status
Happily married for over 15 years...don't do the math!
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
Tinfoilman, Half marathon in Dec...some road races in between
Hobbies
Let's see, I shop for a living, I train for Tri's, I am the vice president for
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and a coach for the Arizona Cancer
Center's Better Than Ever program...and I'm married to a hot guy!! My hobby is
having fun and helping people.
Favorite Food
Giordano's pizza (Chicago)
What is the most treasured thing you own?
My two rotties...they are darling little (120 lbs & 75 lbs) teddy
bears...Jackson & Jordan
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
Hmmmmm....I'll get back to you...There's been so many it's hard to remember.
The latest was forgetting to pack a comb when I rode my bike to work and I
didn't realize it until I was in the shower at the locker room. With some
strategic conditioning and toweling of my hair I was able to get it somewhat
decent. Thank goodness for curly hair!
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because....
I'm meeting up with my girlfriends and the miles go by quickly when we are
talking.
Dislikes
People who say "I can't"
Favorite TTG training session and why?
Definitely swim practice!!
Coach Jeff is awesome and we girls have a ton of fun while working out!
Favorite superhero
The Tick! If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
A rottweiller at my house...aaaaaahhhhh that's the life!!!
Favorite songs of all time
Brick House...don't ask
Favorite article of clothing
Citizen's of Humanity jeans...they look great & they feel so good!
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first
The 80's...I really rocked the leg warmers!
If you could take anyone out on a date, who would it be?
Jim Penny...I repeat..he is hot!
Do you have a training tip for us?
Don't hydrate with wine...it's just not the same as water.
September
Name
Elaine Seasley
Age
30
Hometown
Tucson, AZ
Occupation
My degree is in chemical engineering, but I work with optics in a field known
as Contamination Control Engineering. Basically it's stuff where a speck of
dust can ruin a multi-million dollar system. So my job is to worry about the
dust. I'm like a space system janitor.
What do you like about TTG?
That there are others as crazy as I am!
Marital Status
Married to Zac for 8 years.
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
Finish the 66 miler Tour of the White Mountains mountain bike race, improve my
time at the SOMA Half Ironman, and start training for the 2008 Ironman Arizona.
Hobbies
Right now it's home improvement. We purchased a fixer-upper home this year and
have been busy making it livable. Before that started sucking time and money
away, my husband and I roadraced motorcycles. I love mountain biking and keep
that mixed in with the training so that I don't get bored. Later this year I'm
going to purchase a Cobra replica car kit from Factory Five Racing and start
building a car. So, yeah...lots of hobbies!
Favorite Food
Chocolate
What is the most treasured thing you own?
Tri-wise it's my Garmin 301. I CANNOT run or ride without it! Workouts are
pointless without my Garmin. (She says while petting the Garmin on her wrist).
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
There's been so many it's hard to remember. The latest was forgetting to pack a
comb when I rode my bike to work and I didn't realize it until I was in the
shower at the locker room. With some strategic conditioning and toweling of my
hair I was able to get it somewhat decent. Thank goodness for curly hair!
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because....
Ha! Training is the hardest part! Schedule always gets in the way, so I just
fit in what I can. Which is probably why I'm slow. *
Dislikes
Choppy water on the swim, rough roads on the bike, and concrete running
courses.
Favorite article of clothing
Cant beat a good pair of bike shorts. It takes me forever to shop for bike
shorts to find just the right ones because most women's shorts put a diaper
between your legs (no thanks!). During the summer I live in running shorts.
They help prevent sweaty booch.
Favorite superhero
Wonder Woman. I had all sorts of Wonder Woman stuff as a kid including red
cowgirl boots. I was Wonder Woman baby!
Do you have a training tip for us?
Don't try anything new on race day! Practice everything during training so that
race day has already been rehearsed. Don't eat the freebies in the race packet
until AFTER the race (those are salt pills they give you, not suicide pills).
Dont sacrifice comfort for speed. If you like biking and running with socks,
then take the time to put on the socks in transition. They will pry my socks
from my cold, dead feet.
If someone took a look at your training, what's the one thing that
would surprise them?
Ironman Arizona will be my first full marathon. I've never run a stand-alone
marathon, and I really don't want to.
July
Name
Dawn Elvick
Age
37
Hometown
Tucson, AZ
Occupation
Registered Dietitian
What do you like about TTG?
It's a great way for women to become involved in triathlon in a non-threatening
way.
Marital Status
Single
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
I plan to attempt my first and probably last - Ironman in October.
Hobbies
Training, listening to music, playing w/ my puppies
Favorite Food
Pizza
Favorite movies
Step Mom, Must Love Dogs, Maid in Manhattan, Sandra Bullock movies
What is the most treasured thing you own?
My dogs... they actually own me, but let me live with them.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
Back in the days of the camelback, I stopped at a sag stop to refill mine. Bent
over to stretch and dumped the contents on my head. Always check to be sure
that you have closed the bladder before stretching!
Dislikes
Traffic, humidity, head winds, liver, sushi (wish I could like it because it
sounds cool, but I can't), the color yellow Unnecessarily mean or rude people,
celebrity gossip, and bike seats that make me cry.
If you could be any animal what would it be & why?
A dolphin because they're cute and they swim fast.
Favorite article of clothing
Boxer shorts
Do you have a training tip for us?
You really SHOULD eat something every hour when you're on a long bike ride.
Once you bonk, it's almost impossible to recover.
June
Name
Holly Justice
Age
29
Hometown
San Antonio, TX
Occupation
Stay at home mom to Alex (8), Taylor (5), Peyton (3), and Carson (1)
What do you like about TTG?
All these strong, intelligent women supporting each other and kicking each
other's asses all over the place. I defy anyone to find a race without a Tri
Girl in it!
Marital Status
Married to Kyle for some time now.
Plans for 2007, sporting-wise
1. Get into a pool. Accidental entry counts. 2. Ride my bike. 3. Run my butt
off. 4. Complete a sub-4:00 marathon 5. Finish at least one Half-IM Distance
Favorite TTG training session and why
Who doesn't love watching Jeff's ankles at swim practice? Alright, since
everyone knows I don't go near water, I'd have to say I started loving TTG at
the track practices. Then I really loved them at the clinics- Niki's patience
at the transition clinic saved me loads of time at my first triathlon.
Hobbies I like to write and
read. I would also like to list "windsurfing, scuba diving, and
surfing" to my list, but those are flat-out lies. Instead, let's say
camping and learning to mountain bike. I am also an intensely competitive board
game player. It gets ugly.
Favorite Food
I have an affinity for Mexican food (little known fact- my dad is Mexican,
maiden name is Ramirez), and I like to make brownies and eat all four corners.
And pasta with seafood makes me grin uncontrollably.
Favorite movies Anything from
the 80's and most mindless love stories. Dirty Dancing and Footloose are my
favs.
What is the most treasured thing you own? Hmm... nothing comes to mind, since I don't technically
"own" my kids. I'm fairly sure I could have my house burn down and
not miss much of what is in it - I guess photos of little people (my children,
not midgets) and Kyle and I in the beginning.
Who inspires you?
People who take chances, people who toss it all out there for the world to see,
people who say what they mean and mean what they say, people who kick ass and
don't care who is watching. Of the TrIGirls I know, I am most inspired by
Michelle Keilin and Susie Degan, for very different but equally meaningful
reasons.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
Most embarrassing thing done on a bike - falling into Kelly Barnes in traffic.
Most embarrassing thing done while running - wetting my pants during an
aquathlon run. In my defense, it was a fast run... Most embarrassing thing done
in water- hello? Have you seen me swim?
Finish this sentence. Going to training is easy because...
It calms me down.
Dislikes
Unnecessarily mean or rude people, celebrity gossip, and bike seats that make
me cry.
If you could be any animal what would it be & why?
I'd be a cheetah. I love meat.
Favorite songs of all time
Melissa, The Allman Brothers and What I Got, Sublime
Favorite article of clothing
Nice fitting jeans.
Favorite superhero Does the
Weinersnitzel hotdog count as a super hero? In case thats a no, Id say Superman
is the most normal.
If you could go back in time what era would you visit first? Im perfectly happy where I am, the 70s were too
crazy and in the 80s Kyle was a baby so thats just wrong.
If you could take anyone on a date, who would it be?
If I could take my husband on a date I'd be giddy.
Do you have a training tip for us?
Consistency is key to anything you do. I ran for a long time and then did a race
and found out I was pretty good at running. My body suddenly knew what to do-
stick with this sport and it'll happen. I plan to find time to stick with
swimming... .
