Hello, Im Michelle! I got into triathlons about 4 years ago. This story begins about 7 years ago when we decided we would start walking everyday around our 1 mile subdivision and of course that lead to running over that summer. So, as things progressed we decided to try our hand in 5ks and that same year we did several OCRs, which we loved! In 2013 we ran our 1st 1/2 marathon, even though to this day was probably the most painful experience, I was hooked and was looking for the next challenge. In spring of 2014 we came across a flyer to try a triathlon, which lead to my very first tri, and one I suggest to anyone new to tri’s, is the Ste. Genevieve Triathlon. It is a 150 yard swim, 12 bike, and 3.1 run. So we YouTube how swim, bought some “really” used bikes, and the rest is history. Even though I started out as a “sort of” runner, my passion now is bicycling… mixed in with some triathlons. I completed my 1st 70.3 distance tri in 2017. I decided to join STL tri Club in 2017 for training, social, and the super sweet deals/discounts the club has to offer.
When/Where was your first triathlon?
Ste. Genevieve Triathlon 2014
What is your favorite and least favorite gel flavor?
I do not do any sugary anything, upsets my stomach… turns into a really bad day. Been keto/LC since August 2017, only salt tabs/ or electrolytes or maybe some bacon!!
What is your favorite race?
My favorite running race was Jete’s Challenge in Hoonah, Alaska.
My favorite local race is Chain of Rocks Duathlon.
What is the most challenging moment you’ve had during a race?
My 1st 70.3 was at the inaugural Litchfield half. We were warned that there was gravel on the sides on the roads. Well, some unfortunate events occurred, but anyways ended up with me crashing my bike within the first 10 miles of the 56 mile course in the inches deep of gravel. Me and the bike were pretty banged up, the course marshal asked if I wanted a ride back to start and I said no way, I didn’t train all summer to quit now!! We just wrapped a towel around my gushing hand and continued on hoping nothing serious had happened to me or the bike. By the time the run came I was really hurting and it took everything I had and my super supportive husband to keep me going!
What is your favorite place in or around St. Louis to train?
the wonderful hills of Jefferson County
What is your favorite thing about triathlon?
the excitement and energy
1What is the one piece of tri-geek gear you can’t live without?
Garmin 920 XT
