Team Affiliation: Tri Fusion Multisport Club; Event Director and active athlete since September 2006.

Description: I am an elite age group triathlete and runner. At the age of 22, I began competing in road races, where I have raced in distances from 5K to half marathons. Within a few years, I began competing in the sport of triathlon. I have raced distances ranging from the sprint triathlon (1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run) to the Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run).

During 2006 and 2007 I devoted my time and training to the Coeur d’ Alene Ironman Triathlon. In 2008 I have been focusing on the Ironman 70.3 series races which is the half-Ironman distance. I competed in the Boise Ironman70.3 race and also the Lake Stevens Ironman 70.3 competitions. My goal for this season was to qualify for the 70.3 World Championship. At the Lake Stevens 70.3 race I reached my goal and I look forward to competing in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, Florida, this November. I will return to training for and racing the full Ironman distance in 2009 with hopes of qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Several years ago, I was involved in a work project that introduced me to Spokane’s children’s hospital and the many ill children suffering from cancer. After spending numerous hours working in the oncology unit, I was very affected by the children’s critical illnesses. This left me with concern and a real feeling that I needed to help somehow. From there, I endeavored to raise funds in an effort to aid the hospital in cancer research, equipment needs, provide care facility supplies and give many ill children Christmas gifts.

One of my true passions is using my athletic gifts to give back to others. For the past few years, I raised money via my website highlighting Spokane’s local children’s hospital. The monies I raised were donated to the oncology department at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. It is my hope that in the upcoming triathlon season, I will be able to elevate my fund raising for continued support of the young girls and boys at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.