Tell us a little bit about the race you’ll compete in

I have two big races coming up: USA Triathlon Nationals in Atlantic City, NJ in September and Worlds happening in Torremolinos, Spain in October. You have to qualify to attend/compete at both of those races. I am starting with a new professional coach out of Boulder, CO this summer, so he will tell me what other races I’ll be competing in this year. I am on the cusp of going pro (like formally being a professional triathlete) so making that happen is the focus of the summer I believe. The goal of starting with this new coach is to focus on the 2028 Olympic Games, which are actually in the United States! They will be held in Los Angeles, California. Since they are in the USA, Team USA gets to send one more additional triathlete than normal, so we will send 4 women. The hope and dream is that I am one of the four. I have a long journey ahead of me, but we will see what happens! I’m just trusting God and going where the Spirit takes me. Not my will, but His.

How have you been preparing for the race

I train 7 days a week! I once and awhile have a Monday off, but that is rare. I currently run around 25 miles a week, bike around 100-120 miles a week, and swim around 9,000 yards. I do core/ strength exercises around 3-5x’s a week.

What are you most confident about for your race

I am most confident probably in my run, since that was my past sport. I do put a lot of pressure on myself to run well though because I know I can, so that makes it a bit intense. I have either been the fastest female or the second fastest female runner at every triathlon I’ve done thus far.

I probably have the least amount of “worries” in the water because it is so chaotic with everyone around you kicking and stroking as fast as they can that my mind just turns off and goes, which makes it enjoyable! But believe it or not, my first couple triathlons last summer I almost had a panic attack in the water, so I’ve come a long way in a year! Those mini panics didn’t ruin the races for me… luckily, my run always made up for the lost time.

What are you least confident about for your race

I am probably least confident on the bike because I feel like I know how it feels to run hard, but biking hard is a different type of struggle which I am getting used to. Building up the different leg muscles and muscle memory takes time, but I feel like I’m getting there. My former coach believes the bike will end up being my strongest discipline of the three one day.

What kind of encouragement would you give to other people in practicing their craft

Overall, since this is all so new to me, I often find myself on the start line looking around comparing myself to others and questioning my belonging, but trusting that God has put me on that start line for a reason, and made me “me” is the fact I lean into. Entering this sport, and the success I have found, all feels very Divine and by His hand, so it forces me to have unwavering faith and trust! I’d encourage others, regardless of what they are pursuing, to include God in everything, never doubt yourself, and always stay positive. Self-doubt, fear, and hopelessness are NOT from God, so change that narrative in your mind when/if you ever go there, and re-focus on the facts: you are a son or daughter of the King of the universe… you got this!