Throughout high school, college, and into my early twenties I was a smoker and didn't exercise. When I was twenty-five I quit smoking. I started swimming to keep the crazies away while dealing with the nicotine withdrawal. For years I swam occasionally and lifted weights a couple of times a week.
Years later I had a friend who was training with Team in Training to run a marathon and I thought to myself, "If she can do it, so can I." I ran my first marathon in Anchorage, Alaska in June 2000 at age 41. I was hooked and have run 21 additional marathons. My life had changed. Now Saturday mornings were for training and I started hanging out with a whole new set of people – Athletes. It was these friends who got me into triathlon. Through the years I got my husband to join me and together we've completed two Ironmen along with multiple triathlons of other distances.
Triathlon has taught me so much over the years. The first is not to sell yourself short. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish if you keep plugging away. You always have more in you than you think you do!
Also, although we're occasionally sore and tired, we don't always realize how good we really do feel. I had surgery in November and was down for about a month. I'll take movement over sitting around any day! That's when you get achy and grouchy! I was almost giddy when I started swimming and cycling again.
I coach my athletes by giving them the tools to become the athletes they were meant to be. I love working with beginning triathletes. I remember when I was new to triathlon. I'll use both my experience as a triathlete and my training as a coach to help you meet your goals. And finally, this is meant to be fun. Let's have fun!
"The miracle is not that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to begin."
— John "The Penguin" Bingham
"Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are in training, and some are not."
— George A. Sheehan
More than half the battle is showing up.
Phone: 972-743- 9981
Email: debra@triplethreattough.com
USA Triathlon, Level 1 Coach
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
RRCA Certified Running Coach
AASDN Nutrition Specialist
CPR/AED/First Aid
Strengths: weight training, running
Years of experience: 2