D.O.B.: October 5th, 1977
Nationality: Canadian
Home Town: Penticton, BC
Education: B.A. Psychology, B.Ed. Elementary Education, M.Ed. (on hold)

My athletic background began late in high school when I joined the local bike club in my home town in Fort St. John, British Columbia. The funny thing was, I always knew I wanted to be a triathlete. I barely knew what triathlon was, but I remember the grocery store where I grew up carried Triathlete Magazine and I would read them until they were tattered.

When I entered University (U of A in Edmonton, Alberta), I raced competitively and was named to the Alberta Provincial Road Cycling Team representing Alberta at the National Championships.  I dabbled in cross country running at the time, but never found the enjoyment in it.  I could never find a rhythm, so I didn't like it.

Once I graduated from the University of Alberta, I decided to go travel South East Asia and so left my racing behind me (at least for the time being.) I spent several years tromping the globe rock climbing, running recreationally, teaching English overseas and just giving myself some time to experience life and to discover what I really wanted from it. Although I left racing behind me for this time, it was something that never really left me as I always felt that I had left something ‘unfinished.’

While teaching English in Taiwan in 2005, I decided to enter the Taipei Marathon. Dehydrated and exhausted I limped in at a 3:26 and didn't figure I would every do another.  Nevertheless, I returned home in July, 2006 where I then raced the Edmonton ING Marathon the following month which was to my second attempt at this elusive distance and event. I won this race, and it was the start of a whole new adventure.

After training a little more diligently the following year, I posted a 2:54 at the National Marathon Championships 8 months later and was then named to Team Canada for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon where I posted a 2:49. This result was good for 2nd Canadian Female Overall (less than one minute behind Olympian Lisa Harvey) and top 10 among the international field.  It seemed my 'unfinished' project had shown its face again.  Shortly after this race I developed an injury which involved cycling as rehab.  Ironman was taunting me.

I raced amateur for a year winning the overall amateur title at IM Canada, which was my first ever Ironman.  I had the second fastest run split of all the pros as well.  I decided to turn professional the following year, 2009.  From here, I had decent results, but was always chasing out of the swim as my swim had not been developing to the standard of the bike/run which made it hard to 'win.'  Lots of 2nds and 3rds, but I wasn't satisfied with top 5 positions.

2010 proved itself to be quite a year. A DNF at IM China after getting sick.  Another DNF from a bike mechanical in IM St. George.  A stressful move to Penticton.  A disappointing 5th place at IM Coeur d'Alene.  A foot injury in late July which allowed me only one 45 minute training run in the month of August and an even more disappointing, but realistic under the circumstances, 8th place finish at IM Canada.  Top that all off with a near death car accident in November.  2010 really did go out with a bang.

2011 was the year of rehab and more importantly, a year of renewal.  Work with my therapists and Paulo Sousa took it all one step at a time.  Literally.  We are now on the brink of 2012 and I have never been so excited for a race season.  Ever.