Age: 33  Home area: Marquette, MI   Height: 5’8”, Weight range: 140# ish

Events for 2011: Too many to list!

Marie discovered endurance sports only a short time ago.  Post College, she put on 50 pounds after succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle.  When she was 28, she decided enough was enough and started exercising and changing her diet.  After losing 15 pounds and inspired by a few family members, she decided to use triathlon as a way to continue her weight loss success.  In 2007, she completed her first sprint triathlon and the rest, well, is history.

Since then, Marie has competed in 39 triathlons, and will have 50 under her belt by the end of 2011.  She has had several podium finishes in her short career, but most noted was her win at the 2009 Fabulous Fall Triathlon in Ironwood, MI.

Marie’s other passion is being a Rotarian.  She’s a member of the Marquette West Rotary Club.  In 2009, she dedicated her racing season to building awareness and raising funds for Rotary International’s #1 mission: Polio Eradication.  She competed in 20 races that year (15 triathlons, a duathlon, a bike race, a half-marathon, and two 5k races), and raised $3,600 for the cause.  Her efforts earned her international attention in Rotarian Magazine.

Marie has several races planned for 2011, but her goal race is the Copperman Triathlon on August 6 in Copper Harbor, MI.  She is also planning to explore the world of mountain bike racing and Xterra Triathlons this year.

Marie resides in Marquette, MI, with her significant other, Tom, who is also an endurance athlete, riding for the Trek 29er Crew Mountain Bike Team.

Typical Day:

5:30 – 6:00: Wake up, eat breakfast: 2 egg whites scrambled with an assortment of vegetables

6:00 – 7:00: Workout: Usually spinning in the winter, but running in the warmer months

7:30: 20 oz of coffee with half-and-half and Truvia

8:00: Start my work day.  I’m a Marketing Director for a Real-Estate Development company.

9:30 – 10:00: Snack: Whey protein shake blended with frozen berries and almond milk

12:00: Lunch: Sandwich with whole grain bread, mustard, 4 oz of turkey breast and a slice of low-fat cheese

3:30: Snack: Celery with 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter

5:00: Workout again: Swimming, biking, running, or a combination of them

6:30 – 7:00: Dinner: Chicken breast with a homemade tomato sauce or avocado.  Maybe a glass of wine.

9:00 (or before bed): one apple