We end the 2009 calendar year with a former cheerleader, who insists on riding up hills in her big chain ring. Congratulations to Gretchen Duncan our December Athlete of the Month.
Fellow KCM member, Heather Evans says, "Gretchen reminds us that you can be successful at triathlons while also having a great time. She has completed 4 Ironman races, 12 marathons, and many other events ranging from local sprints to the Chicago Urbanathlon....all while maintaining a Chrissie Wellington-like power smile. Her positive attitude, combined with her ability to create the ultimate training playlists full of Miley Cyrus and Britney, make triathlon more fun for the entire team."
She truly is a "Bad Ass". Congratulations Gretchen!
Name: Gretchen Duncan
Hometown: Baxter Springs, KS (First Cowtown in Kansas!)
Years in KC: 12
Occupation: Project Manager
First race: Shawnee Mission Park Sprint in '02...I nearly drowned.
Worst race experience: Heritage Park in '08. I nearly drowned again. Really. I only made it to shore because I pulled myself in by the ropes connecting the buoys. This is after grabbing on to the lifeguard halfway through my 500 meter swim. Note to self: NOS Big Energy Drink plus GU with double caffeine = Panic Attack.
Best race experience: My First Ironman. Sigh...
Race day tradition: Pop Tarts, a Monster drink and something PINK!
Post workout guilty pleasure: I am guilt free but I stick to a Green Turkey from Planet Sub followed by a nap!
Best advice: Make sure you drop the kids off at the pool before the race!
What do you think about when the race gets tough? I play Britney songs in my head...then all my troubles are gone.
Activities when not training: Teenybopper and hair-band concerts, movies, Bud Light, Boulevard Wheat and Blue Moon.
Role models: Macca. He pretty much loves me. xoxo
Advice for first timers: It only hurts the first time...Just kidding! Have fun!
Goals for 2009: Accomplished? 2010? My goal was to have Sub 4 hour marathon...that didn't happen due to all the fun I had post Canada. Next year...I will hit it next year!
Typically how do you schedule your race season? What's the plan for 2010? For 2010 my races will be Kansas and Branson 70.3 and Ironman Arizona...and any other local ones I can squeeze in.
What was your most memorable race experience, why was it memorable? Probably when I had 2 flat tires at once at Jackson County. I had to walk my bike in 2 miles - then I went ahead and ran my 5 miles. I just knew I would be last - but I wasn't!! I was proud of myself for sticking with it.
What is your athletic background? Softball, gymnastics and cheerleading. Be aggressive! BE - BE Aggressive!
What has been you greatest athletic achievement? One year when Allison Adams was out of town - I won the Corporate Challenge bike race. My only golden moment!! Thank you Allison!
How long have you been competing in triathlon? 8 years.
What is your favorite triathlon discipline? The bike. Especially the big chain ring!
What is your favorite local race? Shawnee Mission Park.
How would you advise a person considering an Iron distance triathlon? If you really are serious - make sure your first one is an Ironman sponsored race. You want the hoopla and the new wardrobe of finisher gear.
Do you take time off during the off-season? I take off a day a week..does that count?
Do you enjoy any other physical activities outside of swimming, biking and running? This spring I am going to try a figure competition. I am super excited to wear the hooker heals!
Do you have a favorite motivational quote you'd like to share? Be aggressive! BE - BE Aggressive!
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
