I have been coached by Matt Migonis since November 2014. I signed up for Ironman Lake Placid and started to panic and knew I needed some direction in order to be successful in completing my first full-distance triathlon.

Hiring Matt was one of the smartest decisions I have made. I have been transformed as an athlete and continue to become stronger each day. Before hiring Matt I was constantly injured. I am fortunate to say I haven’t had any serious issues since 2014.

My first triumph with Matt was taking 60 minutes off my 70.3 time. In 2015, I finished the Tupper Lake Tinman 70.3 in 5:21. You could not wipe the smile off my face as I was running to the finish line. I ran a 1:46 half-marathon that day and was in utter shock that my body could do that. Before Tupper my fastest half-marathon times during a 70.3 were 2:20 and higher. I had a near perfect day at Ironman Lake Placid 2015. I felt strong and I finished proud. Coming across the finish line in 12:44 for my first Ironman (which included a crash on my bike) left me on top of the world.

I had a rough 2016 season for various reasons. Matt never gave up on me. He waited for me to get my fire back, and I did! We really started working on my run and it has only become faster. I am surprised at how well I am running. I PR’d the half-marathon distance at the B.A.A. Half in October and PR’d my 5k at the Saint Nick Shuffle in December. I ended 2016 in a much better place than I started.

In 2016, I wasn’t successful in reaching my goal of qualifying for the 2017 World Championships in Chattanooga, TN. Instead of beating myself up about it I have put 2016 in the past and am only looking forward. It won’t be easy but I may still have a shot at qualifying for the World Championships at the Syracuse 70.3. It’s a tough course but it’s in my backyard and I know every inch of the course. We will see what happens and what I can do my in my new 30-34 age group!

I swore I wasn’t going to sign up for Ironman Lake Placid 2017 but I couldn’t resist and I am giving it another shot. My goals in a nutshell are to train and race healthy, smart, and FAST. I don’t know what 2017 holds for me but I know I’ll be successful with Matt and my team in my corner.

(If you want to read more about my experience with a triathlon coach, click here!)