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This is a great question because believing that I can compete with the best is something I must work on all time. I showed that I had the 'potential' to be competitive a few years ago, but truly believing that doesn't come easy and it requires lots of work. Last year I took a break from the sport when I lost confidence in my abillities to compete. This is changing.

Thanks, John. We all start somewhere. For my first sprint triathlon, back in 2006, I only tagged along with my friend for the training and the race. I had swum competitively before this, but the land sports were new to me. Find people who you can learn from. The DC Tri Club, for example, has a New Triathlete Program that helps 'newbies' prepare for their very first race.

I plan to do a fair amount of racing this season and started working with my coach, Margie Shapiro, in February. We prioritized training for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in early April, then focused on getting ready for the Columbia Triathlon after then, which was a 6 week training block. I'll take off a day here and there, but my down time will be in the late fall, after racing season

Hi Aunt Laurie! Next up is the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon. I will either do the Life Time Fitness series races or the USAT draft-legal races after then.

It's hard to think of one thing in particular, especially when my father is doling out the life advice around the clock (I need it). Right now I'm working on letting go of the small things and keeping everything in perspective.

I like that Columbia Triathlon Assoc. events have a small race feel (low stress--good), but draw an amazing group of athletes.

My totals for a training week are: swim - 20,000-25,000 meters bike - around 6 hours (with ample intensity) run - approx 5 hrs I do not lift weights but I have a core strengthening routine 1x-2x per week.

Though I race in the pro field, I have a similar balancing act with work, training, commuting, seeing friends, etc. I believe that sleep deserves to be a higher priority than we make it. With enough sleep I become a MUCH more pleasant and productive person. I always joke with my coach that we need to 'sleep our way to success'. :)

Thank you. Learning how to pace properly is practiced in training. On the bike and run you have to constantly monitor your effort. I think the swim, however, is more tactical. You need to pay attention to holding onto the feet in front of you, even if it feels like you're hanging on for dear life!

Hi TJ, There's not a half-ironman in the immediate future, so I do not see an Ironman on the horizon. I'm sticking with the short events. Joining a triathlon club is an excellent way to learn more about the sport. I met many of my first training partners after joining the DC Triathlon Club a few years ago and I continue to attend club events.

If by sent 'em, you mean did I push myself, then yes. I did not hold back during the race and it was a very rewarding moment to cross the finish knowing that I had given it my best.

My favorite bike training near DC has been riding the Columbia Triathlon course because it's so tough. MacArthur blvd and Falls Rd are good options, too. Hains Point is convenient--just be mindful of all the buses/cars/you name it that zip around.

Hi! Swimming is a challenge because there is a lot of skill involved and requires LOTS of practice (I spent hours and hours of my youth staring at the blackine at the bottom of the pool). If doing a triathlon at this point is too big a stepping stone, you can lower the bar to make it more manageable. Put in enough pool time to where you are comfortable in the water, then you can think about swimming in open water down the road.

The Iron Girl races are women only events. It's a good way to... get your feet wet.

Without a question, performing well requires years of work and dedication. I am definitely in better shape than when I first started racing pro, but I also have a better understanding of how to be competitive and stay in race mode even if I can't see my competitors on the course. The mental aspect of triathlon (and all sports) is very important.

I work full time and train as much as my body can handle. You just have to make the time--I don't have a TV so that probably adds a couple hours to my day that I might otherwise not have! I love spending time with my friends and family and seeing them keeps me sane. Dating is a challenge when you miss happy hours to train. :) Let me add that my office closed an hour ago in light of the holiday weekend so I'm chatting on my time.