10 Questions with (Ironman Champ!) Bree Wee

Sports Background before triathlons?

Pre triathlon, Surfer girl. Some barrel racing too, even did one rodeo in Texas. I swam with the sharks (sys) but had to quit when I got surf serious.

Pre-race ritual?

Pre race ritual-put on the music, dance a little and eat a lot, and say a quick prayer.

Strange place you bodyglide?

Body glide under my arms, but I think a lot of girls do because of sports bras rubbing.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Most played at the moment (I change IPOD list monthly) are Sweetest Thing by Clear Conscious and No Other Love by Common Kings.

What do you crave when you are bonking?

I crave spam musubi, jamba juice, burgers, honey and almond butter sandwhiches, pineapple, and papaya at all times of the race.

How many #2's pre-race?

At least one.

What is an obscure website you visit?

Its not obscure but I frequent pro surfers websites, a lot, too much maybe.

What's in your special needs bag?

No special needs bag for me.

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Team Macca.

What's your ride?

I ride Swift Carbon.

*Bree taking the W at Ironman Louisville last weekend is probably the closest feeling I'll ever have to winning an ironman, I wanted it soooo badly for her. You can read about her struggle this season in her own words by following her blog (http://breeweehawaii.blogspot.com/), but being privy to this info I think made me want it all the more-so for her. I like me a good comeback story.

10 Questions with Rachel Ross

Sports Background before triathlons?

Paddling canoes in middle/high school, basketball, recreational running. Pre-race ritual?

Chatting

Strange place you bodyglide?

My toenails. Keeps my polish on.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Right now it'd have to be: We Are Young - Fun. Just Say Yes - Snow Patrol. [editor's note: this interview was conducted about 2 months ago so this playlist is most likely outdated]

What do you crave when you are bonking?

My bed.

How many #2's pre-race?

One, if I'm lucky.

What is an obscure website you visit?

I check the wind and surf graphics for the Molokai Channel on NOAA daily, because I like to go fishing.

What's in your special needs bag?

Bike: nothing, that special needs stop looks like a total disaster. Run: a couple immodium and a five-hour energy, just in case.

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

What? I have to pick? Macca is hotter. But I guess I have to go with Crowie, because humble wins.

What's your ride? (Include a pic)

It's a Betty Designs/Team Nytro Kestrel 4000.

Rachel Ross is that kid in high school who didn't do homework, and who didn't study but nailed a perfect score on the SAT. She comes off ditzy in the social media world but my guess is that she's pretty damn smart, and all of it is a marketing ploy. The girl can write...some funny stuff too. Follow her race at Hawaii 70.3 this weekend and on her blog: http://www.runlikeamother.com/

10 Questions with James Duff

Sports Background before triathlons?

In high school I was a 4 sport athlete, water polo, basketball, track and swimming. In college (UCLA, go Bruins!), I played water polo. However, I competed in my first triathlon as a sophomore in high school and from then on, I knew that is what I wanted to do.

Pre-race ritual?

Coffee, coffee and coffee.

Strange place you bodyglide?

Unfortunately I'm not too creative with bodyglide, it goes on my ankles, wrist, and neck.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

2 songs from Black Eyed Peas, first album, Behind the Front

"positivity"

"Karma"

What do you crave when you are bonking?

A big bowl of Frosted Flakes (or fresh legs when we being passed)

How many #2's pre-race?

Having crohn's disease, this can be tricky, let's say 3.

What is an obscure website you visit?

An econ and finance website.

http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/

What's in your special needs bag?

I've never done an IM so I don't have to pack a special a needs bag, but IM Florida 2012 I think I'll be grabbing one... [editor's note: May I suggest a Red Bull James, that stuff will bring you back to life]

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Super tough question, I think both guys are great athletes and fierce competitors. They're both two of the greatest athletes in the world and I respect how each of them is true to their personality. I am fan of both guys, but if I had to choose, I'll be on team Crowie.

What's your ride?

Parcycles in Carrboro, NC (a local shop) helped me get the Argon 118. It's going to be fast.

*It's good to see James back racing, and even better, as a pro. He paid his dues to the corporate world working crazy hours as a lawyer, and now with some money under his belt, he's spending a lot more time playing. You can follow James on his website: http://crohnictriathlete.blogspot.com/

10 Questions with Beth Walsh

Sports Background before triathlons?

The college triathlon: beer-party-Taco Bell. Prior to my college triathlon days, however, I did play field hockey and lacrosse throughout high school.

Pre-race ritual?

Mainucure & Pedicure 72 hours from race day. Polish selection must compliment race kit or shoes.

Strange place you bodyglide?

I don't bodyglide. Chafing during a race is good- helps me move my focus from deep pain in the legs & lungs to superficial chafing pain. Seriously. *editor's note: Wow, most original and HK response to this question I've had yet. Two words: BAD ASS!

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

"The Champ" - Nelly
"The Fighter"- Gym Class Heroes

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Salt & Vinegar chips & watermelon

How many #2's pre-race?

The standard 1, plus 1 for good luck = 2

What is an obscure website you visit?

skinnyrunner.com it's like the US Weekly of running blogs.

What's in your special needs bag?

Popchips & redbull

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Macca

What's your ride?

Women's Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod

*Beth is making her pro debut this weekend at the Desert International Triathlon. My jaw is still slightly agape from Beth's bad-ass 3:09 marathon split in Kona two years ago. You can follow Beth in her first year racing as a pro at her website: http://bethwalshracing.com/

10 Questions with Michelle Simmons

Sports Background before triathlons?

My mom put me in gymnastics when she saw me sitting in the center splits on my own accord when I was 4... that lasted ~10 years until I had a decent growth spurt. I also swam as a kid and was a springboard diver in high school and college. Triathlon came right at the end of my collegiate diving career and I was very happy to finally be involved in a sport that didn't have judges deciding who won!

Pre-race ritual?

Shaving my legs. That must be leftover from my high school swimming days.

Strange place you bodyglide?

Maybe it's most strange that I don't use body glide at all? Not even for 2 hour ocean swims.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Whataya Want From Me, Adam Lambert & Poker Face, Lady Gaga

What do you crave when you are bonking?

COKE!

How many #2's pre-race?

Depends on how big the race is. At least 2... 4 if it's a big race. Maybe 5 at Kona. Lol.

What is an obscure website you visit?

I spend too much time on Training Peaks, blogs, FB, and Twitter to spend any time on other websites.

What's in your special needs bag?

Bike: CO2 cartridges and tubes, Infinit bottles (2), e21. Run: Red Bull, e21.

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Macca. I love it that he is so outspoken and honest!

What's your ride?

Cervelo P3. I love that bike so much that I now have two of them. :)

Michelle and I did a little training camp in Kona this past summer, and since then, I have mad respect for her. She is finishing her final prep for the Ironman World Championships in less than two weeks. You can follow her on her blog.

10 Questions with Matt Cusack

Sports Background before triathlons?

Nada, previous to getting into triathlons I spent my time in the mountains; rock and ice climbing, so compared to some of my days in the mountains, Ironman is kinda short.

Pre-race ritual?

Coffee, I tend to pace around transition and get into my zone, love soaking up race morning energy!

Strange place you bodyglide?

Hmmm, anywhere there could be friction pretty much.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Welcome to the Jungle- GNR and We run this town-Jay Z

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Coca Cola! a cold one and some plain ol' salty potato chips

How many #2's pre-race?

Usually 2

What is an obscure website you visit?

Cascadeclimbers.com but not sure if its obscure.

What's in your special needs bag?

Bike: First endurance liquid shot flask
Run: Red Bull (defizzed)

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

After reading Macca's book, I really have even more respect for him. Plus, he keeps in interesting, Crowie is too low key.

What's your ride?

2006 Quintana Roo Seduza, its been very good to me.

*I'm looking forward to ripping it up with Matty on the IM Canada race course this weekend. You can follow Matt at his website.

10 Questions with Kim DeNovellis-Schwabenbauer

Sports Background before triathlons?

When I wasn't picking flowers and talking to plants I was running with my Mom at a very early age (like 10). From there I ran cross country & track in high school and then eventually walked on to the Penn State Cross Country Team (and graduated a Captain - who would have thought!). I loved running so much I ran a few marathons after college I was bored and ready to do something knew - enter - duh duh duuuhhhhh, my new love of all three sports!

Pre-race ritual?

Well, I have to be honest about this one. I don't really have one except lately I've had this lovely issue race morning of needing to not walk, but RUN to the bathroom at Mock 2. In Lake Placid it was the woods, twice, because the lines were so long. I hope that ritual doesn't continue much longer, but maybe it's my pre-race nerves and maybe it means I'm ready to race! Who knows!

Strange place you bodyglide?

I wish I had some.. just the standard P.G. answer here - Neck, under my arms, ankles, sometimes feet. Cleavage - ha.. just kidding.

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Marching On (Timbo Version - Featuring One Republic) & I Need a Doctor by Eminem!

What do you crave when you are bonking?

COKE. It's all about the coke. I try to hold on as long as possible without it but man.. that stuff is a little like liquid gold out there sometimes!

How many #2's pre-race?

Well, I think I already answered this one but it depends on how nervous I am or if I'm in a foreign country! I'd say at least two! I supposed its my body's way of not carrying extra weight for the race.. who knows!

What is an obscure website you visit?

I'm so boring. I visit all the regulars - blogs, Facebook, Trainingpeaks, slowtwitch. I DO like to shop online though (little too much so I'll hit up a piperlime or Alloy etc. when I want to put things in the "shopping bag' but not actually buy them!

What's in your special needs bag?

Bike - three more bottles of Infinite, extra Powergels (in case I drop mine), extra salt tabs, pepto bismol chewable tablets, immodium.

Run - extra gels, same items as above, some little treat like a candy bar or gel blasts in case I'm like so over gels by that point and then a throw away pair of running shorts.. well, in case I poop my pants or heaven knows what else. Listen, it's Ironman people, anything can happen!

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Honestly, I would have always said Crowie but I just read Macca's book and it was pretty dang compelling. I'd have to say Macca these days.

What's your ride?

Trek Speed Concept / Ultegra with 404 Zipp Wheels affectionately known as "The Green Speed Machine"

*Kim recently placed 1st amateur overall at IM Lake Placid, and now she has a matching first place trophy to go with her overall amateur win at IM Cozumel. The best thing about Kim? She calls me "kid" all the time, and she is six years younger than I am.

10 Questions with Beth Shutt

Sports Background before triathlons?

I grew up as a runner. Lord knows I don't have enough eye-hand coordination to play any other sports! I ran cross country and track in high school and then for Penn State University. I was by no means a superstar but I absolutely adored running growing up and in many ways it has shaped my life. I think running will always be my first love!

Pre-race ritual?

I have a pre-race happy dance that I do every race morning! Luckily though, only my husband gets to see it because I usually do my happy dance in the hotel before we leave for transition. :)

Strange place you bodyglide?

Just the normal places. Ankles, wrists, neck (and everywhere else in between).

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Right now I'd say they are Manifesto (by The City Harmonic) and The Greatness of Our God (by Hillsong). At Eagleman I had The Greatness of Our God song stuck in my mind for the entire race. I sang the chorus over and over and over again in my head. Not a bad thing at all but by the end of the day I was ready for a new song! :) Hillsong is one of my all time favorite groups and they are actually coming to Pittsburgh in August!!!!!! (they are from Australia and don't tour in the US often)

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Usually something really salty. Like Fritos. But then again I've been known to dream of ice cream Snickers bars on long, hot rides too... :)

How many #2's pre-race?

At least 2! (or there is trouble...)

What is an obscure website you visit?

I visit LetsRun.com pretty much every day. It's not obscure to those runners out there but triathletes from a non-running background might not know it. It's how I keep up on all the running news!

What's in your special needs bag?

Well last year I did my first IM and I was utterly overwhelmed at the concept of special needs bags. I had no idea what to put in them! So I put one of everything extra (gels, salt, PowerBars, flat fixing materials in the bike bag, etc...). I never took the bike special needs bag but I did take the run one. Mostly because I was moving so slowly through the energy lab that at that point, the special needs bag seemed like something fun to do. :)

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

I was always a Team Crowie member because I really admire the fact that he just gets the job done. Not a lot of talk or bravado, just solid results year in and year out. But then I read Macca's book and realized that perhaps I had some misconceptions about him. I have a lot of respect for Macca and what he does for our sport and also for his passion. Can I be a member of both teams?

What's your ride?

Cervelo P3 with Sram components. I don't know a lot about bikes and all their parts but here is a picture of it! :)

*Simply put, Beth rocks! She recently won her age-group at Eagleman 70.3, finishing 10th woman overall, pros included, and earned her slot to both Worlds 70.3 and Kona. But more importantly, she is a damn good person!

10 Questions with Rebekah (Bek) Keat

Sports Background before triathlons?

I played every sport: basketball, Netball, soccer, etc it was then I realized I'm not a team player!!

Pre-race ritual?

Good sleep, eat as much as I can, run to a last minute toilet stop! Lots of special stretches with my twin sister only she can do them properly she is my little good luck charm!

Strange place you bodyglide?

Haha my fanny.... By the way it's not your butt in Australia!!!

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Pink "so what" and Angus and Julia Stone "and the boys"

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Salty chips!!! Or my girlfriend haha!!!

How many #2's pre-race?

Oh dear it's all just continuous so no idea haha!!

What is an obscure website you visit?

Can't tell u... Too much googling

What's in your special needs bag?

My name and phone number as by the finish line I may forget it!! Chocolate and Redbull

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Sorry Macca I love Nerrie n Crowie so team crow has to get my vote!!

What's your ride?

Cervelo P4 the Best bike I have ridden by a mile!

*I had the good fortune of meeting and training with Bek for a bit while living on the Goldie (Gold Coast, Australia) last year. What separates Bek from most (well except Bree Wee) is her energy. She is UP all the time and well, talking to her is like reading a Valentine's card, every other word is "babe", "gorgeous", "hugs", "sexy", etc...You can follow her on the TeamTBB website: http://blogs.teamtbb.com/rebekahkeat/

10 Questions with James Walsh

Sports Background before triathlons?

Baseball, surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding. I didn't start any endurance sports until 2006.

Pre-race ritual?

coffee and bathroom FIRST thing in the morning. other than that just trying to laugh and stay relaxed. not taking myself too seriously.

Strange place you bodyglide?

anywhere and every where... but I prefer this: http://www.uddercream.com/dry-skin-udderly-smooth-udder-cream.shtml for the "special areas"!

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

recently. rise against - satellite & Tinie Tempah - written in the stars

What do you crave when you are bonking?

bonking... what's that? haha... usually a big bag of kettle chips.

How many #2's pre-race?

hopefully one and done!

What is an obscure website you visit?

not really obsure but i spend quite a bit of time browsing http://beeradvocate.com/ & http://beernews.org/

What's in your special needs bag?

still figuring that out... never had a special needs bag.

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Macca for sure. I love his confidence and what he brings to the sport... he makes it a sport.

What's your ride (pic would be cool)?

Specialized Shiv. Love it!

*James recently won his age-group, placed 5th amateur overall, and 35th including the pro's at California 70.3. You can follow him on his website: http://jameswalshracing.com/

10 Questions with Ian Mikelson

Sports Background before triathlons?

Youth: Surfing and Jr. Lifeguards
High School: Football
College: Sport Drinking

Pre-race ritual?

Powerbar and Banana immediately upon rising 3hrs 10mins before race gun sounds

Strange place you bodyglide?

Toes

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Eminem- Lose Yourself, Metalica- Master of Puppets

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Soda and Salty chips

How many #2's pre-race?

2- minimum

What is an obscure website you visit?

Your blog. Obscure enough?

What's in your special needs bag?

Bike: Red Bull, 2 PowerBars chopped in half
Run: 2 Fuel Belt flasks: 1 Red Bull, 1 w/ 4 PowerGels and water

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Neither, I like them both.

What's your ride (pic would be cool)?
Specialized Transition Pro.

*You can learn more about Ian at his website: http://www.ianmikelsonracing.com/

10 Questions with Charisa Wernick

Sports Background before triathlons?

Gymnastics

Pre-race ritual?

Warm up run

Strange place you bodyglide?

I got nothing for you - unless you think it's weird that I bodyglide beneath my timing chip

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Someday by Flipsyde & something by Wolf Parade or Sia, also the Raveonnettes

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Pizza, mac & cheese - dirt - pretty much anything with calories in it :)

How many #2's pre-race?

Hmmm I'll go with two

What is an obscure website you visit?

apartmenttherapy.com - awesome and creative decorating ideas for small spaces

What's in your special needs bag?

Gels & maybe a bar

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Crowie

What's your ride?

QR CD0.1

*You can learn more about Charisa at http://charisawernick.com

10 Questions with Henry Hagenbuch

Sports Background before triathlons?

I played all sports as a kid, but I excelled at racquet sports and anything endurance related. Don't exactly know where I got the endurance aspect, but I'm happy to have it!

Pre-race ritual?

The night before: about the worst night of sleep possible - waking up every 30 minutes out of fear that I slept through my alarm; my T1/T2 area dawns a large bright pink and white striped beach towel, making it easier to spot coming out of the water and off the bike; pretty much acting like a duck on water - above the surface, I'm calm and collected; below the surface, I'm churning a mile a minute in anticipation!

Strange place you bodyglide?

Ha. I would have to say my good ol' bunions (thanks Mom), although no matter how much bodyglide or protection I put on those puppies, they get torn to shreds without fail!

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

That's a tough one. I have quite the eclectic library of music.. Off the top of my head, "Can't you hear me knocking" by the Stones..and.."Da Funk" by Daft Punk.

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Good question. I've never actually bonked before in my short career (watch I just jinxed myself), but when I'm running low on energy, honestly the first thing I can grab! I would probably say chips, wheat thins, and if I have left overs, I won't even bother heating it up, doesn't matter what it is!!

How many #2's pre-race?

Nothing out of the ordinary, sorry to disappoint!

What is an obscure website you visit?

I've got nothing. Let'srun.com is about as odd as it gets for me.

What's in your special needs bag?

Probably too much stuff! Extra everything, because I'm the type to make sure everything goes as planned. Race belts, body glide, head bands/hats, glasses, sun block (even though I always forget), about 500 rubber bands, liquids that I never drink, and a pair of flip flops so my bunions can breathe after the race!

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Team Crowie

What's your ride?

Cervelo P3 on American Classic wheels - In the shop as we speak but here's the old configuration!

*How old am I? Well, let's just say that I taught and coached Henry when he was in the seventh grade. It was amazing to watch him run then and still is amazing to watch him chase his triathlon dreams. Follow him on his website [http://www.gohhgo.com/] and blog [http://gohhgo.blogspot.com/]

10 Questions with Libby Bergman

Sports Background before triathlon?

When I was little, anything I could get my hands on. From middle school on.....hard core swimmer. but not a very good one :)

Pre-race ritual?

Jon Kabat Zin meditation CD night before the race, Ipod chill/focus mix while getting ready and peanut/butter banana sandwich with ensure for breakfast. Get there super early then chill on the beach with my husband and enjoy the sunrise. Appreciate that I'm about to race and get in my happy place.

Strange place you bodyglide?

Ankle strap and upper chest in addition to all the places no one wants to talk about :)

What are the two most played songs on your ipod?

Changes a lot but right now....Ice Cube- It was a good day and Black and yellow, Black and yellow..... (But I'm a die hard packers fan! go pack!!!)

What do you crave when you are bonking?

Coke on ice, those 79 cent cheese and peanut butter crackers from the gas station

How many #2's pre-race?

Haha. If its my lucky day, several.

What is an obscure website you visit?

101cookbooks.com

What's in your special needs bag?

Fig newmans, warm clothes, doubles of all nutrition, a letter of inspiration

Team Macca or Team Crowie?

Team Crowie. Love Macca's passion and deep knowledge of the sport but not a huge fan of the cockiness.

What's your ride?

2008 QR Lucero!