Raleigh Team Spotlight

The Raleigh Ambassador Team.



	Caryn Woodruff Occupation: Business Analyst What got you in to running? I stated running in the Air Force and have run on and off ever since. It keeps me sane! Favorite Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline Your Goal for 2012: improve on my marathon time and do my first tri! Favorite Race: Marine Corps Marathon Favorite Post-Work Out Meal: Rockin' Refuel & a Great Harvest Bread Co Cinnamon Pumpkin Muffin. When the going gets tough…(finish sentence): it might be time for a step back week!
	Dan McGowan Occupation: Director of Operations – PNC Arena What got you in to running?: Started High School Cross Country, enjoy the fitness and people who also enjoy it. Favorite Shoe: Mizuno Elixir Your Goal for 2012: Have a fun tri season and build speed/endurance for an Ironman in 2013 Favorite Race: Boston Marathon Favorite Post-work out Meal: 5 Guys
	Kara Bonneau Occupation: Database Analyst What got you in to "try"ing sports?: I played sports in high school, but after two knee surgeries, I got away from it for quite a long time. I started running again in 2007 when a friend talked me into running a 10 miler near my house. I thought it was crazy at the time, but I’ve been running ever since and just finished my second marathon, qualifying for Boston in the process! Last year I wanted a new challenge and decided to set my sights on finishing a triathlon. It was no easy feat for me, as I had never completed a lap in the pool in my life, but I kept my resolution and finished 2 sprints. I have a long way to go (especially swimming!), and that is part of what I love about endurance sports - with dedication and hard work there is always room for improvement! Favorite Shoe: Saucony Kinvara Your Goal for 2012: 26.2 PR at the New York City Marathon. Complete first Olympic Distance Triathlon. Favorits Race: Tobacco Trail 10 Miler Favorite Post-Workout Meal: Anything really... I love to eat! But if I had to choose one thing, I would have to choose a post-race beer :)
	Ken Cates Occupation: Construction Manager What got you in to “try”ing sports?: In December 2009, I reached a point where I knew I needed to make a change. I was getting further out of shape than I was comfortable with and had to shake things up. On the advice of a friend, I joined a gym that specializes in dynamic, high intensity, group-based exercises and immediately starting making incredible gains in strength, fitness, and body composition. As a reward to myself for reaching my goal weight, I bought a new Kuota Kharma at Trysports and began riding. Enjoying my new-found fitness, I decided to try a new challenge and entered the New Bern YMCA Triathlon to see if I could do it. I did it, loved it, and am now completely hooked. Favorite Post-Race Meal: It used to be a big juicy cheeseburger. Now that I have gone gluten-free, who knows? Favorite Shoe: Brooks Infiniti Your Goal for 2010: Compete in the Beach2Battleship Half Iron Distance Triathlon. (With the rest of the TrySports Ambassador Team).
	Jason Lovelace Occupation: Project Manager What got you in to “try”ing sports? I grew up running in Florida (GO GATORS!) but it was not until I moved to N.C. 3 years ago that I found that I really enjoyed the bike. I have always been into competitive sports but gravitated towards triathlon because it is you against yourself. I still hate the swim and love the way you feel at the end of the race. Favorite Post-Race Meal: Chipotle chicken burrito bowl Favorite Shoe: Brooks Ghost 3 Your Goals for 2011: PR in Olympic distance; Escape from Alcatraz; Half IM at Beach to Battleship When the going gets tough…(finish sentence): focus on what’s ahead and forget what’s left behind.
	Harvey Haigler Occupation: Software Sales What got you in to “try”ing sports? Back surgery. Seriously, the doctor told me I couldn’t play basketball anymore and I had to find another addiction. I’m pretty sure my wife thinks Triathlon is a better one – not! Favorite Post-Race Meal: Cheeseburger and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon Favorite Shoe: Something light. I’m going to try something new this year. Your Goal for 2011: To stay injury free and finally beat some of my buddies in the Master Clydesdale group – that’s one tough group I tell you!
	Bill Bass Occupation: Performance Improvement Facilitator, WakeMed Health and Hospitals What got you in to running?: Relay triathlon in 2004 at Wrightsville Beach got me moving... City of Oaks Half '07, Umstead '08, City of Oaks Full '08, Shamrock Full '09 (BQ), Boston '10, Umstead '11, Medoc Full '11. It takes me places... Favorite Shoe: Mizuno Wave (Musha for racing, Elixir for speedwork, Ascend for trails, Inspre for base/build) Your Goal for 2012: Enjoy life! Race for the fun of it. Train for the healthy benefits. Inspire others to be more active. Favorits Race: Umstead, with Medoc a close second. Favorite Post-Workout Meal: Ice cream in summer time, cereal in winter. When the going gets tough...(finish sentence): Grab another gu! Put your head down and do work! (most useful when climbing Cemetery Hill in Umstead or Heartbreak Hill in Boston)
	Patricia Dickerson Occupation: Law Librarian What got you in to running?: Ran Cross Country in Jr. High and High School. Started running again last year for health/weight loss. Favorite Shoe: Brooks Ravenna Series Your Goal for 2012: Finish my first full marathon and break 2 hours in the half. Favorite Race: Living History Farms race in Urbandale, IA Favorite Post-Workout Meal: Bagels and orange juice, and cupcakes.