Name: Trish Byron
Background: Trish is the Vice President of Corporate Counsel and Security for Fidelity Mutual Life. She is an attorney, wife, mother, and athlete.
Triathlon History: Through Trish’s seven years of competition she has participated in distances from sprint to Ironman.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She became part of the SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon mentor program to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle and sport of triathlon.

 

Name: Gretchen Cooney
Background: Gretchen is a mom to 4-year old Jack.  She is also the Chester County area franchise owner and instructor for Baby Boot Camp, and the PR and Marketing Director for the Philadelphia InsuranceTriathlon and the SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon.
Triathlon History: Gretchen started participating in triathlons in the late 1990’s, then took a break to get married and have a baby. She started training seriously again four years ago. She has done races of all distances, including two Ironman races, and recently finally qualified for the Boston Marathon.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Gretchen loves combining her passion for triathlon with the opportunity to meet women who are new to the sport. She remembers the exhilaration of finishing her first triathlon, and wants others to experience it, too. Plus she’s made a lot of mistakes and would like to help others avoid them. She looks forward to helping others get hooked on her “habit”.

 

Name: Carla Cue
Background: Carla is a third year criminology PhD student active in her school government, community service, football and has recently taken up boxing.
Triathlon History: She did her first triathlon in the summer of 2006.  She continued racing and had podium finishes in 7 races during the summer of 2007. She is now training for her first Ironman in the summer of 2008.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: After doing her first race without a real mentor and then seeing the difference that being on a team made, she wanted to offer the same guidance that she received from her teammates to other women.

 

Name: Barclay Cunningham
Background: Barclay is a medical editor with Merck. She spends her free time biking whenever possible, swimming whenever she has to, and running whenever her training partner- Zeus the Siberian Husky- gets antsy.
Triathlon History: Barclay started out in triathlon in 1997. She began with sprint and Olympic distances and got hooked on the sport. She is now a 6-time Ironman finisher.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She joined the mentor program to help encourage women of all fitness levels to get involved in triathlon.

 

Name: Julie Deery
Background: Julie is a massage therapist, artist, singer and mother.
Triathlon History: Julie started racing in 2005 and is an active member of the T3 triathlon club. She decided when she turned forty that she was going to complete an Ironman triathlon. She fell in love with the sport and continues to compete in age group triathlons.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: From her experience, she hopes to shed light on topics of concern and share any personal knowledge she can.

 

Name:  Stephanie Evans
Background: Stephanie has been riding horses for 25 years and has 2 horses of her own along with 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 husband.
Triathlon History: Stephanie has been a triathlete for over 10 years and participated in 75 races ranging from sprint distance to Ironman.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Stephanie has become a mentor because she still remembers how hard her first race was with little guidence.

 

Name: Barbara Feinstein
Background: Barbara is a stay-at-home mom of 2 competitive swimmers, Bradley (11), and Melissa (8).  She owns a small hand-made jewelry business.
Triathlon History: Barbara has competed in many sprint triathlons over the past four years, and quite often places in her age group. Last year she completed her first Olympic Distance triathlon in Maryland and she is already registered for 3 Olympic Distance triathlons in 2008.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Barbara became a mentor because she wants other women to experience the awesome sense of accomplishment and empowerment that comes with completing a triathlon. With a little encouragement, women can do anything they set their minds to!

 

Name: Tracy Frary
Background: Tracy is a Director in Strategy Development at Merck and mom to a 10 year old boy and 7 year old girl (both budding triathletes).
Triathlon History: Tracy has been doing triathlons for the past 7 years.  She has completed one Ironman triathlon (Coeur D'Alene, '06) and is in training for another (Lake Placid, '08!).  Tracy is also the Race Director for the School's Out Kids Triathlon in Horsham, PA (June 8th, 2008).
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She became a mentor to share her passion about triathlon and to support and encourage other women in achieving their goals…and having fun doing it!

 

Name: Maggie Freeman
Background:  Maggie is a Sergeant with Manalapan Police Department who supervises 13 officers on the swing shift.
Triathlon History: Maggie has competed in triathlon and duathlon events for approximately 10 years.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: To share her knowledge of the sport.  When she started, she had no one to guide her and was totally lost.  She wants to ensure that doen't happen to anyone else.  She would also like to show young women that they can balance a successful career and triathlon.

 

Name: Kate Gaffney
Background: Kate currently works with SportsWorks of Manayunk in their Sales Department. She is fun, friendly, and a compassionate person who loves the sport and working with people.
Triathlon History: She is currently entering her second season of training. She is planning to participate in 3 Olympic distance and numerous Sprint races. She aspires to run the Philadelphia Marathon this upcoming November.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Kate has a great interest in the SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon mentor program due to her positive experience mentoring high school students. Kate knows that when she started she was lost and would have appreciated this guidance. She hopes she can provide her mentees with all the helpful information she can.

 

Name: Grace Glowka
Background: Grace is an exercise instructor, fitness trainer, avid bicycle commuter, and recreational cyclist. She also is a pharmaceutical compliance professional, wife, and mom to three rescue cats.
Triathlon History: She is now entering her third season of training for multi-sport events. She likes to focus on sprint distance events as well as bicycle time trial events.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Throughout her “fitness life” she has acquired a vast amount of knowledge from many mentors. She has made it through difficult training schedules and enjoys the excitement of competition. Above all, she has met wonderful people who have made her a better and well rounded person.

 

Name: Rachel Haddock
Background: Rachel works in Biopharm at GlaxoSmithKline and is member of Philadelphia Triathlon Club.
Triathlon History: Rachel became involved in triathlon through Eastern PA Team in Training in 2000 and has completed many races including four Ironman triathlons.
Why She wants to be a SheROX mentor: Rachel became a mentor because she wants to help more women of all backgrounds experience the fun and accomplishment of completing a triathlon.

 

Name: Charlotte Hadley
Background: Charlotte is a National Security Analyst for SAIC in Northern Virginia and volunteers some of her time for Team Z, a triathlon team based in Arlington, VA.
Triathlon History: Charlotte has been a triathlete since 2005, has experience with sprint, Olympic and half Ironman distance races, and is currently training for Ironman Lake Placid.

Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Charlotte became a mentor to encourage and help new triathletes navigate the world of triathlon – we were all newbies once and a helping hand goes a long way!

 

Name: Diane Hauser
Background: Diane is a labor and employment attorney and the mother of two young boys, ages 3 and 1.
Triathlon History: Diane has competed in triathlons for ten years.  She has completed Ironman Florida and was a member of Team USA in the 2002 ITU Long Course World Championships.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor:  Diane decided to become a mentor because competing in triathlons has been a rewarding experience that she would like to share with other women.

 

Name: Monika Hill
Background: Monika works as a Human Resources Director, Spinning instructor and Volunteer for Rescue Animal Placements. Outside of tri-life, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Hunter and Chloe.

Triathlon History: Since 2002, Monika has been an avid racer. She has successfully completed 6 Ironman races as well as other distances.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Through this program she hopes to share the passion and energy of the triathlon community.  She wants to help women build awareness for the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a "can-do" attitude.

Name: Joan Hunter
Background: Joan teaches sixth grade and coaches Cross Country for the Colonial School District. Not only does Joan work in children’s athletics but has been participating in them since 7^th grade.
Triathlon History: Joan has a long history in the sport of triathlon. She was in the “2^nd wave” of triathletes during her first Triathlon, 14 years ago. She loves the sport and continues to compete.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She believes that through the SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon mentor program she can share her knowledge and support people by using what she has learned in her many years of competition.

Name: Kathryn Jones
Background: Kathryn is a USAT-certified race official,  founder of Cameron Strategic Insights, and presently is a student again pursuing pre-medical requirements after ten years in pharmaceuticals. 
Triathlon History: She has been living the triathlon life for six years and has found her zone with the 70.3 distance races.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Kathryn has become a mentor for the SheROX Philadelphia Triathlon in order to support other women in fulfilling their goals and in experiencing the excitement of triathlon.

Name: Colleen Kohm
Background: Colleen coaches swimming to kids ages 9-12 and adults.  In 2004, she began and coached the Triathlon Swim clinic at the Upper Main Line YMCA.  She is mom to 5 year old Zach and 3 year old Sammy.  Colleen was a competitive swimmer for 18 years and competed in the '96 Olympic Trials.
Triathlon History: Although Colleen has been involved with coaching the swim portion of triathlons for 4 years, she has only been competing in triathlons for a year.  She completed 5 triathlons last summer and is looking forward to doing Philadelphia Insurance, Chicago Triathlon, SheROX and Diamondman this year.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Colleen decided to become a mentor for two reasons.  First to share with others the joy she has found in competing in triathlons.  And second, to help women overcome any fears that they may have, and help them 
prove to themselves that they are capable of MANY great things.

Name: Kim Larson
Background: Kim is a travel and events coordinator for Team Z (a Washington DC triathlon team), an advertising manager for Tri-DC Magazine, a USAT certified official, a student, a meeting planner, and an active member in the local triathlon community. 
Triathlon History: She began training for triathlon in January, 2006 with Team In Training, and has since become a member and eventually staff of Team Z, and has completed various sprint and Olympic distance races, two half Ironman distance races, and Ironman Coeur d’Alene. She is currently training for Ironman USA 2008.  
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She grew up in an extremely active household and still considers herself the “lazy one” in the family. Triathlon has made her realize that she is capable of just about anything, and there is nothing better than passing that realization and her passion for the sport on to others. She absolutely loves the smiles on an athletes' faces, and the look of accomplishment when they see they can do more than they ever dreamed.

Name:  Jennifer Laux
Background: Jennifer works in marketing at Merck, is a mom to two energetic and very fun boys, and spends most of her free time at the YMCA with her family.  
Triathlon History:  Jennifer was introduced to triathlons last year through Team in Training, completed two in Philadelphia, and fell in love with sport. She's been a swimmer for longer than she cares to admit, has dabbled in running – well, for longer than she cares to admit, and is new to biking and thinks it’s really fun because it’s sooooo fast!
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Because she thinks everyone should do a triathlon, at least once, just to see how a little bit of hard work at the front end can turn into so much fun during the event!   When Jennifer did her first triathlon through TNT, the support she got along the way from friends and colleagues carried her through the training, so that the event was nothing but fun.  She knows how important it is to get encouragement along the way, and hopes hopes she can give this to others who are entering the wonderful world of triathlons for the first time! 

Name: Heather Leiggi
Background: Heather Leiggi is from Bryn Mawr where she works as a physical therapist for Advanced Health and Fitness. She currently works as both a PT and a personal trainer.
Triathlon History: Heather has been actively involved in the sport of triathlon for six years. She focuses on Olympic distance races and has had the pleasure of traveling internationally to compete. Heather has also participated in 3 World Championships.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She enjoys motivating people, loves the sport, and feels that her abundance of experience can be helpful to others.

 

Name: Ana Leonard
Background: Up until the birth of her daughter, Ana was a swim coach and certified personal trainer. These days she is a stay at home mom to her one-year old.
Triathlon History: Ana has been competing in triathlons since 2002. Her triathlon history includes Ironman Wisconsin and Ironman Florida where she qualified for The World Championship in Kona Hawaii.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She has become a mentor to help women reach their goals.

 

Name: Renee Leone
Background: Renee is a physical therapist who enjoys working out, relaxing on the couch and watching TV.  She is also a member of the Philadelphia Triathlon Club.
Triathlon History: Renee has been competing in triathlons and duathlons for the past 4 years.  She has competed in sprint and olympic distance races and is going to compete in Ironman Lake Placid 2008.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She decided to become a mentor to help other female athletes enjoy the sport.  She would like to share her knowledge and experiences with others. 

 

Name: Sara McCartney
Background: Sara is a surgical/trauma ICU nurse, who loves travel, sport and outdoor adventure—the latest pursuit is rock climbing! 
Triathlon History: Sara started competing in triathlon 5 years ago and enjoys the Olympic and half ironman distances. 
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She wanted to become a mentor because she believes sports are the best way to feel strong, competent and proud; being partial to triathlon, Sara wants to share the excitement of accomplishment and the awesome feeling of being able to do whatever it is you dream of doing.

 

Name: Marita McCormick
Background: Marita  loves her job as an Elementary School Music Teacher.  If she isn’t out training, you will find her at swing dance events held in Philadelphia.
Triathlon History: This is her 3rd triathlon season and she hopes to build on the Half Ironman she completed last year as well as improvements she’s made on the bike and in the pool.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Marita really enjoys being a cheerleader and helping people achieve success

 

Name: Julie Minogue
Background: Julie is a Spanish teacher in the Central Bucks School District. She loves to teach, travel, try new things, and meet new people.
Triathlon History: Through racing she stays healthy and energetic! Racing has afforded her the opportunity to stay active after college sports. She has participated in various distances. But, Olympic is her favorite.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She is always pursuing people to participate in racing and knows that anyone has the ability to race. Through this program she hopes to make that possible.

 

Name: Karen Missimer
Background: She is a mother of two, a certified teacher, fitness instructor and trainer as well as an avid swimmer.
Triathlon History: When her grandfather was diagnosed with leukemia in December of 2000, she decided to participate in the triathlon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in April of 2001. Her love for her grandfather and triathlons still lives on.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She became a mentor to help others see that with hard work, dedication, and passion, you can accomplish the goals you have set out to achieve.

 

Name: Wendi Platt
Background: Wendi is a mother of three and a marketing consultant for Virgo III.
Triathlon History: Wendi is currently entering her second season and training for her first Half Ironman in June.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Through this program she wants to empower, encourage, and answer any questions a fellow triathlete may have.

 

Name: Janet Pudlinski
Background: Janet works as a community counselor at Hatboro-Horsham HS, working with at-risk students. She is also the Head Swim Coach of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and The Philadelphia Cricket Club.  She was a high school and collegiate swimmer. Currently, her favorite way to try to stay in shape is playing co-ed football in the spring and fall.
Triathlon History: Janet has only competed in one triathlon, but has worked behind the scenes on several – coordinating the lifeguards and helping to organize the swim portion of the race. She has also completed a number of bike rides and open water swims.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Janet is a strong believer in the positive benefits of physical activity – not just for the body, but mentally/emotionally too. She decided to become a mentor in order to encourage and support others, as well as help create a fun, enjoyable environment. She would like this to be an experience that others want to repeat.

 

Name: Laura Pyott
Background: Laura is an instructor of math and statistics at West Chester University, a girls basketball coach, and the mother of Bridget, 9 and Kelly, 5.
Triathlon History: Laura is starting her 4th season of competing and loves it.  She especially enjoys any race at the beach; ocean swims are her favorite.  She finished her first half-Ironman last year, and plans to do another in September.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: She has received so much guidance and advice from amazing people over the last 4 years, and now she’d like to be able to help someone else!

 

Name: Sue Rheingold
Background: Sue is a pediatric oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who has made Philadelphia her home for the past 11 years.
Triathlon History: She began doing triathlons in 1999 with the Team in Training Program and has now done over a dozen half Ironman and she completed Ironman Lake Placid in 2003. She is also an avid marathoner and adventure racer.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: As she will not be able to race this season she feels it is a perfect time to give back by mentoring women wanting to try something new and exciting.

 

Name: Madelaine Sayko
Background: Madelaine is a consultant in healthcare technology, a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania and mom to her teenage daughter Victoria.
Triathlon History: Madelaine began her triathlon activities when a serious accident restricted her running and she added biking to her routine.  Soon after she decided to try to tri and is now a very enthusiastic member of the tri-community.

Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Madelaine decided to become a mentor because triathlon has been such a positive experience in her own life and she would like to enable other women to have that sense accomplishment and inner strength.

 

Name: Cyndie Slagle
Background: Cyndie is a teacher for the Colonial School District. She loves to workout with her friends. She is always enthusiastic and says she will try anything once.
Triathlon History: Cyndie started off in sprint races and is working towards an Olympic race. She aspires to one day participate in a Half Ironman.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Cyndie likes to encourage people while racing and is now looking forward to encouraging her mentees.

 

Name: Nancy Smith
Background: Nancy is a triathlon coach who writes training plans for athletes to be successful in their triathlon goals.
Triathlon History: She has been competing in triathlon since 1998 and has been ranked All American by USAT, finishing 2nd in the Nation last year.  She has completed IM Lake Placid where she qualified for IM Hawaii.  She is also on Team USA, competing in National Triathlon and World Triathlon championships.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Nancy became a mentor to help athletes achieve their goals of completing a triathlon or setting a PR and feeling healthy and strong.  If an athlete feels good and is focused she/he can do anything, whether it's setting a PR or overcoming anxiety about competing. It is fun to see smiles on the faces of those who thought they could never achieve this goal.

 

Name:  Beth Sterling
Background:  Beth is a Law Firm Manager for a corporate and securities law firm in Columbia, Maryland. She has two mini training partners, her son Ashton and daughter Devin.
Triathlon History:  Beth has been competing in Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia since 2003.  She's also done one half Ironman triathlon and averages 5-8 Olympic and sprint triathlons per season.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor:  Beth wants to share with others the full triathlon experience and how much of a personal accomplishment it is to just to be able to step up to the starting line at any age, shape, size, or place in life.  She believes that it is an incredible process of self-discovery intertwined with hard work, laughter and the makings of life-long memories.  "You don't have to go fast. You just need to go!".

Name: Maryanne Sylvester
Background: Maryanne works as a Management Analyst for the IRS. She likes being surrounded by upbeat, fun, and challenging people who push her and themselves to the limit.
Triathlon History: Maryanne started participating in Triathlons three years ago. She has experience in both Olympic and Sprint distance races.
Why she wants to be a SheROX mentor: Maryanne believes that thorough the mentor program she can give encouragement and guidance to others. She truly believes triathlons are beneficial to everyone. Maryanne has learned a lot in the last three years and hopes to make other athletes feel comfortable with this unique experience.