Pushing Through Hypothermia

· College mathematics professor for 20 years, receiving tenure 2 years ago at El Camino College in Torrance CA. · Born and raised in Los Angeles, currently living in Hermosa Beach. · Bachelors and Masters degree from Loyola Marymount University. · For almost 12 years, I was a “freeway flyer” teaching at 3-4 colleges a semester, just trying to make ends meet. I was FINALLY lucky enough be hired full time as a Professor at El Camino in 2013. · During that time, I was spending more time in my car than anywhere else. Just driving, teaching, eating, driving, teaching, eating…eating junk food on the run all day. I was probably 25-30 pounds heavier than I am now. · My sister asked if I would run a 5k with her in 2010. I trained my butt off and while my time was less than stellar (36 minutes. My current PR is 20:06!), I was hooked. I ran track in grade school and loved it, but nothing after that. The 5k in 2010 was what started this entire triathlon thing. · In 2012 I ran my first half-marathon (Orange County Marathon) in 2:36. It was slow but steady. I was so proud of myself and at the same time it was beyond my comprehension how someone could run TWICE that. It boggled my mind. · In 2014 I did a “reverse” tri in Los Alamitos (called ‘Race on the Base’). I literally had to borrow someone’s bike, swim cap and bathing suit. Even though it was a ‘super sprint’ race, I was absolutely in love with the sport. I felt that if I could really get into it, it would allow me to be active longer in life by biking and swimming instead of running all the time. Less pounding on the joints. · Since 2014, I’ve gone on to complete countless half-marathons, sprint and Olympic distance triathlon races, 2 Gran Fondo bike races, 7 half-Ironman races (PR of 5:26 at 70.3 Santa Cruz in 2018), 1 full Ironman (Ireland 2019 - now THAT is a hell of a story), Chicago Marathon (where I BQed with 3:39 finish) and named an Ironman All World Athlete in 2018 and 2019 (Top 5% in my Age Group). · I will be running the NYC Marathon in November for charity (Team Autism Speaks). It’s been such a humbling experience raising the money for this great cause. Running the race for a cause bigger than myself is going to truly be something special. · Non-athletic fun fact: In college I was the drummer in an all-girl pop/punk band who was produced by one of the members of the 80’s band The Go-Go’s. · 2019 sponsors/team member: o Wattie Ink Hit Squad Team o SBR Product Ambassador o NUUN Ambassador o BOCO Gear MVP Team · Local club affiliations: o LA Tri Club o South Bay Running Club o Tower 26