Chrissy Parks, W30-34

tucson, arizona

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? Four, very educational, years

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Can’t do it without Skins, Optygen HP, XOOD, Newton’s – the list is endless. Also, can’t forget the exceptional bike mechanics that keep my machine vroomin’

How did you get your start in Triathlons? Like so many others, I was a runner who kept getting injured. Swimming & biking are great cross training activities that I couldn’t give up.  Throw a type “A” personality into the mix and you get a triathlete!

What is your favorite workout? I love the track so my fave run workout = 50 x 200, leaving on 1 minute.  In the pool it’s anything where I get to use paddles or a band, and on the bike it has to be Mt. Lemmon or the Shoot out – Tucson classics!

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” red wine and sleeping….. usually, in that order.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? If she’d dial it back a bit and wait up for me, Chrissie Wellington.  She’s so sincere, positive and motivating… I’d love to pick her brain.

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do? I love Hawaii, but I would also love to try the Norseman, Alpe d’huez and IM Lanzarote. 

 Describe your biggest race disaster. Knock wood, nothing too catastrophic. I’ve had my share of lost odometers, lost nutrition and a loose head set that could have been very bad and GI disturbances from both ends.

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Starbucks Americano or house blend, bathroom x 3, MP3 player, lots of smiling and takin’ it all in.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?  McDonalds or Taco Bell depending on how my stomach feels.

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? (For example, have you driven into the garage with a bike on the roof, run over race wheels, etc.) Being as clumsy as I am, I’m surprised I haven’t, but I’ve been lucky so far.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? I have to say that I’ve enjoyed all of them!

What adjective describes you best? Enthusiastic

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your body will keep changing and adapting to what it regularly does, in order to become more efficient. Keep at it.  Know no limits, dream big and train like you mean it!!