Cindy Duby, W45-49

traverse city, mi

Describe your athletic background. I was in competitive swimming at an early age, played basketball, and I ran some track in school.  With my father’s inspiration, I began running races in my mid-20’s.  I’ve run the Chicago, Columbus, and Boston Marathons.  I raced mountain bikes in the early 90’s, and entered a few national races at the expert level.  I started competing in triathlons in 1992, and I completed my first Ironman in 2004.

 What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? All the cool clothes.

How did you get your start in Triathlons? My dad and I decided to do one together on a whim in 1992.  We’ve been doing the same race together every year since. 

What is your favorite workout? Hard to pick just one!  Early morning open water swim in the lake near my house with friends, followed with a brick run. 

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Good food and wine with family and friends, and snowboarding with my husband in the off season.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? I would have to pick my coach, Jim Birch, world-class triathlete, who I am lucky to train with all the time.

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do? Hawaii Ironman.

 Describe your biggest race disaster. It wasn’t a huge disaster, but a bit embarrassing.  I was in the run portion of the Accenture Chicago Triathlon and lost my focus. I followed some other runners (who were not participants in the race) off course and finally realized I had gone quite a ways out of my way, but I met some really nice people on my journey – TWICE!

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Spaghetti, my favorite pre-race meal. 

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?  A bar burger and beer.

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.) I have driven into my garage with my mountain bike on top. Luckily I only needed a new seat post, but I think the cedar trim on our garage is still in need of repair.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? I worked in a bakery and had to be to work at 5:00 a.m to get the doughnuts out.

What adjective describes you best? Dedicated.

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  The most important thing to always remember is to HAVE FUN.

Recent Race Results:  Inter Rockin’ Triathlon/Duathlon Race (Olympic) - 2:27:27, 3^rd OA; East Jordan Triathlon - 1/3mi/19.9mi/3mi, 1:32.38;1^st OA; Steelhead 70.3, 3rd AG; Ironman Louisville - 12:03.01, 13th AG