Della Irby W45-49

phoenix, arizona

How did you get your start in Triathlons? Starting riding an indoor bike with cross-training for running, found I loved it and got certified as a Spin Instructor, bought my first bike and then started doing duathlons, had to learn to swim before I could do a triathlon.  I self taught myself to swim (you can tell it was self taught) and did my first sprint, I was hooked...duathlons was much harder on me than triathlons so I switched to triathlons. 

What is your favorite workout? any run but love to do hill repeats.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” reading by the pool.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? Lance Armstrong, He is a fighter.

If you could have one superhero power what would it be? speed

Describe your biggest race disaster. I have asthma, I started an ocean swim at a half ironman and hyperventilated which turned into panic which turned into an asthma attack, I could not breath and went under water twice, I thought I was drowning when I was yanked into a boat and give care.  After the shock wore off I was so upset with myself that I went for a 2 hour run during the race and questioned myself many times If I should be doing this sport. 

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? yes, coffee

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? Ice Cream.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Credit Card Collector, at first I believed all the sad stories then when I found they were mostly lies I got to the point I never believe anyone. 

Recent Results: Texas Motor Speedway Duathlon-Overall Female Champion; Tri For Life Spint-Overall Female Champion; McKinney Sprint Tri-2nd Place Female and Master Champion; St. Croix 70.3-3rd age group and 70.3 World Qualifer; Prarieman Sprint Triathlon, 2nd OA, 1st Master;  Texasman Sprint Triathlon, 1st OA.