Erica Sheckler, W30-34

macungie, pa

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? This is my second full season.

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Definitely my TriSports.com visor. Also, my Blue Seventy transition bag! (I just ordered it, but I know it’s going to be a favorite!)

How did you get your start in Triathlons? When I first moved home and started swimming again, I met Craig, who was getting ready to do an off-road Ironman. I thought he was absolutely crazy! I spent the next few months completely satisfied swimming, but started to learn a lot about triathlons through the Masters group. Eventually I went to see Craig race. I was immediately amazed and inspired. I started doing open water swims and local road races, learning even more about training and racing along the way. Then for Valentine’s Day, he bought me a bike (how romantic). Eventually, I built up the courage to throw all three together! 

What is your favorite workout? Depends on the season... during the spring and late fall, I really enjoy a (very) long trail run. During the summer months, anything that really challenges me and gets me mentally prepared to race. Also, any open water training! After so many years in the pool, I really enjoy every chance I get to swim without lane lines.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Being on the other side... supporting Craig (he’s now my husband), cheering on our athletes, and volunteering. While it’s great to race and shoot for my own goals, there’s just something about watching someone you know cross the line. It’s also a blast being out on a course helping other athletes have (hopefully) a great race experience.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? It’s a toss-up between Heather Fuhr and Michellie Jones. They both just come off so down-to-earth and friendly, yet know when to get focused and serious. With their experience, I could certainly learn a lot!

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do? Anything in Switzerland- Rapperswil 70.3 would probably top the list.

Describe your biggest race disaster. So far, so good. (Knock on wood!)

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? I usually spend the week before over analyzing every little thing, driving my husband nuts in the process.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? While I don’t really deny myself any cravings, I do try to eat sensibly. However after a race, anything is fair game. I used to automatically go for a big bowl of ice cream, but as my races have gotten longer in distance, my intake of vanilla GU has proportionately increased making ice cream lose so much of its appeal!

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.) Thankfully, no!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Scraping and washing dishes at a local seafood restaurant that fried most of the food. I was in junior high at the time, and it paid well, so that was good, but the trade-off included smelling like fried fish all weekend. Not so good.

What adjective describes you best? Devoted.

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? There’s a definite learning curve in this sport between proper preparation, knowing your equipment, figuring out your nutrition… Don’t look at “mistakes” as failures, instead, look at them as opportunities to grow and learn as a triathlete. And trust me, there is ALWAYS something new to learn, even for the seasoned triathlete.

Remember your great training sessions where things felt effortless, and your not so good where you thought you might not get through it; you can draw on those experiences on race day.

Remember that success comes in many forms. Be proud of the fact that you’re out there participating, and what your body is able to accomplish

Recent Results: 2.20.09 Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon, MD, 1st Female OA; 4.5.09 Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon, MD, 3rd Female OA; 5.3.09 Nanticoke 3-mile River Swim, MD, 4th OA/2nd AG/10th person OA/92; 5.23.09 Hammonton Sprint, NJ, 4th AG; 6.6.09 Pocono Triathlon, PA, 3rd OA; 6.14.09 Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (4.4mi), MD, 1st AG, 11th Female, 46th OA/548 finishers; 6.20.09 Patriot Triathlon (first half-iron!) Fastest female swim split! 9th AG; 7.11.09 Swim for Life, 5-miler, MD, 4th Female, 3rd AG (1-44), 10th OA; 7.12.09 Philadelphia Women's Triathlon, PA *Um, let's just say I participated!; 7.25.09 Kingdom Swim, 10-miler, VT, 6th Female, 10th OA
 

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