Mary Bradbury, W35-39

mt. prospect, il

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? Off and on for about 12 years, 4 years seriously.  

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Adamo racing saddle as it’s made my long rides SO much more enjoyable!

How did you get your start in Triathlons? On a whim with a friend, we kind of dared each other to do a sprint tri about 12 years ago. She was a great runner and I had an extensive swimming background so we decided what the heck.  I killed her on the swim, she demolished me on the run, and we were within seconds of each other on the bike.  We both raced without any training, both rode on mountain bikes, and finished with about the same time!  Although we both enjoyed it, she hasn’t done one since, but I was pretty hooked.  With a hectic life though, I only did a few more races the next few years.  I finally settled into life and began training with a consistent workout regime about 4 years ago. With my husband as my coach and biggest cheerleader (and a triathlete too), I have come a long way.

What is your favorite workout? Any swimming outside, which I don’t get to do often in Chicago.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Spending time with my husband and identical twin daughters, traveling, and reading.  I’ll admit,I like Facebook too!

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? This is a tough one, but I think Chrissie Wellington.  I just want to get inside her head and see what makes her tick. It’s amazing to me how she can maintain that smile even while she is suffering during a race.

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do?  Any exotic place where I can swim in clear open water and enjoy the scenery on the ocean floor.

Describe your biggest race disaster. Alright, I’ll admit it, I had my first and only mishap in a triathlon just this year. The transition area out of the swim was in a gravel parking lot and to start the bike you had to go straight up a steep hill.  So I knew to have my bike in the lowest gear. Well watching several waves before me, I witnessed several falls because people had their bikes in to high of a gear and they couldn't pedal.  It would have made for a good blooper real as many falls were in pretty slow motion.  So I get to my bike, got my feet clipped in right away, tried to pedal a few times and I couldn't go forward.  What the heck!?!  My pedals just turned as if my chain wasn't attached.  Well, it wasn't.  Somehow it fell off so I couldn’t go anywhere and ended up falling to the side.  It was no big deal, it just made me really mad.  So then I had to run my bike up the hill with my cycling shoes on, which wasn't fun, put on my chain, and try again.  I probably lost a couple minutes, but it didn't make a difference as to where I placed. So there it is! 

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Thank goodness, no!

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?   Powdered doughnuts!!!

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.) Unfortunately yes.  I was driving into a parking lot with my husband’s bike on the roof when I thought I heard a gun shot.  Well, it wasn’t a gun shot, it was his bike striking the maximum height bar at the entrance to an open parking garage. Luckily, we had our sun-roof closed as all the glass had shattered. Once we got out of the car, we found his bike and bike carirer about 15 feet away in the middle of the road. Oops!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Telemarketing at a local college while I was home for a summer. I only lasted about 6 weeks.

What adjective describes you best? Caring

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  Take the time to learn correct technique in all disciplines prior to doing any training. It’ll save you lots of energy and will deter injury. Have fun too!