Laura - Defined Fitness Training, LLC

Laura Wachter (Lakewood, CO)

Hometown: Hoffman Estates, IL (near Chicago)

Education: Masters in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University

Occupation: Budget Analyst

Discipline: Triathlon

Strengths: Love training

FormerTeams: none.

Category: age group, womens 30-34

Years Racing: Ran my first marathon October, 2003. Raced two seasons in triathlons

2008 Objectives: To qualify for Boston. To finish an Ironman. To place in the top 20 of my age group at the Boulder Triathlon series. Mainly, I want to improve upon all of my times and really learn how to push myself in each triathlon discipline.

Favorite race: A couple: The Bearable Adventure race because it is a fun, end of the season race with no pressure. The Portland marathon because that was my first foray into marathons. The Chicago marathon because it wasn't my first, I knew what to expect and I love Chicago. The Olympic distance triathlon because it is the perfect distance - it is long enough that it is challenging, but short enough that I can really push myself.

Admirable Athlete: Any Kenyan. And my sister. She is a great training partner, especially at 5:00 in the morning when I just don't want to get out of bed. She pushes me on my runs.

Unique information or story about you: Red Rocks is my favorite workout. Just before my weekly game of hockey.

Most embarassing (race) moment: In the Bearable Adventure race. Part of it is on the mountain bike - a lot of it is single track (easy single track!). I mountain bike once a year, and it is always in this race. My mountain bike is old, heavy (probably rusty) with platform pedals. I decided to not change out the pedals and wore my running shoes while riding. I noticed that my lace was untied, but instead of stopping to tie it I kept going. The lace ended up getting tangled in my pedal to the point where I couldn't move my foot or the pedal. I had no choice but to fall over. Unfortunately, I was going up a hill with a bunch of riders behind me. I couldn't untangle myself and finally had to tear my lace while all the riders were trying to get around me! Let's just say, I won't pull that rookie mistake again!

IRONMAN WISCONSIN 2008, HERE I COME!