Leslie Curley (Topeka, KS)

    

blog: http://tricurley.blogspot.com/

Hometown: Topeka, KS   

 

Education: B.S. Exercise Science - University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) 1994

A.A.S Computer Programming – Southeast Community College (Milford, NE) 1997

Certified Health Counselor - Institute of Integrative Nutrition (New York, NY) June 2007

USAT Level 1 Certified Coach - August 2007

 

Occupation: Ooooh, that’s a good question!  After almost 10 years of computer programming I knew I needed to break out of the cube.  I have focused on learning about the things that really interest me since I left my corporate job at the end of April this year.  I am still not sure what I want to ‘do’ yet, but I am adding to my knowledge and skill sets and will see what doors open.  I think I might learn how to weld next.

 

Discipline: Swim Bike Run Fun

 

Strengths: When I started triathlons my strength was running since that was my background after running cross country and track in high school and some in college.  As the years have passed, cycling has definitely become my strongest leg.  The swim is just the warm up for the race that begins once on land.

 

FormerTeams: I’ve always been a bit of a loner as a triathlete.  I met Megan at The TriKC Big Spin in Kansas City where she coached me on in a grueling one-legged spin off.  Megan is such a focused, talented and inspirational athlete and coach that when I found out about Team DFT I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with. 

 

Category: Age Group triathlete and runner

 

Years Racing: My first triathlon was the Topeka Tinman Triathlon in 1988 the summer after I graduated from High School.  There were a few years between then and now that I did not tri, but I never want to have to get back in to shape from scratch again!

 

2008 Objectives:  2008 will mark 20 years since my first triathlon.  After doing mostly sprints and Olympic distance races I stepped up to the Half Ironman in 2004.  For 2008 I am going to up the ante and am signed up for Ironman Arizona.  I am both excited and terrified about the journey to come!  I will be looking to my DFT team members who have gone the distance for all the help and support they can give.

 

Favorite race: I am going to cross my fingers and say Ironman Arizona 2008.

Admirable Athlete:  I am inspired by and draw energy from all the athletes at every event I attend.  I am especially awed by the dedication and determination of the older age groupers.  Triathlon is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle.  I train and race because I too want to be having as much fun and living a high quality life when I finally get to age up and be the young pup at 60, 65, 70, 75 etc…
Unique information or story about you:  I’m a work in progress, the best is yet to come.

Most embarrassing (race) moment:  Oh yes, I have one.

 

Top Results: 

USAT National Long Course Duathlon OA Age Group Champion 2003

USAT National Long Course Triathlon OA Age Group Champion 2005

USAT Duathlon worlds 2007 - 2nd place a/g

Overall winning female at the Shawnee Mission Triathlon (long), Shawnee KS 2007