Melanie Sanders – Pleasant Hill, MO

I am 29 years old, work as a Security Specialist, and have been racing since 2002. However, I have been swimming and running since I can remember. My first marathon was the Oklahoma City Marathon and my first triathlon was the Longview Triathlon. I started my training with the Women’s 101 Triathlon Group, developed by Peggy Donovan, after recovering from two ACL replacements and I have been hooked ever since. I am married and have no children so I train about every day. My husband is very supportive of my training schedule, even though he doesn’t race and thinks that I’m a little crazy. You can go to Beginnertriathlete.com and see my training workouts. My username is mkcsanders. My current training partner is Cheryl Shakespeare (also a new member to DFT). We are always looking for new people to train with and new workouts, so we are both happy to join DFT and are excited about the opportunities it will provide us. My main focus over the past year has been improving my cycling skills. Bruce Fry is my cycling coach and he has totally changed my skill level for the better. If you are looking for someone to train with feel free to contact me. I’m looking forward to meeting and training with everyone. Have a great season!!

I had to drop out of a number of races, including Age Group Nationals, after being injured last season. So my main racing goal for the 2007 season is to have fun and enjoy myself. I plan on completing two marathons, one this spring and one in the fall. As usual I will compete in a number triathlons in the area, but haven’t set my sights on any particular one. This will be my first year to compete in cycling races and it should be an experience. I would also like to train and compete in an off road race.

So as for a race schedule, there is not one yet, but I am willing to consider anything.

I ride a 2006, all carbon, Ruby Specialized. I had no idea what a well made bike and an upgraded wheel set could do until I took it out for the first time. The cost never crossed my mind again.