Athlete of the Month Profile
- Name
Keri Harden
Married to Boyd and we have three amazing children: McKenna (8), Kaleigh (6) and Chase (3).
- How long have you been training for and racing in triathlon?
I completed my first triathlon (an Olympic distance) in August 2008. It was an amazing experience and I became immediately addicted The following summer, I competed in a Half Ironman. Then, two years after my first triathlon, I finished my first Ironman on August 29, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. I look forward to competing in many more triathlons in the future.
- Twizzlers, Snickers or Reeses?
Snickers, for sure! Although, I always snack on twizzlers….go figure?
- What is your favorite aspect of the sport?
All of it! I love getting up in the morning, having breakfast with my family, getting the kids off to school, and checking to see what great workout Eric has in store for me. I love to see what I am mentally and physically capable of doing. I thrive on trying to balance it all. I am also a much happier mom and wife when I can fit it all in.
- What do you consider your biggest athletic achievement?
Without a doubt, it was finishing the Ironman Louisville! I arrived in Kentucky on Thursday, August 26 and did not sleep a wink leading up to the race on Sunday, August 29. Exiting the swim, I had one of the biggest cramps of my life that stayed with me until mile 60 of the bike ride. Unfortunately, the aid stations ran out of water on mile 70 of the bike phase and I had to go through two stops without any liquids. Then, the run came and the temperature skyrocketed to a suffocating 96 degrees. Oh yeah, this was also my very first marathon. It wasn’t pretty but I finished the run. When I heard “you are an Ironman” as I crossed the finish, it was one of the most exhilarating feelings of my life. Then, I collapsed into my husband’s arms.
- What are your big goals for 2011?
I signed up for Ironman Lake Placid. I want to run the whole marathon at a steady pace. Also, I want to be able to climb the hills you all talk about at Eric’s LP camp. Sounds terrifying!
- What’s your favorite meal?
I love Pizza. However, with the holidays approaching, I think Thanksgiving dinner is pretty spectacular.
- What’s your favorite movie?
Miracle, Caddyshack, and Blindside
- Any other hobbies?
I love to golf in the summer and to ski in the winter.
- Where is the best place you have visited?
Hawaii. I also had one of my greatest family vacations at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac, Michigan. It is an island without cars, where horses and bicycles are the favored mode of transportation.
- If you could visit one place this year, where would it be?
Hawaii
- What’s your favorite workout?
An open water swim, a short bike and a long run.
- Tell us about the craziest workout you have done:
I completed a 100 mile ride in a monsoon in the long days leading up to Ironman Louisville. I was with two other women and we left our houses at 5am and rode north. Having no idea where we were, we ended up in the middle of a terrible thunderstorm with winds gusting, leaves and branches all around us. We sought shelter at Maple Row Tree Farm and waited for the storm to subside (I did promise them I would buy my Christmas tree from them this year).
After an hour in the barn, we decided to go for it. It was pouring out and we could barely see. We had already completed about 60 miles and rode the next forty miles without being able to see two feet in front of us. Finally, we arrived home and, then, I ran 9 miles in the pouring rain. What is wrong with me?
- Who’s your inspiration?
There are so many stories that inspire me. Ford Ironman does such a wonderful job of honoring those, who are everyday heroes. It is just remarkable to see men and women, who are battling diseases such as Cancer, ALS or MS and get out there to compete in an Ironman race. Individuals, who have prosthetics, are particularly motivating to me. Dick and Rick Hoyt, Jon Blais and, of course, Jim Maclaren stories are amazing to me.
- If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be?
This is a loaded question? Eric Hodska, of course! J
- What three things would you bring with you if you were to be dropped on a deserted Island (not counting family)?
I would bring a Laptop (with internet access), chocolate candy, and coffee.
- Recommend a book for us:
I feel like the only time I have to read is for a brief moment after I put my children to bed. It is usually magazines that include Triathlete Magazine, Lava, Biking, and Runners World J
- Name a song that gets you fired up to race or train:
Anything my daughters are listening to right now. Katy Perry, Black Eyed Peas, Taio Cruz…I am addicted to their music.
- Any other words of wisdom?
“Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever” got me through my Ironman. Don’t follow your dreams; chase them.
- Michelob Ultra or Guinness?
Michelob Ultra. Although, I am a kind of a Pinot Grigio kind of gal with the occasional urge to have a glass of Champagne.
