March 2006 Athlete Profile- Reenie Parker

Each month, we will be profiling an athlete here. Our second selected athlete is Reenie Parker. I sent Reenie an attachment with 15 questions and here's her responses. 

This Athlete Profile will not be given to just those who I coach.  Anyone who checks out this web site and is deserving can be selected.

1. Name:

 Reenie Parker

2. How long have you been training for and racing triathlons?

The 2006 season will be my 6th.

3. What is your favorite aspect of the sport?

Everything! The athletes, volunteers, selecting the races, training, nervous at the starting "sand spot", to the incredible thrill of crossing the finish line. I really love being a triathlete and feel so fortunate to be involved.

4. What do you consider your biggest athletic achievement?

Qualifying for the Ironman Championship in Kona, an experience of a life time & an journey I'll never forget.

5. What are your big goals for this season?

Last October 2005 I stopped running in attempts to FINALLY heal my heel aka "the alien" , which has been an issue for the last few years. So this year I am hoping to get back running, participate in a few local races and if luck has it race Buffalo Springs 1/2 IM in late Spring, and Williamsburg 1/2 IM in the Fall.

6. What’s your favorite meal?

Fresh Salad, Grilled Fish & a Great Bottle of Red Wine.

7. What’s your favorite movie?

Funny movies are my favorites, but since there are so many....my All time favorite motivational movie from years ago, Chariots of Fire.

8. Any other hobbies?

Scuba Diving, Traveling, Kayaking.

9. What’s your favorite band?

Rolling Stones, Mick Jager's energy at 62 is unbelievable & electrifying. They Still put on a great concert.

10. What’s your favorite TV show?

Television is not something I do often, but if so I'll watch TLC, Discovery, VH1 & Travel Channel with my sons....and SpongeBob Square Pants.

11. If you could visit one place this year, where would it be?

Buenos Aires Argentina, or Cape Town, South Africa (for Ironman).

12. What’s your favorite workout?

Bricks are my favorite workout. But I after 5 years I finally like free weight workouts.

13. Who’s your inspiration?

Everyone involved in the sport in all capacities....Athletes, Volunteers, Our families, Race Directors etc..., As athletes we are truly lucky to be able to physically, financially, and personally juggle the daily balance of life and compete in such a positively, energizing sport.

As an inspiration to be kind & considerate to all, an example of the type of people I've met in this fabulous sport.......I'll never forget racing Vineman and looking for a bike pump. A guy who's wife was racing with her gear positioned near me, walked over 1 mile to get their bike pump out of their car so that I could borrow it!

14. Any other words of wisdom?

"Winners Do What Losers Won't, Losers Complain, Winners Train" - "Don't ever give up, Don't ever give up" - "Just Do It"

If you are training with Eric & he tells you that "you are ready for a race", believe him and believe in yourself. Race and do the best that you can, enjoy the day & have fun! Eric has a quite the talent of an exceptional coach.....and he's right!

15. How long have you been working with Eric?

This is my sixth triathlon season working with Eric. There is no way I would have qualified for Hawaii without his coaching. Eric's positive energy, great attitude, knowledge of the sport & training is excellent. He adapts my schedules to work around family activities, other responsibilities, work, travel & the balancing act of life.