Kresse Associates court reporter

Coral Gables

Whole new world: When I was growing up, I failed P.E. I just started running when I moved here from Virginia four years ago. I weighed 190; now I'm at 125. In January I completed the Miami marathon. I believe God opened up a piece of heaven when He showed me what athleticism is about.

Whew! I absolutely loved the marathon. The Footworks training group was great and the crowd was magnificent. The only thing I did that I wish I hadn't was in mile 25 -- I bent over to pick up a Hawaiian lei. (Ouch!) When I finished the race, I praised God. I went back to work on Monday and decided to do a triathlon.

Swim, bike, run: I'm doing the Key Biscayne Triathlon Sunday. It's a quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run. I'm a little nervous, but I'm ready. Swimming is so technical. I thought someone who is swimming just swam, but there are things such as body positioning that I never thought about.

Olympic caliber: My coach, KC Boutiette from Elite Cycling, knows what it takes to build an athlete. He's a four-time Olympic speed skater. He trains me in swimming, which I'm horrible at, and biking, which is coming along. I'm not Lance Armstrong, but I'm getting there.

No sweets, please: I'm trying to eat all organic, no red meat and limited alcohol. I drink enough water to float and I'm also limiting fat and sweets. It's a struggle, but it makes you feel better.

What's next? The Oregon Hood to Coast 197-mile relay in August, the Chicago marathon in October, and definitely the Miami marathon in January. Then, a half-Ironman in Augusta, Ga., in September 2009.