Congratulations to our Athlete of the Month, Lara Vivolo. When the pandemic started, choices were made... "survive or thrive." Lara took notice and decided she didn't just want to get through this time, but instead use it as an opportunity to put herself on a track towards long term success/health and enjoyment. For the past 6 months, that is exactly what she has done. Through consistent training, motivation to create a better self, and the fun factor - seeing her progress has been exceptionally rewarding. Lara continues to make gains daily, achieving benchmarks that may have seemed far-fetched not too long ago. We are unbelievably proud of Lara and can't wait to see what 2021 brings.

A:   Lara Vivolo, Larchmont NY

A:   43 years young :)

A:   PE/health teacher and coach (mostly rugby and swimming the past few years)

A:   9 1/2 years ago

A:   Technically Coach Kevin coached me in college at SUNY Cortland on the swim team in 1998...so that would be 22 years?! In tri’s, since May 2020!

A:  My first Tri in September 2011...it was the Poconos 70.3 (it was not an Ironman sponsored race, forgot who it was back then)...it was my first triathlon and my first competition since retiring from professional rugby in November 2010....and I remember how fun it was...challenging, but fun...and I realized there is life after rugby and that I wanted to do more triathlons!

A:   My sun glasses!! And tinted googles!

A:   Winning 2 National Championships in women’s Club rugby with the New York Rugby Club (2006, 2009), earning 9 international caps playing with the USA Womens National team from 2007-2010 and playing in the Women’s World Rugby Cup in 2010, placing 1st in the non-wet division of Escape from Alcatraz 2018 (swim was modified due to high winds)

A:   Continue to work on being consistent with training, diet, recovery...keep improving on my running and do not be worried/panic with any run over a 10K!!

A:   To improve in every race I compete in. To train hard and be able to thrive, not just survive them...to pass people on the run like I do in the swim :) :)

A:   My family owns Italian restaurants...very little food in my fridge/cupboards as I rarely eat home!! But I would say berries (blueberries and raspberries), chocolate covered raisins, and oatmeal.

A:   90’s hip hop...all day, all night, 24/7

A:   Have fun and enjoy the process. It’s quite the adventure and enjoying it makes it that much more rewarding.

A:   No secrets...just find something that motivates and inspires you...let that push and get you through the tough training days and races...have to have a “why” as to why you are doing hours and hours of training!!

A:   To be honest, I don’t have a favorite workout...but I’m finally enjoying running again...without a ball in my hand with 3 people chasing and trying to tackle me...so far, one running workout involved running and walking...and I felt like I was getting stronger as the workout went on...

Total: 70 minutes

55 minutes of running and 15 minutes of walking...broken up anyway. Sounds very simple....i roughly did 15 minutes of running, followed by 2-3 minutes of walking plus a few minutes at the end. I felt stronger because of the quick 2-3 minute break....definitely a mind game with me, but I felt good and my pace showed improvement.

A:  Happy to be a part of the T3 program! It’s very motivating to read about all the members, coaches, and families...it had become an incredible community!