A:  Sereena Coombes, Queensbury, NY

A:  38

A:  OBGYN Physician

A:  Since 2011

A:  2014

A:  Timberman 70.3 New Hampshire.......This is my favorite race so far because everything came together and was just amazing. I trained hard, including practicing on the race course, the weather was awesome, and the lake was like glass that morning. Race jitters were awful the day before, but I remember standing in the water before the gun went off with almost 2000 other athletes, looking at a beautiful lake on a perfect day. There was this amazing feeling of awe and emotion and natural energy that I can't even describe. I put faith in my training and headed out with the best. For my second triathlon ever, I came in 6th for my age group and timed in at 5:15:36. Couldn't have been any better!

A:  The wetsuit! wow it speeds up the swim :)

A:  I played division I softball in college, then dropped back to mostly running. After having my 2 boys I worked back into competing and came in 2nd and then 3rd 2 years in a row at Schroon lake half marathon. The second year I actually took 4 minutes off my time, but the competition was good. I regularly do running races in the spring and fall with the Shamrock shuffle starting my season. Last fall I ran a trail half marathon for a challenge and won my age group. I have done 4 Olympic triathlons and finally broke my 2:30 zone with a 2:23 at the Fronhofer tool triathlon last year. This is a great race course with fans everywhere. The 2 girls ahead of me were pros, so this is when I wondered how fast could I really get if I focused on shorter distance for now. I just recently won the Cooperstown Sprint triathlon for the women with 1:09:06.

A:  My A race is the Chicago ITU age group Olympic distance. I am taking the family to see Chicago and can't wait to watch the pros in the afternoon. I will be able to see just how well I can compete on a national field of athletes. Perhaps I will qualify for nationals next year!

A:  I'm really not sure. Just keep going and trying to get better while I can. One step at a time.

A:  Peanut butter, Spinach, Raisins

A:  It can change thru the year...mostly recent music. right now I have Imagine dragons, Daughtry, Matt Nathanson and One republic among others. Like to keep the beat aroud 90-95bpm to help my foot speed on the run.

A:  I am focusing on the Olympic this year. It is both speed and endurance, but training can be done before my boys get up fro breakfast!

A:  Don't forget nutrition (which can kill any work out or race if you get it wrong), sleep, and training the brain. The mind is such a powerful force it can make you or break you. Learning to turn off the "OMG I want to stop" and replace it with "Dig deep, you CAN DO IT" takes a lot of practice.

A:  Not a secret but caffeine......before a workout to push harder, and after a workout to help restore glycogen. Especially when you workout in the morning on an empty tank its so helpful.

A:  I still love an early sunday morning run, when its about 60 degrees and the birds and animals are out, but almost no one else. A great time to reflect and put everything in perspective!

A:  I started biking when a running injury made me cross train. Some friends said I should get in the water and swim, and then I could try a TRI. So 3 1/2 years ago I got in the pool after watching you tube videos of free style and tried to make it happen. I have found so many good friends, with lots of experience, tips, and support to help along the way. I NEVER thought about triathlon until 3 years ago, and now look where I've made it too. Always keep your mind open and never say "I can't"!!!