second/shift athlete feature!

A little feature over on Second/Shift Athlete today! Thank you, Colleen and Amy, for sharing my story!

These rad ladies are up to cool things. I love the blog’s motive: We want to be your inspiration to wake up and train, your resource for finding the best workout gear, a community to share your best practices/worst gripes, and your link to the fitness blogosphere. We’re here to help you stop saying things like “Oh, I only swim sometimes, and I’m not that great,” or “Sure, I ran three marathons, but I’m not fast or anything.” We want you to stand tall and proud, to own your accomplishments, to look great doing it, and start basking in all your Second-Shift Athlete glory.

How awesome is that?! Gotta love women who support other women and inspire others to be the best they can be. I will definitely be following for some daily inspiration!

Check out my Q+A on Second/Shift Athlete!

Name: Erin Klegstad

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Job: PR manager and campaign manager at Anytime Fitness

My sport is: Triathlon

AM or PM athlete: Both! I love being up before the world is awake, so often swim or run bright and early. And, lots of time in the saddle after work.

How I got started: Completing a 140.6 has been on my in-this-life list for years, but I never had the guts to even sign up for a sprint…until last year. With some encouragement from the BF, and getting over my genetically-imperfect half eyebrows – because really, who cares?! No one is looking – I raced my first sprint. A year and a half later, I’m an Iron (Wo)Man!

I can’t believe that I (brag a bit here): Raced Ironman Canada in Whistler! One of the most fun days ever. Some days I have to pinch myself that it happened.

What motivates me: Finding my edge, getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and pushing myself to be a better person than I was yesterday.

Fave workout song: In the midst of training for Grandma’s Marathon in 2008, the running association banned headphones and music devices. So, I stopped running with music since I wouldn’t be able to race with it. I haven’t ran with music since. I find headphones and carrying my iPhone incredibly annoying; plus, it’s nice to disconnect for a bit and just enjoy your surroundings and nature.

Fave piece of workout gear: I’m not sure I can pick just one! For running: lululemon (cool racerback, run: speed short and run: stuff your bra) and Feetures! socks. For cycling: Coeur Sports.

Best advice for newbies: Find a friend who’s done triathlons, practices yoga, rides road bikes, lifts heavyweights, (insert desired workout here), and ask questions: What do I need to get started? Where should I train? What plan should I follow? Etc. Sure, it can be intimidating, but remember that everyone has to start somewhere; even pros started out as newbies! Also, find something you love, have fun and smile!

Personal motto/mantra: Be present. Be kind. Be bold.

Next race/competition/challenge: TC 10 Mile on October 6; the Dallas Marathon on December 8 (tentative); Ironman Wisconsin 2014.