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In January of 2006 I participated in my first marathon after a good friend convinced me to do the Miami Marathon in Oct. 2005, even though my longest run was 6 miles. Having seen the Ironman in kona on TV, I knew how grueling the marathon portion was but I really wanted to do it. My parents and friends thought I was crazy but since I lived in Florida, I was in good company of a lot of active runners and triathletes. My experience with marathon training was painful and I slowly learned how to nutritionally prepare for a marathon. Not knowing much about gels or sports drinks (besides Gatorade from swim meets) I had several long runs which left me tired and sore. However, I kept up my training and when it came time to race the marathon I was really excited to do it! Without having a goal time, my number 1 goal was to finish. Although I don’t remember much from miles 18-23, I finished in 3:38, I was 5th in the 18-24 age group and I qualified for the Boston Marathon! Because I wasn’t really a runner, I didn’t know that I qualified until some of my “runner” friends told me about my fast time. I researched the web about Boston (well, I come from a swimming background with NO friends who run!) and after I registered I was incredibly honored and excited to do the race. I finished the 2006 Boston Marathon in 3:43, even with a bad virus (or food poisoning) which caused me to have several port-o-potty stops. However, Boston was the most amazing experience of my life!

After Boston I decided I needed to buy a tri-bike in order to take my triathlons to another level. I bought a tri-bike, signed up for a half ironman in 2005 (Disney Half Ironman, now called Ironman Florida 70.3). Ever since I had my tri-bike, my training has progressed, my distance of choice has gotten longer and my love of triathlons continues to grow. The summer of 2007 was the first time I raced most of my races as an Elite and I hope to one day race as a Pro. I have no coach but listen closely to those who want to help me. In my short triathlon career, starting with my first marathon in 2006 I have completed several sprint triathlons (my limit of going all-out), 2 Olympic triathlons (Too hard and fast and I don’t like this distance!), 2 70.3 distances (I like this distance) and 2 Ironman’s (I LOVE this distance). I have done 2 marathons (including Boston and excluding the marathon in an Ironman) and 1 half marathon. In my first Ironman (2006 Ironman Florida) I won my age group (18-24) with a time of 11:00.47 and I recently participated in the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. I also placed 3rd in my age group at Ironman Florida 70.3 and qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World championships in Clearwater. My triathlon journey has been a great one with lots of firsts!

Because I enjoy working with people and motivating others, I stay very busy in the active community. If I’m teaching a spin class at the Y, then I’m coaching newbie triathletes all around the Clearwater/Tampa area. I am also a writer for several websites, including Beginner Triathlete, IronGirl.com, IDSsports.com and ProSource.com. I have a column in Triathlete Magazine (Gatorade Athlete of the Month) and I speak about nutrition and training at numerous local triathlon clinics. I hold certifications in sports nutrition, aerobics, CPR and first aid and I am also a certified USAT Level-1 coach. Lastly, I have recently accepted the position as the USAT Florida Region Director, in hopes of improving our already amazing USAT Florida region. I spend most of my time on Beginner Triathlete.com for nutrition consultations and other various projects.

Because I am somewhat new to the sport, I am confident with my ability to improve. I train incredibly hard and I keep complaining to a minimum (hey-I’m normal!). With a strong and positive training mentality, I usually finish my workouts tired and sweaty, only longing to train again! To set the record straight, I love to race and train. I absolutely love the sport of triathlons. I love the discipline, motivation, time-management, mental strength and health benefits that come with the sport of triathlons. Oh-and I love triathletes! Don’t hesitate to contact me for a nutrition consultation, coaching or just to introduce yourself! I think of myself as a passionate and driven triathlete, who will hopefully establish myself as a successful triathlete, educator and mentor in the triathlon field!

Good luck to those who love to tri!

About Me:

Name: Marni Rakes
B-day: 5/31/82
Born: Lexington, KY
Current residence: Clearwater, Florida
Education: 2004 - B.S. in Exercise Science, minor in Psychology – Transylvania University Lexington, KY
Dec. 2005 – Master of Science in Exercise Physiology – Florida Atlantic University Davie, Florida
Siblings: Aaron 11/2/84 (UM graduate, All-American gymnast, 2006 Big Ten High Bar Champion)
Favorite Distance: Ironman
Favorite Races: Ironman World Championships, Boston Marathon, Ironman 70.3 Florida, Iron Girl
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite Food: Bread, Yogurt Ice Cream (Pralines and Cream), Thin Crust Vegetarian Pizza, Blueberries, Nuts (almonds and walnuts), cooked egg whites
Favorite Caffeine Drink: Tall Carmel Frapachino Light (Starbucks)
Favorite Restaurant: Outback
Pre-race meal: Oatmeal and raisins
Post-race meal: Pizza
Post-training meal: Pancakes
Favorite Athlete: newbie triathletes
Favorite Triathlon Clothes: Zoot
Favorite Nutrition: Hammer
Favorite Website: BeginnerTriathlete.com
Favorite Color: Pink for non-tri clothes, red and black for anything bike related and any shade of blue for tri clothes.
My number 1 fans: Karel Sumbal – Pro 1,2 cyclist, my fiancé Mom and Dad (Susie and Jim) – People who gave me good genes, offered me a place to live when I was broke after grad school and support me no matter how crazy my ideas, dreams and goals may be.
Coach: No coach. Train w/ Swim Fit Swim team, Gearlink cycling team and anyone who can push me.
Goals: To place top 5 in my age group at the Ironman World Championship, to turn Pro as a triathlete, to become a public speaker and well-known nutrition/triathlon writer.
Something you didn’t know about me: I’ve been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since I was 12 (Over 13 years).
What I do when I’m not training: Write emails, write on my blog, watch TV, browse the internet and cook.