Courtney Crutcher

Name: Courtney "Corky" Crutcher

Height: 5'10

Weight:: I more than qualify for Athena at most races.

Age Group: Women's 20-24

Specialty:: Yes, I am special. Oh, you mean race distance? Last year was all about IronMan. For 2008 I'm trying to make the transition to a short course speedster and survive some 70.3's.

Occupation: Foreclosure Analyst by Day, Super Homemaker by Night, Swim Coach and Triathlete by Choice.

Educational Background: I have a degree, but I don't use it, much to my mother's chagrin.

What's your location? I live on the east side of the metro Kansas City area with my fiance Eric, and our two dogs. People sometimes call me a Space Cadet, so I'm sure I have a mother ship in this galaxy, it just hasn't beamed me up yet.

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? I started multisport in 2006. I came to triathlon after making the transition from a decade plus swimming career. My shoulders and I have since made friends again.

How did you get your start in Triathlons? I woke up one day and thought, "This is me!?" I had been the "most athletic" in high school and even signed to swim in college. However, I decided I couldn't handle the pressures of moving away at 17 to swim for an education, and I pretty much dropped off the face of the sporting planet. I dabbled in skateboarding and wakeboarding. I made a "come-back" of sorts with a club swim team during college. The semester I graduated I decided I needed to make a change, and entered the first triathlon I could find. I had wanted to do one since I was nine years old. I even remember being about 12 or 13 watching Kona on tv- I told a friend of mine I was going to be an IronMan some day. Whoda thunk it.

What is your favorite workout? My favorite workout is 12 oz curls- I mostly train with the hubby-to-be... but for some odd reason my coach doesn't put that in my training plan, so I really enjoy doing cross training- I like to lift. I have a set of hill repeats by my house that are brutal. I like doing those because you can really see your strength increase over time.

"When I'm not training/racing, I enjoy..." Sleeping! I am the self proclaimed Queen of Multitasking. I run myself ragged (I wouldn't have it any other way!) so a good day of sitting on the couch with the dogs and fiance makes me happy! I also enjoy wakeboarding, skateboarding, and watching Eric and brother race motocross.

If you could train with any other athlete in the world, who would it be and why?I have to pick two gals: Bree Wee and Liz Fedofsky. They've been mentors of sorts for me the last 6 months or so, and they would drop me in a second at any workout (ok, maybe I'd survive at masters' practice). They're really amazing ladies and great inspiration to me. Also, one of my bridesmaids, Robyn, lives really far away but is doing her first Ironman this year. I wish I could help train with her for that.

If you could have one superhero power what would it be? If I could have one power I would have...the ability of good digestion? Not sure. I'm pretty happy with my own mere mortal powers.

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Check, recheck, and check again my goggle straps. I wear Swedish goggles and I worry about the nosepiece breaking at the start. Oh, I make a general announcement at the start of my heat "If someone hits me, I will swing back." I actually said that at the start of my very first race, and 9 months later in spin class someone said to me "I was in your heat at Heritage Park this year, I thought to myself 'I'm not drafting off this chick', and I remember you from that." Since then it's been a joke.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don't normally partake of)? I almost always crave French fries, so I usually hit up Micky D's or Wendy's. I would say ice cream, but I partake in that more than I should (sorry coach).

What adjective describes you best?There's two. Determined, and bossy. In no particular order.

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? Race yourself first, the course second, and your competition last.

Drink Fluid Recovery. Shop at Trisports.com, and tune your bike at Freeride Bike & Skate.

Oh, don't forget to read my blog. www.sponsorhouse.com/members/courtcrutcher

Charities we support

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter