I’ve asked around for some fun blog ideas and a few people mentioned I should just state some interesting facts about Coach Mary. Â So, in no particular order, here we go:
1- The first parade I participated in, I twirled a baton (age 6 or so). Â The last one (sophomore year of high school), I played the clarinet.
2- While growing up, I wanted to be PI, thanks in part to Hart to Hart and the like.  😉
2a- I also wanted to be a veterinarian…until I took my dog for a shot and nearly passed out.
2b- Dancing is another career I wanted to pursue. I recall watching music videos such as Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation and I so wanted to dance like that. Â Unfortunately I never even had the guts to take a class, I still don’t.
3- I hate that I waste some of my precious time watching Housewives shows on occasion.
4-U2 is our favorite band. Â One year, pre-kids, I saw them in concert 7 times. Â Our dog is even named Clayton after band member Adam Clayton. Â (Bono was too obvious).
5-My favorite post race splurge is Hostess Powdered Donnettes. Â (I only do this after A races though, well, usually)!
6-I started doing triathlons in ’97, seriously and consistently since ’03.
7-I won the 200 free (the only race I KNEW I was going to win) at the Illinois High School State meet in ’89 and placed 2nd in the 100. Â Had you ever told me I’d ever swim an event over 500 yards some day, I would have laughed. Â Now I much prefer longer distances.
8-Being adopted was the greatest gift ever! Â Thanks mom and dad, I love you oodles and oodles!
9- In college I wanted a tattoo, but didn’t get one in fear of regretting it a few years later. Â Once I turned 30, I realized I still wanted one and finally got inked! I am interested in getting another one too!
10-I’m really scared of heights, yet loved skydiving! Â I would never bungee jump though.
11-Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Washington are all states I’ve lived in.
12- My husband Scott has been my triathlon coach since ’03. Â Contact him if you need one, he is looking for a few clients!
13- Homecoming Princess was  a title I obtained in high school, Student Congress President too.  And because of it, I have a friend who calls me gerd (combo of geek and nerd).
14- I took the Pepsi Challenge twice and Coke was the winner both times.
15- I majored in Sociology with a minor in Criminology, yet somehow managed to have a strong 10 year career in accounting. Â I worked with companies such as Danzas, T-Mobile (managed their debt), Washington Mutual (worked in mortgage-backed securities), CSC, etc.
16- Yes, I am a certified Ham operator. Â (I once worked with Icom America and it was required).
17- One of my biggest pet peeves is ending a sentence with a preposition, especially with the word ‘at.’  Ok, so you don’t need to say, ‘where’s it at,’ say, ‘where is it,’ please.  😉
18- I never had a drug until I tried Nutella last year. Â BIG mistake, BIG!!!
19- The Smithereens was the first band I saw in concert.
20- I moved from Wisconsin to Illinois in the middle of 3rd grade. During the first week at my new school, Wayne Cunningham asked, ‘will go with me?’ Â I replied, ‘go where?’ Â Ah, my first boyfriend!
21- Age 4 is when I participated in my first swim meet! Â It’s amazing I still love the sport!
22- I don’t care for brussel sprouts, olives, or blue cheese. (I try them at least annually too). I LOVE cheese, red wine, sushi, dates, deep dish pizza, chocolate, filet mignon, peanut butter, guacamole, garlic pasta, chai tea, ice cream, brownies, and so much more.
23- I had terrible postpartum for a few months.
24- I have a MAJOR phobia of public speaking and have worked very hard just so I can talk as a coach.
25– I love my family, my jobs, and my life!!! Â I am very fortunate and appreciate all of it too.