Kristen Seymour, 33, Gainesville, FL, Writer, editor, social media strategist
Why do you do triathlons? I love how different workouts make me feel. Triathlons make me feel like a badass, even though I definitely have more enthusiasm than skill. Swimming makes me feel both powerful and graceful. Running makes me feel determined, because lord knows it doesn’t come easy to me. Boot camp-type workouts and kickboxing fall into that category, also – I love knowing that I can push a little harder for a little longer, even when my muscles are telling me it’s time to quit. I love yoga because it brings me a sense of peace I don’t find otherwise. Lastly, I love dancing workouts because it’s just plain fun.
How long have you been doing triathlons? I’ve always, always, always been active. I started dancing when I was in preschool, got into basketball early in elementary school, played volleyball in high school, and began running in college. Triathlons are the newest thing, which I picked up in 2007, but didn’t really get serious about until 2011, when I trained for St. Anthony’s Olympic Distance Race here in Florida.
Do you compete? Well, “compete” might be a stretch, but yes, I do participate in many races. In fact, I have a triathlon in April that will be a big deal for me – the Leadman 125 in Tempe, which has a 2.5 km swim, 111.5 km bike, and 11 km run. In May, I will be running the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon. I’m not really racing with a goal to place within my age group or anything (although I’d love to be at that level someday). I just want to finish with a time that makes me proud (and makes the hours and hours and hours of training worthwhile).
Most challenging aspect of triathlons: Finding the time to train is very difficult. I don’t enjoy getting up early, but sometimes it’s the only way I can fit a workout into my schedule.
Most fun aspect of triathlons: Hmm, that’s a hard choice. Crossing the finish line is always a pretty exhilarating experience, but that’s not all. I love meeting with friends to train as well as being in the middle of a long run and knowing that I have the legs to carry me through to the end.
Most rewarding aspect of Triathlons: It is very rewarding to see my times and paces get faster.
Who/what inspires you when you’re feeling weak? I think of all the people who can’t do what I’m doing, and I think about how goddamn fortunate I am to have a body that will allow me to push it so hard. I’m grateful to have the time to put into training and the 
races, and that I have a community of incredible people around me that support my slightly insane passion.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: Learn to listen to your body. It’s unbelievably important to know the difference between, “I don’t feel like working out today,” and “I really, really need a rest day,” if you want to train hard while avoiding injury.
Your must-have equipment for triathlons: A watch. I live and die by my Garmin, but I’m kind of a numbers geek when it comes to my training.
Favorite training song: Pump Up the Jam The Album
Favorite healthy food: Greek yogurt, especially since my current bout of TMJ keeps me from eating anything that requires actual chewing.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: Mexican food! The more cheese and refried beans the better. (Thankfully, I also love salsa, black beans and veggies, so it’s not ALL bad.)
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience doing Triathlons: Hmm. I recently fell over in the middle of an intersection while riding my bike. I couldn’t get my shoe unclipped, and then my chain fell off. I guess that classifies as awkward, right?
I am looking for a swimmer for our triathlon relay. My daughter lives in Archer Fl.