About Angie

Angie Smith

Background

I am a science teacher at Central High School in LaCrosse, WI
I also teach as an adjunct in the Biology Dept at Viterbo University
Was born and raised in LaCrosse, WI and still live here
I will be 45 when I attempt my first Ironman in Madison, WI on Sept. 11, 2011
Married to Rob Smith (aka, the “marathon man”); 3 children. Anthony, age 21; Alexandra, age 19; Nicholas, age 17. 2 stepchildren- Melissa; age 24, Michael; age 20.

Athletic Background

High School: swim team and track and field
College: one year track and field (had tooooo much fun)
I began competing in local fun runs about 20 years ago, plugging along 5k after 5k. Then about six years ago, I found my competitive side again. I joined the River City Running Club and got “serious” about racing. When a fellow triathlete found out I swam in high school, the convincing to start triathlon started. I have placed in my age group in every sprint and intermediate triathlon I have entered from the first one, to date. (not as tough on the longer one’s)
Swimming – I am a strong swimmer, without a great kick. If I could only find a kick somewhere….. I would be rock and rolln’ in the water.
Biking – when I first started this triathlon thing, I HATED biking. I kept thinking, just get me off this *&%&@ bike and let me run. Now….. I love biking. I did invest in a carbon fiber tri bike and learned to “embrace” hill climbing. I will work this year on managing my effort to go fast without burning out my legs.
Running – remember when I said I was a sprinter?? Well, I am! Distances beyond a 10K really do a number on my head. Mental toughness on the long run is my run training goal for the year! Just hope I don’t lose my training partners as I work through my “crabbiness” on the long run.

Relevant Racing Background

I have been told by our trainer that I DON’T need to add to my marathon number before Ironman – thanks Maggie!!