Name: Carrie Mayrhofer

When you started in TRIgirl: I started in 2005, took 2006 off, then re-joined in 2007.

Why you TRIgirl:
TRIgirls are some of the most amazing women I have ever met. The support, friendship, spirit, and energy of the group has motivated and inspired me to be not only a better athlete, but a better person. And it's so much fun!

Your family (or with whom do you reside?):
I live with my wonderful husband Chris (we'll be celebrating our 5 th anniversary this spring), and our slightly neurotic, but extremely lovable, yellow lab, Rudy.

What do you do for work?
I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I work in a school system with some pretty amazing kids, and lucky for me, I get to have lots of fun with them!

The best meal you cook:
I must admit, my cooking skills are nothing to write home about, despite the fact that my mom was a home ec teacher. My husband would definitely say that my homemade mac and cheese is his favorite. Is that a meal?

What you'll be seen wearing most frequently:
I wear my Danskos just about every day at work- my feet love them!

Favorite quote:
“Live well, laugh often, love much”.

What you are reeading now?
I am in the middle of reading A Lesson Before Dying, and The Glass Castle is next on my list. I'm also trying to plug through 9 chapters of reading this week for the Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disabilities class that I'm taking at VCU this semester. I think I need to add something a little more lighthearted into the mix!

Current favorite CD or IPOD download:
My current favorite running music on my ipod is Justin Timberlake's Futuresex/Lovesounds. I know, it's a little cheesy, but it keeps me going!

Something you have accomplished in your life that you thought you could/would have not been able to do (not triathlon):
I can't say that any one thing I have done in my life has been an extraordinary accomplishment, but I can say that I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by very supportive, loving, and encouraging family and friends- without them, I wouldn't be who I am or accomplished what I have.

Your indulgences:
Red wine, chocolate lava cake, pedicures, crab pasta at Edo 's Squid, and our yearly trip to St. Maarten (and there's a whole other list of indulgences while we're there).

Goals for next season:
I don't have a ton of race-related goals, but I would like to 1) complete another Olympic distance race, hopefully faster than last year 2) become a better swimmer and not freak out right before the swim starts 3) stay upright on my bike (falling and/or crashing is still one of my biggest fears).

Favorite race and why:
My favorite triathlon I ever did was the Pinehurst Triathlon last year. Even though there weren't any other TRIgirls there, everything about the race was great- the scenery, the volunteers, the organization, and the course. And, I got to spend the weekend at my parents' house with mom's cooking!

I would have to say though, that my favorite race overall is the Monument Avenue 10K. This will be my 8 th year doing the race, and I just love the atmosphere surrounding the race.