NAME: Kelly Wissolik

AGE: 29

TOWN: Chicago, IL

OCCUPATION: Triathlon Coach

ATHLETIC BACKGROUND: team sport athlete growing up-volleyball, basketball and softball, fitness instructor and personal trainer through college, runner and triathlete after college

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR TRAINING? I love being fit and healthy and I love spreading my passion for fitness! I enjoy the rigors of training and pushing my body to a higher level each year. I truly love seeing my athletes improve and reaching their goals.

HOW DO YOU FIT TRAINING INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE? It is challenging as I put my clients first but I just make time and do my best to make sure I balance sleep, rest, recovery and hard training sessions

WHAT ARE YOUR 3 - YEAR GOALS IN TRIATHLON? I would like to continue to improve in each sport and finish in the top of my age group. I need to focus on my swim this winter and I need to improve my running off the bike. I would like to qualify for Hawaii each year and significantly improve at the ½ Ironman distance.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO A NEWBIE TRIATHLETE? Read and learn as much as you can about the sport and create a plan with a trustworthy coach. This sport can be overwhelming so take the time to plan and enjoy the moments. A coach can help you balance the training, racing and everyday life! Make sure you build up slow and have fun!

AS A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL, WHAT IS A KEY WORKOUT YOU RECOMMEND FOR COMPETITIVE TRIATHLETES? I love "combo" training also known as brick workouts. I think it is key for competitive triathletes. It's one thing to be able to run well, but we must be able to run well off the bike. So I truly enjoy doing Coach Troy's hard Spinervals workouts and then running off the bike. Being able to master a solid run off a tough bike is key to success in this sport! I also think doing a hard swim and getting on the bike for a good, tempo ride is important as well. We need to be able to successfully push ourselves on the swim, transition quickly and ride strong and consistent on the bike. The only way to get better is practice? Perfect Practice makes Perfect

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIKE AND WHY YOU CHOSE THE STYLE/BRAND, ETC. I have a custom made Guru Crono 650c and 700c all carbon and painted yellow and blue Energy Fitness Coaching colors with my name on it. I love my bikes. They are so amazing! As an Ironman Triathlete, I spend a ton of time on my bike-so having the perfect fit is essential! I need to be comfortable yet powerful and efficient! Guru has helped me achieve this. I race the 700c on flatter courses and the 650c on hillier courses. I recommend that every athlete take the time and get a real bike fit. Get measured and find the bike that is just right for your body! And-go custom if you can! There is nothing like a bike built just for you! Having the right fit will enable you to ride stronger, faster and you'll be able to run better off the bike as well!