Susan Farago | Sport, Health, and Nutrition Coach & Writer

About Me

Believe it or not I don't always have my trail shoes or bike helmet on (although I am in spandex a lot of the time). And while I believe much can be learned by doing, even more can be achieved by reading, study, and reflection. Lifelong learning is my passion and it is why I am always reading books, research publications or magazines, and why I take on an "expand my horizons" approach to just about everything I do.

I have an extensive background in certification program management and exam development, so I value the importance of credentialing. There are many solid certifications in the health and fitness industry, and I have selected the following to ensure my skills contain the depth and breadth to offer the most to my clients.

Credentials

USA Triathlon Level 1 Certified Coach
USA Triathlon Organization (2007-present)

USA Cycling Level 2 Certified Coach
USA Cycling Organization (2008-present)
USA Cycling Certified Power Based Training Coach
USA Cycling Organization (pending completion, October 2009)

National Federation of Professional Trainers - Advanced Nutrition Specialist
National Federation of Professional Trainers (2009)

CPR/First Aid
CPR Resources (2006-present)

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
Red Cross (1991-1994)

Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction, focus: adult learning and motivation
University of Texas - Austin, Texas (2005)

Notable Races and Accomplishments

I've had good race days and I've had great race days! But all in all some of my best memories have come from those tough days. The good stuff in life doesn't come easy, but when it does come, how great the reward!

My sports and fitness background includes dance, softball, swimming, volleyball, and soccer. In 1998 I took up running and in 2000 I completed my first triathlon. Since then, I have competed in over 100 races and events locally and worldwide.

Personal Race Accomplishments

I am fortunate to have raced in some spectacular parts of the world, as well as some very memorable race venues. Here are some of my personal best race accomplishments. Links are to race reports.

Race Across America	Team Ride Red /Four-woman relay team, finished 3,000 mile cross country bike race in 7 days, 6 hours (06/2011)
Enchanted Rock Duathlon	Overall Female Masters, 5th place overall female (03/2010)
Warda 50K Trail Race	3rd place overall (11/2009)
Dude Girl Olympic Tri	1st place 35-39 age group, 8th place overall (09/2009)
Sweet and Twisted Sprint Tri	3rd place 35-39 age group (08/2009)
Capt Karl 10K Trail Race	3rd place overall female (08/2009)
Ironman Lanzarote	5th place 35-39 age group (05/2009)
Austin Marathon	Qualified for 2010 Boston Marathon (02/2009)
Palo Duro 50 Mile Trail Race	5th place overall female (10/2008)
Capt Karl 6 Hour Night Trail Race	1st place overall female (08/2008)
Toughest 10K Trail Race	1st place 35-39 age group (04/2008)
Sunmart 50K Trail Race	3rd place 35-39 age group (12/2007)
Ironman Austria	4th place 35-39 age group (07/2007)
Lonestar Olympic Distance Triathlon	2nd place 35-39 age group (06/2007)
Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay	1st place relay team (06/2007)
Burnet Tri Hard Sprint	1st place 35-39 age group (09/2006)
St. Croix Half Ironman	2nd place 35-39 age group (5/2005), Qualified for Kona
Cactus Challenge Olympic Tri	1st place 30-34 age group (03/2004)
Runtex 30K Run	3rd place 30-34 age group (01/2004)

Notable Events

It's good to push yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time. It's what makes us grow beyond who we currently are and into something better. Then again, sometimes you just have to have the bajeezus scared out of yourself! Races and events that I have done that fall into these categories are listed below. Simply spectacular and some really great memories! Links are to events or race reports.

RAGBRAI 500 Mile Bike Tour	(07/2011)
Boston Marathon	(04/2010)
Bandera 100K (62 mi) Trail Race	(01/2010), First 100K
Death Valley Marathon	(02/2008)
Ironman Wisconsin	(09/2006)
Ironman World Championship, Kona Hawaii	(10/2005)
Ironman Coeur d’Alene	(06/2005)
Ironman Wisconsin	(09/2004), First Ironman
Half Vineman	(08/2004)
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon	(06/2003)
Austin Marathon	(02/2002), First Marathon
Danskin Triathlon	(05/2000), First Triathlon
Indianapolis Half Marathon	(06/1999), First Half Marathon