Hi, I am Pattie Darling and this is my first season with Team Aquaphor. I live in Wheaton and usually train for triathlons. This year, I plan to venture into the world of Open Water Swimming. My background is in swimming. I swam Division I at Illinois State University. Post college, I decided to see if I could run a marathon. That was a huge feat at the time since I was never a runner. After finishing one I wanted to qualify for Boston. So, I did and ran Boston in 1999. Then, I decided that to be good at tris you needed to be good at Biking too. So, some great Naperville athletes took me in and taught me the skills I needed to get better at cycling. Then, I set my sights on an Ironman. I remember watching it on TV as a kid and thinking that those athletes were amazing. I have now done both Madison and Couer d'Alene IMs and loved every minute of them. This year, I am giving my body a bit of a break from the distance and focusing on my swimming again.
I plan on attending these open water swims this year as Team Aquaphor - So, let me know if you'll be there too:
Pleasant Springs Open Water Challenge (6/27)
Lake Erie Open Water Swim(7/25)
2009 Madison Open Water (8/23)
Big Shoulders (9/12)
If you are looking to train together, I usually train with the following groups and would love for you to join me:
Swimming - College of Dupage (winter) and Hinsdale Swim Club (summer)
Cycling - Endureit &/or MultiSport Madness (MSM)
Running - Glen Ellyn Runners
Pattie Darling
