Coach: Matt Russ

Age: 32

www.amykloner.com

Personal: Growing up in Akron, Ohio, I played competitive tennis, basketball, and ran track in high school. When I realized that I didn’t want to shovel snow anymore, I headed out west to Arizona State University, and the adventure began.  After a year of rehab on a reconstructed knee, I craved a competitive outlet once again. Despite only running the 400m/800m in high school, I walked on to ASU’s X-Country team my sophomore year and had a ball.  That spring, while a student on Semester at Sea, sailing somewhere between Brazil and South Africa, the assistant dean (and avid triathlete) suggested I consider the sport.  My eyes lit up, and he became my tri mentor from that day forward.  My last two years at ASU, I dabbled in triathlon and found it to be a ton of fun even if I could barely stay afloat.  I never fully dedicated myself to the sport, as I took another six months to live/study in Mexico.  After college, I joined the Peace Corps, where I worked in Ecuador for two years. I rode a rusty bike (for transportation around my island), and ran a 4-mile loop around the sea lion colony in Galapagos– that was the extent of my “training.” As soon as I returned to the States, I hit the ground running–literally–in road races in Athens while attending UGA’s Terry MBA program. I dove head-first into the tri-scene when I moved to Atlanta in 2004, and, by some stroke of luck, convinced Matt Russ to believe in me and coach me. I’m forever grateful for his expert guidance, and, of course for taking a chance on me.  He has shown me that there is no limit to what we can achieve.

I enjoy my work as a Specialty Sales Representative in the pharmaceutical industry, have a beautiful baby girl (my Yorkie-Poo puppy, Shaina), and have been fortunate to be a part of the SF Elite Team since 2006.  I am also a triathlon coach and a cycling instructor, and absolutely love helping others find enjoyment in an active lifestyle, whether for general fitness or the thrill of competition.

Some people wonder why we do this.  Sometimes I wonder, too!  I love the lifestyle, the team camaraderie, and the constant challenge involved in pushing myself in three disciplines.  Mostly, though, I just want to be a little bit better today than I was yesterday.

Athletic Accomplishments:

2009 Santa Rosa Island – 1st Pro
2009 Steelhead 70.3 – 6th Pro (4:31:56)
2009 Eagleman 70.3 – 8th Pro (4:30:02)
2009 Memphis in May – 6th Pro (2:08:33)
2009 New Orleans 70.3 – 14th Pro
2009 11global South Africa – 1st Overall

2008 GA Time Trial State Champion
2008 Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens – 7th Pro
2008 Gulf Coast Half Ironman – 1st Overall (4:38)
2008 Powerman Alabama – 1st Overall (Pro)

2007 USA Triathlon’s Duathlete of the Year
2007 70.3 World Championship – 3rd in (30-34); 8th Amateur (4:30:22)
2007 Duathlon Long Course World Champion
2007 Duathlon Long Course  National Champion
2007 Duathlon Short Course National Champion
2007 Tugaloo Triathlon – 1st Overall; GA State Champion
2007 Chattanooga Triathlon – 3rd Overall; 2nd SE Championship
2007 Tri the Parks Indian Springs sprint – 1st Overall
2007 Ironman Baja 70.3 – 3rd Overall Amateur
2007 Jekyll Island Triathlon – 1st Overall
2007 Powerman Alabama Duathlon – 1st Overall Amateur

2006 All-American (Duathlon & Triathlon) F25-29
2006 Ironman 70.3 World Championship – 8th (25-29); (4:41:56)
2006 Chateau Elan Duathlon – 1st Overall
2006 Alan’s Elite Duathlon – 1st Overall
2006 West Point Lake Triathlon – 1st (25-29)
2006 USAT Duathlon Nat’l Championship – 3rd (25-29), 5th Overall
2006 Ironman Baja 70.3 – 3rd (25-29)
2006 Lake Lanier Duathlon – 1st Overall
2006 Powerman Alabama Duathlon – 1st Overall Amateur
2006 Tampa Bay Half Marathon – 1st (25-29)
2005 Ironman Brazil – 2nd (25-29), 6th Overall Amateur (11:17)
2005 Chateau Elan Duathlon – 1st Overall

2010 Goals: I am focusing my efforts on the 70.3 distance, and will look to make my bike even more of a competitive threat, shave a few minutes of the half marathon, and not have my bike the last on the pro rack when getting out of the water. If I can do that, I am confident that 2010 will be a competitive season!  I love racing elite and feel extremely fortunate to be able to do so. I plan to maximize the opportunity and do the very best I can!

SPONSORS, SHOUT-OUTS, & DISCOUNTS: Thank you to my sponsors for believing in me and supporting my athletic goals through top of the line coaching, products, services, and equipment:

The Sport Factory
Roswell Bicycles
First Choice Healthcare
Powerbar Team Elite
Nuun
Tifosi Optics
Yankz!
Wicked Fast
Tri City New Balance

Tri City New Balance takes care of me and my feet with top of the line New Balance training, trail, and racing shoes. For a 15% discount + Free Shipping (UPS Ground) and NO Tax, go to www.TriCityNewBalance.com and enter discount code “FriendOfAmy.” Or call 1-866-417-4637.