Beth Atnip

Ironically, I started training for triathlons when I was still playing soccer at the University of Kentucky. I was a keeper, and I started to get really bored standing in goal six hours a day, watching everyone else running around on the field. At that time I was working at the pool at UK and met a very interesting guy, Eric (who is now my husband). He told me that he competed in triathlons, and that I should start training too! At that point I had really no idea what a triathlon was, but he looked like he was in great shape, and he seemed to be really happy, so I said what the heck!!!

During the early part of 2000, I started swimming again. I had been a swimmer all my life, but had not been in the pool in over three years. I also started running and biking a little. I continued to train a little bit throughout my soccer season and decided to sign-up for my first triathlon in June of 2001. However, the night before the race I woke up in the middle of the night, dizzy, nauseous and very upset. I knew that I was not going to be able to race the next morning. I was so disappointed that I had to put my first race on hold.

Then in 2002 I had this crazy idea to sign-up for Ironman Wisconsin. Let me remind you that at this point I still had not competed in any triathlon. I ended up competing in my first triathlon, a sprint distance race in June 2002. I then went on to compete in Ironman Wisconsin in September of 2002, and have been addicted to the sport ever since!

I still enjoy competing in Sprint and Olympic distance races, but my real passion is Ironman and Ironman 70.3. I have competed in four Ironman so far, and plan to compete in my next IM in 2010. My big race for 2009 will be the American Triple T in may, and several 70.3 races.

I have been coaching/helping other triathletes since 2003 when we started the UK Triathlon Club. I have also been a race director since 2003, and I am the Race Director for the Tri for Sight Triathlon in Lexington, KY. I love this sport not only because of all the great friends I have met, but also because I am able to help so many others get involved in triathlons! This sport makes me smile!

Education

Masters of Business Administration
University of Kentucky
Program: MBA with an emphasis in marketing
May 2005

MS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion
University of Kentucky
Program: Health Promotion
May, 2004

BA in Education
University of Kentucky
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Business
December, 2001

Certifications

USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach

USA Triathlon Certified Race Director

National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified Group Fitness Instructor

American Red Cross Workplace CPR/AED/FIRST AID Instructor

Key Races

2008 - Columbus Marathon - 3:34:29

2008 - Toyota Challenge Olympic Distance, 2nd Place Overall Female

2008 - Whirlpool Steelhead IM 70.3 Finisher

2008 – Heart and Sole Sprint Triathlon Overall Female Winner

2007 – Ironman Wisconsin
11:52:47 – My best finish at Ironman Wisconsin

2005 - Ironman Florida
11:33:03 - My best finish yet at Ironman!

2003, 2004, 2005 – Memphis in May Triathlon
1st place Athena

2004 – Ironman Wisconsin
12:18:29

2003 – Pigman Triathlon
first half iron-distance race

2003 – Shelbyville Sprint Triathlon
1st place overall women

2002 – Ironman Wisconsin
second triathlon I competed in and first Ironman race