Krista is an amateur plus-size triathlete from Toronto.  She is also an online fitness coach who specializes in plus fitness.  She created Plus Performance Fitness to help others who are overweight and do not know where to start.  She is a determined individual and wants to help others obtain their goals of getting fit and enjoying life. Here is what I found out about Krista.

1) Who are you and what makes you tick?

I am an amateur plus-size triathlete.  Five years ago I made a commitment to myself to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle by getting involved in triathlons.

I loved the idea of taking on a challenging sport that requires physical & mental toughness and something that I could do on my own.  I am also an online fitness coach specializing in plus size fitness. I know the challenges people face when they are overweight, inactive or confused where to start and that’s why I created www.PlusPerformanceFitness.com.

Along with my own experiences, education and learning from training in various sports, triathlon, rowing and walking, I believe I can help anyone who is ready to re-new their commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle.

2) What is your motto?

You don’t have to wait to lose weight to get active.

3) What parts of active life do you participate in?

My active life is divided into three seasons:

Training Season: From January to May I am engaged in triathlon training.

Racing Season: From June to September I am racing triathlons throughout South Western Ontario.

Off Season: From October to December I remain active but don’t follow a rigid training schedule.  This is my time to give myself a physical & mental break and try something completely new.  Since June I have been taking one squash lesson a week and I am now participating in my health club’s squash league.

4) What is your favourite active pursuit?

I did my first give-it-a-triathlon race in September 2004 and since then I have been training and racing in triathlons.  There is still a lot of room for me to grow in this sport and lots of goals to keep me driven, motivated and inspired.

5) Your favourite gear?

My racing singlet is my favourite piece of gear.

6)  Your favourite place to do activities?

Outdoors – cycling along the Lakeshore bike path early in the morning when it’s peaceful.

Indoors – my gym, the Toronto Athletic Club, particularly Friday’s noon spin class with my triathlon coach.

7)  Your favourite season, day, event?

My favourite season is definitely summer because that’s when all the months of training get to be put into action with races.

I love racing the HSBC triathlon series www.hsbctriathlon.com. My favourite race site is Lakeside.  Two races are held at this location, one to open the season and one to end the season.  The season ending race is the best because I get to ride on country roads lined with corn stalks.  Not quite the Tour de France, but has a similar feeling.

Although not considered an “activity” I also love volunteering and cheering on runners at endurance events.  Last year I volunteered at Ironman Lake Placid.  It was an amazing experience.  In Toronto, I love the fall because I enjoy cheering on the 2 marathon races that Toronto hosts.  It is exciting to see how fast the Kenyans can run.

8 ) Your favourite website or magazine?

My favourite website is Twitter because I like connecting and supporting other like-minded people.

9) Guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is a good burger post race.

10) One cause you strive for?

To motivate others and inspire them that anyone, at any size, any skill level, can be active, enjoy it and if they desire, to become an athlete.

11) Future goals?

1) I would like to qualify and represent Canada for the World Sprint Triathlon Championships.

2) I would like to complete an Ironman.