My name is Stephanie Jones, I am 29 years old and 2007 was my first year competing at the elite/professional level of triathlon, concentrating on the half ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) and ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) distances. It has been my dream since I was 14 years old to reach the highest level of Ironman triathlon; however, my path toward that dream has been filled with both challenging and rewarding experiences outside of the sport. At the age of 17, I desired to serve my country. I applied and was subsequently accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Upon graduation in 2000, I was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for five years, spending the majority of time overseas. Appropriately, during my time in the service I found myself devoted to military training, missions, and my fellow service members. I continued a stringent personal workout regimen, but the opportunity to compete was non-existent. My personal dream of Ironman Triathlon had remained a glimmer in the back of my mind and I decided to leave the Marine Corps in May 2005 to pursue my dream of professional racing. I obtained my elite license in August of 2006.