Full Name: Kelly Marie Handel
Nickname: Kelly (none)
Age: 29
Hometown: Austin, Texas (currently, I moved from Manitou Springs, CO one year ago)
Years Racing: Pro - 5
Sponsors: Zoot Sports (including Orbea, Zipp, Nutri Fig/Cheetah Bar, View Goggles, Suunto); Jack and Adams Bike Shop, 3 Stories Racing, Advanced Rehabilitation

How has this race season been so far for you?
This year has been great. I just moved to Austin last fall, and the running scene here is amazing, as well as a mild winter to ride outdoors.  So, I think I started the year off in March at IM CA (70.3) with very good run fitness. Also, I got an SRM (power meter) for my bike, so training with power has really allowed me to track my cycling progress. I have achieved a personal best times in my 1/2 marathon (road race), 10k road race, 5k road race, and 1/2 Ironman as well. I have no complaints! 

What has been your best result this year?
My best results have probably been evenly matched at Spirit of Racine and Buffalo Springs 1/2 Ironman. At Buffalo Springs in June, I went about 11 minutes faster than last year’s time and finished 6th overall, which was right at a personal best time on a very tough course. At Racine in July, I did a personal best 1/2 IM time by 6 minutes to go a 4:30. I consider approaching the 4:30 'barrier' hitting a 'new level', so to speak, and my running off the bike has just been feeling better and better. I hope this does not jinx me. :)

Who's been your toughest competitor(s)?
Well, interestingly enough I have to simply say I am my own toughest competitor. I try not to worry about 'who is at the races', as I cannot control this. Often times, very talented women show up last minute and there is nothing I can do about this. The challenge is to get my head in the right place, be fully confident in my abilities and preparations and race to my fullest capabilities. I could be disappointed in my 'placing' this year at some races, but I would rather step up to the best competition there is and place 5th or 6th than to win a race without being challenged. I am my own biggest critic!

What's one piece of advice for the upcoming rider looking to get sponsorship?
Exposure, exposure exposure. Don't be too timid about talking to people and getting your name out there. BE CONFIDENT, even when you may not be, try to be...confidence is an attractive quality. We all lack this at times, but try to be sure of who you are and what you do. Be creative in companies you approach, as well. You never know what kind of opportunities may arise.

What are your goals for the rest of this season?
Continue to stay healthy! I am thankful that this year has been a healthy year combined with more racing than I am used to. Continue to ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT. And, ultimately, I would like to finish in the top 6 at the 70.3 IM World Championships in Clearwater, Florida. This is a lofty goal but it never hurts to shoot high, I am realizing if I throw big goals out there, I am much more likely to attain them. I would also like to train for a marathon this winter, but my goals for that are best kept to myself...as it will be my first marathon.

Who would you like to thank?
My parents, my family and my boyfriend Derick. They all believe in me so much and never do anything but support me and my goals and my structured schedule/lifestyle. Jack and Adams Bike Shop in Austin, they brought me on their team last winter when they barely knew me in town and the support they give to this community (and team members give to each other) is phenomenal. Zoot Sports for bringing me on their triathlon team, this is my first year of truly having a support network and the wetsuit, training gear, Orbea TT bike (my first one EVER), Zipp race wheels, Suunto watch, Cheetah Bars...all of these combined make my job as an athlete that much easier to be successful. AJ Zelinski and Karen Smith (acupuncturist) at Advanced Rehabilitation in Austin, TX...they are key to keeping me healthy. And the new team 3 Stories Racing, a start up elite development team here in Austin. And! Gilbert Tuhabonye's running group I take part in every Friday morning when I am here, it kicks my butt like NONE OTHER. Running until I feel sick has never felt so good.