Duathlon: The long road

A duathlon course is a piece of cake compared to the many trials

Kristi Nilles has had to endure to reach her goals.

Nilles, a Newport Beach resident for the past nine years, is on the

verge of becoming a pro duathlete and she is reaching her quest by

competing in the World Long Course Duathlon Championships in Holland,

Saturday and Sunday. She will represent the U.S. World Duathlon Team and

says she “will make Newport Beach proud in Holland.”

Originally from Cleveland, Nilles never visioned herself as a runner

until she met her husband, Brian, who encouraged her to run and started

her with one-mile runs. Soon, the one-milers became two and then three.

“I have been addicted ever since that third mile,” Nilles said in an

e-mail from Holland. “My race history is limited but I have been lucky

with my accomplishments.”

Nilles’ first race was the Pacific Coast Sprint Tri. She said she was

humbled by learning to properly swim. But, she managed to place 17th and

the finish put her on a mission. She was determined to improve in the

sport.

“Once my feet hit the pedals of my bike,” Nilles said. “I knew I was

in my favorite place.”

However, Nilles’ mission was cut short. She apparently pushed herself

too hard in training and tore her hamstring and was out for the year. She

couldn’t run, lift or do anything active.

“It was one of the most challenging times for me because running and

mountain biking had become my peace and quiet time -- a time for me,” she

said. “After that year, I never thought I would be where I am today.”

After overcoming the injury, Nilles gained more incentive to

accomplish her goals. She won in her age division in the Imperial Beach

Duathlon, her first race back. She finished eighth overall.

But, bad luck struck again for Nilles last year. She was in a

snowboarding accident, that put her out for five months.

All along, she had placed the goal to make the duathlon world team

before her 30th birthday and after recovering from the accident she was

just six months away from the date.

“I got myself a coach,” Nilles said. “Put myself on a hard training

schedule and refused to give up. The Dannon National Championship race

was my first race back and has led me to where I am today, going to the

Worlds in Holland, two months before my 30th birthday! Next year, I will

be a pro.”