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My triathlon career began in 2002 after a friend recommended that I try one out.  I signed up for an international distance race thinking that it would be a most amazing accomplishment just to finish; and it was! Athletes passed me throughout the entire course as they cheered me on. I was thrilled to be a part of this amazing event and was just glad to make it to the finish line! In that same year that I participated in the Callaway Gardens Triathlon and met my husband, Chris.  He smoothly commented on the reflectors on my aluminum bicycle, and politely suggested that I remove them so that I look like a more serious athlete.  I was soon hooked on the sport of triathlon (and Chris).  I ordered Triathlete magazine and Chris became my weekend training partner.  He proposed at the Disney Half Ironman in 2005; and we married in April, 2006 leaving the ceremony on a tandem bicycle. I am blessed to have his support and a passion that we can share. 

Lake Hickory sprint2003 1^st overall female

Lake Wylie sprint 2003 1^st overall female

Gulf Shores sprint 2003 2^nd overall female

Callaway Gardens sprint 2003 1^st overall female

Latta Plantation  sprint 2004 1^st overall female

Dam Triathlon international  2004 2^nd overall female

Hiawassee Sprint 2004 1^st overall femaile

Hiawassee International  2004 2^nd overall female

Clemson Sprint (SC state championship) 2005 1^st overall female

Lake Norman Sprint 2005 1^st overall female

½ ironman Disney 2005 5^th age group

Elberton International  2005 1^st overall female

Shreveport 2005 2^nd overall female

½ ironman eagleman 2006 5^th age group

Chicago International 2006 2^nd overall female

Hilton Head sprint 2006 1^st overall female

Elberton International 2007 1^st age group

Tri the Parks 3^rd overall female

Lifetime Fitness 2007 International 5^th overall elite female

Westpoint International 2007 1^st overall female

2008 Goals:  Now that we are settled in our new home, I have more time and a renewed spirit  for triathlon.  I am honored and excited to be a new member of the Sport Factory Elite Team . I love triathlon for the thrill of the race, the personal challenges it gives me, the beautiful places we have seen training and racing,and the fantastic people we have met.  My husband and I have shared our enthusiasm with others, and have  introduced  many people to the sport (which we hope to continue to do).  Triathlon makes me stronger, gives me a greater appreciation for life and my health, and it makes me realize that you can do anything your heart truly desires!  I am looking forward to having a coach to work with this year and seeing what we can accomplish.

Since this is my first year being coached, I would like to improve my pacing and consistency, power, and mental strength to race to my full potential. I would also like to improve my running form and technical skills on the bike. I look forward to racing at St Anthony's, Memphis in May, Lake Stevens 70.3, Chicago, and Nationals in Portland, along with some local races.

I am also presently  moving my massage therapy practice from Spartanburg, SC to Body Pros in the Duluth office.  You can reach me at 404-520-4155 or michelleshoup@bellsouth.net  I am excited to meet the triathlon community and work with you for health and wellness.

Happy Training!