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Stacy Rhea | Editor
Age: 42
Residence: Stow, Ohio
Sports: Running on- and off-road, cycling and triathlon

 Bio:
Stacy Rhea has been competing in sports since she was a child. Volleyball, track and softball were her childhood sports. In 1992 she competed in her first local bodybuilding show, which was the catalyst to her sports nutrition business. In 2004 she switched gears and began competing in sprint-distance duathlons. Her love for endurance sports grew and she has since then successfully completed two half-Ironman competitions, placing first in her age group. She also has completed numerous Olympic-distance triathlons, half-marathons and competed in her first ultra-distance trail race in 2006.

Favorite training location:
Buckeye Trail, specifically Pine Lane

Favorite post-recovery meal:
Immediately following a race I wash down a banana with a chocolate protein shake, L-Glutamine, vitamin C and Juice Plus. Once I have all the essential ingredients for recovery I go with the flow: whatever my fellow racers want – pizza, burgers or a juicy steak. And, I always find room for ice cream.

Toughest lesson learned while competing:
I quickly learned how important it was to know what not to eat the days leading up to a long-distance event. During my first half-Ironman in 2005, I had serious stomach discomfort during the first three miles of the run. I was lucky – I found a Porta-Potty. There are certain foods that must be limited in the days leading up to a long race. 

Elizabeth Hansen | Running Editor
Age: 27
Residence: Euclid
Sport: Running

Bio:
Elizabeth Hansen is an environmental consultant in Cleveland. She is closely tied to the local running community,and is a member of the vertical Runner Racing Team, and a member of Cleveland's Southeast Running Club.She has been running for more than 15 years, completing 16 marathons and nine ultras since 2004.

Favorite training location:
Buckeye Trail

Favorite post-recovery meal:
I like to have chocolate milk or Frappuccino after a long, hard race, then whatever strikes me as good at the restaurant; typically something greasy.

Toughest lesson learned while competing
I think the toughest part of competing for me is getting out of my own head. I analyze and worry too much. The best races for me are the ones where I just show up and run.

David Herpy | Adventure Editor
Age: 30
Residence: Brimfield, Ohio
Sports: Archery, backpacking, camping, Geocaching, golfing, kayaking, mountain biking, racquetball, rock climbing, snowboarding and wakeboarding  

Bio:
Dave Herpy is the outdoor adventure and camp coordinator for the Department of Recreational Services and adjunct faculty in the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management program at Kent State University. His love for the outdoors began with his first camping trip at the age of 3 and continued as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout growing up. He earned a B.S. in recreation management from Kent State University and an M.S. in recreation and sport science from The Ohio University. He is a certified American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and Level 2 River Kayaking Instructor, an Ohio Boating Education Course Instructor and a Wilderness First Responder.

His highlights this year include coordinating the KSU ski/snowboard club at Boston Mills/Brandywine, leading a presentation on local resources for outdoor recreation at the 2009 Adventure Summit in Dayton, leading a zip-lining trip to the new Hocking Hills Canopy Tours and leading a coastal kayak trip on Lake Erie along Cleveland Lakefront State Park. He also coordinating the paddling section of the Black Squirrel Adventure Triathlon in Kent in August and is directing the second annual Brady’s Leap Adventure Race in Kent in October.

His past experiences include a week-long whitewater paddling expedition in the Smoky Mountains in 2001, a week-long canoe camping and backpacking trip in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia in 2002, and a week-long canoe camping trip in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario in 2002. He has seen alligators and moose from a canoe.

Favorite training location:
Favorite local destinations include the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Mogadore Reservoir in Mogadore and West Branch State Park in Ravenna.

Favorite post-recovery meal:
Favorite post-adventure meal is Chipotle and favorite post-adventure beverage is Great Lakes Brew Company’s seasonal ales.

Toughest lesson learned while competing:
Don’t ever underestimate the power of Mother Nature

Katherine Mone | Nutrition Editor
Age: 24
Residence: Fairview Park, Ohio
Sports: Running

Bio:
Katherine Mone, R.D., L.D., is a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic. She is pursuing her master’s in exercise science and credentialing to become a certified specialist in sports dietetics in order to coach/counsel athletes. She has run three marathons, including Boston, and runs with the Cleveland West Road Runners Club. In the fall she will be the assistant cross-country coach for Cleveland State University.

Favorite training location:
Rocky River Reservation multi-purpose path and trails.

Favorite post-recovery meal:
Riptide Rush Gatorade, tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread, mandarin oranges and any flavor ice cream.

Toughest lesson learned while competing:
The toughest lesson I have learned is always stay mentally positive and keep your head in the race. Once you mentally defeat yourself your body gives up; you slow down and end up being disappointed with yourself.

Angela Ridgel | Multi-Sport Editor
Age: 38
Residence: Lakewood, Ohio
Sports: Triathlon & cycling

Bio:
Angela Ridgel, Ph.D. is a neurobiologist, an exercise physiologist and an American College of Sports medicine –certified personal trainer. She has competed in sprint-and Olympic distance triathlons since 2001.

Favorite training location:
Cleveland Metroparks – Mill Stream and Brecksville are my favorites.

Favorite post-recovery meal:
Peanut butter and banana smoothie.

Toughest lesson learned while competing:
Weather can have a dramatic affect on race-day performance.