Meet DelMo Athlete Shaunna Payne Gold

Each month, we sit down with a DelMoSports athlete and ask them five questions. 

Meet DelMo Athlete, Shaunna Payne Gold!

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1. What are your race goals next season?

Each year, I "level up" in triathlete. Meaning, I try to get comfortable with something that has been difficult in the past. Last year's race goal was to complete my first 70.3 distance and I'm so grateful that my first experience was with Ironman Atlantic City 70.3. In 2018, I have three goals: 1) Three 70.3 distance races, 2) one long distance swim event, and 3) conquer my fear jumping into deep water. I've actually "scooted" into the water at the start of every major race, including IMAC 70.3! DelMo's Escape OW Classic and Escape the Cape are helping me to tackle some of my major goals.

2. Best racing advice?

Train hard and race easy. Almost everyone who knows me is aware that my training partner and I have been waking up to workout at 4 a.m. five to six days a week for almost 5 years now. I usually get a double workout in before work if I start early enough. The wake-ups are tough, the training is tougher, but it makes race day much easier. A 7 a.m. race start is actually "late" based on my body clock. Early morning workouts minimize my distractions and interruptions, so I can get more intense workouts done in a shorter amount of time.

3. Favorite pre-race meal?

Pre-race dinner is usually salmon, rice or potatoes, and a veggie. Pre-race breakfast is usually what I call "Medal Muffins". My husband (who is a cyclist) makes muffins from chocolate chips, bananas, and graham cracker flavored protein power that's simply the best. It's like eating dessert for breakfast.

4. What is your race mantra?

I have a few mantras: "Only God allows me to do what I do." "Greater is He that's in me than he that's in the world." "In God I live and MOVE and have my being!"

5. Tell us three things we should know about you.

I'm a first generation college student from rural Southern Virginia who eventually got a doctoral degree in Education. I learned to swim at 35 years old while pregnant with my second son and I now work with adults who have the same fears that I had. I am a mom of 2 little boys, Trai (6) and Kendrick (3). Most importantly, I believe in self-determination. Anything you can dream, you can do if you're willing to make a commitment, get good counsel and coaching, and put in the work.