MM: You’ve accomplished a lot in the last few years. Have you always been an athlete?MK : Not so much. I’ve always been “energetic”, but never really found my sport. I don’t think I’m that coordinated (she is laughing as she says this) at ball or racquet sports. When I bought a mountain bike, I didn't know where to ride it.
MM: That’s not the case anymore. What changed?
MK: It took me a year. I finally got the courage to go to a local bike shop (Squire John's) where they had Saturday morning bike rides. While I was there I met my now husband - after getting over my not so initial attraction to "guys in spandex”. The next weekend we had our first date. Before we knew it we were riding every weekend and finally, riding away from the church on our wedding day.
MM: So you fell in love twice over - with the sport and with Greg. I won’t ask about Greg, but what is it about mountain biking?
MK: I instantly fell in love with the sport. I loved the fact that you can have so much fun, increase your heart rate and give yourself an adrenalin rush like you've never had before. And be proud of surviving the numerous endo's!
Marianna’s tip: The more flexible you are the better you recover from falls. Do yoga!
MM: You and Greg have managed not only to add competitive training into your own schedules, but have incorporated the sport into your family lifestyle as a whole.
MK: Yes. It has been a great family activity. My husband used to race but was away from it for a while. Then, seeing how I quickly embraced the sport, it sparked new interest in him. He saw that it would be enjoyable for us both to (re)discover the passion for the sport together.
Marainna’s Bio in Brief:
Mountain biking for 8 years
2003–04 club member, then sponsored racer with Fly Gurlz
2005-present Arrow Racing (a not-for-profit cycling team from the area).
Raced one year Elite2005 1st place Tag Team at 24hr Race
2006-08 2 years off to dedicate time to have baby
2008 2nd place at Nationals (Mt St.Anne Quebec).
MM: And now you have two children in the picture?
MK: Yes, now we have two young daughters: Caralina (4) and Maea (2). Obviously we have gone through changes in our racing, but it really just brings another element to it. I took time off to get pregnant then returned to racing. Greg took time off racing to allow me time to get competition ready again. Training can be challenging and we take turns a lot: “who will wake up at 5am for our 5:30 workout today” or “who will prepare dinner while the other trains”? Our daughters come to many of our events, and even ride in the kids divisions. In 2005, we raced the Tag Team 24hr Race and brought our 6 month old daughter. We were camping, and she was feeding in between laps - too crazy! We will sometimes bring along sitters or invite family & friends to races and make a day or weekend of it. This year there was a race on Mother's Day - I fought and placed 2nd and at the same time my daughter rode the kids course. What a great way to celebrate Mother's Day and the outdoors.
MM: What about the future? I think you said you had some big plans?
MK: I'd like to qualify and race in the World's Master's Mountain Bike Championships. Also our family is doing an Exchange to Australia next year and we plan to race there as well.
MM: But you’re coming back right?
MK: We have ridden all over Canada, US, in Italy and will have ridden in Australia. But we appreciate the community we have right here in Collingwood, and the excellent riding in the area. Three Stages and Kolapore in particular offer amazing training ground and fun for all levels and abilities. We wouldn't choose another home in a million years!! We live in a cycling Paradise!
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