> report filed January 5, 2005 by Dave White
This is the latest in a series of interviews with the Undercovered, our effort here at Triathlon Informer to shine a light on some of the more interesting triathletes we run across in our travels. This time, the focus is on Erika Aklufi, a Los Angeles-area lawyer who has a background in swimming and newfound passion for triathlon. If you'd like to suggest an athlete for our profiles, please contact dave@triathloninformer.com.
As part of our continuing series profiling undercovered (and clearly up-and-coming) age-groupers, we turn our attention to Erika and how she overcame burnout and found a sport she loves. To suggest an athlete for our Undercovered profiles, please send us a note at dave@triathloninformer.com.
TRIATHLON INFORMER: How long have you been racing? How many races do you do a year?
ERIKA AKLUFI: I've been racing practically my whole life. I started swimming competitively when I was 5, and did that until I retired at age 23, following my senior college season. About two years ago I moved to Los Angeles and joined the LA Roadrunners. That was pretty much the start of my running career. Last June, I joined the LA Tri Club and started racing triathlons. I'm still too new to have any races that I participate in every year, but I did enjoy the Playa del Run series, the LA Triathlon, and Nautica-Malibu.
TI: What motivates you to train?
EA: Getting outside and using my body is one of the greatest gifts imaginable. I would go absolutely stir-crazy if I couldn't work out on a regular basis. I'm like one of those hyper kids that parents try and tire out by having them do things like jumping in and out of a circle painted on the ground for hours just to get them to go to sleep. When I don't train I have all this pent-up energy that makes me a nightmare to be around. Trust me when I say it's better for all of us that I work out hard and often. As you might imagine, I really need to train for the sake of my sanity. Getting faster and improving my finishing times is a bonus.
TI: What do you do when you're not training?
EA: When I'm not training I spend the majority of my time working as an attorney. Other than that, I enjoy reading and watching TV. (Yes, I'm a potato!)
TI: Who do you admire among the people you know? Why?
EA: There are so many people I admire, each for different reasons, but mostly because they live some aspect of their life the way that I would like to. Of course, I think my parents are wonderful role models. When it comes to sports, though, my running coach, Jacqueline Hansen, has my complete and total admiration. She has achieved success in so many areas of her life, the least of which is her phenomenal running career. Not only has she set world records, but she is also a first-rate woman who cares deeply about her family and friends. She has found balance in her life that I hope to emulate one day.
TI: Who do you look up to and why?
EA: Lance Armstrong (with his phenomenal work ethic) comes to mind. I've never been one to prepare for a race, but watching what Lance did in this year's Tour, by studying the course with a fine-toothed comb, has motivated me to approach triathlons like a professional would. In addition, I think the athletes sponsored by the Challenged Athletes Foundation, especially those who participate in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, are particularly admirable. Watching them work their craft is truly inspiring!
TI: If you could say one thing to all the triathletes reading this right now, what would it be? It can be inspirational, it can be funny, you name it.
EA: "Body and spirit
I surrendered whole
To harsh instructors-
And received a soul."
Rudyard Kipling wrote those lines nearly a century ago, and while I doubt he had any triathlon PRs, it seems to ring true in virtually any athletic endeavor. When people ask me why I train and race, I can only say it's because training and racing make me who I am. I find that those who do involved sports like triathlon often meet resistance from those around them who don't participate. Understanding the benefits of doing seem to be the best motivator to keep on keeping on. At least for me (and Rudyard).
TI: What is your ultimate goal in triathlon?
EA: Well, I can cross finishing an Ironman off my list (did that in June). I guess the Olympics is pretty much the biggest thing I can think of for me.
TI: What is your favorite workout? Why?
EA: Well, it certainly isn't anything done on a bike. I think hill running, particularly if the run includes trails, is my absolute favorite thing to do. You can get stronger and faster without having the strain of sprinting. And the trail aspect makes it more exciting than running on a road or around a track. I like the distraction inherent in unstable surfaces.