Our show this week is dedicated to the life of Maria Thrash, swim coach, training partner, friend, and pillar of the Dynamo Swim Club community. Maria will be missed tremendously by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her.

In our interview this week Haley and Alyssa chat with ITU pro Erika Ackerlund. Erika recently travelled to Europe to race in the shortened WTS race season that kicked off in Hamburg, Germany. In just her second WTS race ever, Erika had a breakout 14th place finish amongst a stacked field of female professionals. She tells us about the training that she has put in to prepare her for this short, but intense season of racing, that brought her three top 15 finishes.

Erika discovered triathlon while attending college in Montana. She tells us about her collegiate triathlon experience, racing as part of her school’s small club, and winning the Collegiate National Championships. After college, Erika jumped straight into professional racing. She tells us about what went into making that decision and how she is living the #feistylife to support her career.

Alyssa and Haley share some of their favourite Maria stories, and Alyssa gives us an update on her Zwift racing experience.

Follow Erika on Instagram @erikaackerlund

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