Featured Member: Lynne Gaustad

The February 2014 female featured athlete is Lynne Gaustad. Learn more about Lynne below.

Tell us about yourself:
I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia while my dad was in the Navy.  I grew up on Onalaska. I worked with my dad, who owned the Holmen Locker. I spent many years riding and showing my horse in the Hunter/Jumpers. I decided to go to Nursing School when I was 27. I’ve been a CRNA at Gundersen Health System for 10 years. I love to read, nap, and spend time outdoors. I’ve been married for 26 years to Bob, have a 10 year old daughter, Caleigh, 2 dogs, Zelda and Boomer, and some cats, too.

How long have you been doing triathlons?

2014 will be my 3rd year of doing triathlons.

How long have you been a Bluff Buster?

This will be my 4th year of being a Bluff Buster as I chickened out my first year.

What is your triathlon background:

I decided to give triathlons a try when I burned myself out one summer just running.  I ran while anemic and raced while ill with a weird virus and really blew myself up.  I thought that the variety of the three sports of triathlon would be better for my body and mind.  My first year of triathlon I did Lake Mills sprint, Got Energy Sprint, and Oshkosh Olympic distance.  I was going to do a Tough Mudder, but had an appendectomy instead.  Last season I did Got Energy sprint, Door County Half Iron, USAT Age Group Nationals Sprint, and Hy-Vee Triathlon Olympic distance.

What is your favorite race distance?

I’m not sure I have a favorite?  I guess I like the variety.

What are your triathlon goals for 2014?

I have Door County Half Iron and Ironman Wisconsin on my schedule.  I plan on signing up for Got Energy and a few others.

What is your favorite song or album to workout to?

I like a variety of music, I’ve got heavy metal, alternative, classic rock and more on my playlists.  I love Nine Inch Nails, Sound Garden, Alice Cooper, Perfect Circle, Rage Against the Machine, and Rush.

What motivates you?
I am motivated to stay active and work out after watching my mom lose her mobility as she aged. I’m motivated by the wonderful friends I’ve made in the triathlon community. I’m motivated by how good I feel when I’m fit and healthy.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m biggest accomplishment was having my daughter. It totally changed my life. I’m also proud of my half iron finish and what I’ve achieved educationally and professionally.

What is your favorite workout?

A long run through the woods on the bike trail.

What can’t you live without?

My iPhone.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

I would love to have Super Memory and retain everything that I’ve learned, read, etc.

What is one book that everyone should read?

George Orwell’s 1984

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Putting groceries away.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

There are a lot of things I would love to learn and just not enough time to accomplish them all.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can pick things up with my toes.