The AMBER Study Team
The Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Research Study has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and is being conducted by Dr. Kerry Courneya at the University of Alberta and Dr. Christine Friedenreich with Alberta Health Services. Researchers at Athabasca University and the University of Calgary are also part of this project.
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Team Leaders
Dr. Kerry Courneya
Dr. Courneya is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. He received his BA (1987) and MA (1989) in physical education from the University of Western Ontario (London, Canada) and his PhD (1992) in kinesiology from the University of Illinois (Urbana, IL, USA).
Dr. Courneya spent five years as an Assistant/Associate Professor at the University of Calgary (Calgary, Canada) before moving to the University of Alberta in 1997. His research program focuses on the role of physical activity in cancer control including primary prevention, coping with treatments, rehabilitation after treatments, and secondary prevention and survival. His research interests include both the outcomes and determinants of physical activity for cancer control as well as behavior change interventions. Dr. Courneya's research program has been funded by the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, the National Institutes of Health (USA), the Lance Armstrong Foundation (USA), the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, and the Alberta Cancer Board. Dr. Kerry Courneya can be contacted using the following information below: Dr. Kerry Courneya Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation 1-117, University Hall Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2H9 Office: (780) 492 - 1031 Email: [email protected] |
Dr. Christine Friedenreich
Dr. Friedenreich is the Scientific Leader in the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research at Alberta Health Services and is an Adjunct Professor and the Weekend to End Women's Cancers Breast Cancer Chair at the University of Calgary. She received her PhD (1990) in Epidemiology at the University of Toronto and did post-doctoral training at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the University of Calgary. Dr. Friedenreich has been at the Alberta Cancer Board (now AHS) since 1995 and was the Visiting Scientist at IARC in 2004-2005.
Dr. Friedenreich's current research program focuses on cancer etiology primarily on the role of physical activity in cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival. Her research has expanded to include studies of the biologic mechanisms that mediate the association between physical activity and cancer. She has conducted case-control and cohort studies of physical activity in breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer risk and survival. She was also the Principal Investigator of the ALPHA Trial (Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial) that examined the effects of aerobic exercise on intermediate biologic end points for breast cancer and the BETA Trial (Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta), the sequel to the ALPHA Trial, which examined how dose of aerobic exercise influences biomarkers associated with breast cancer risk.
As a co-investigator, she is conducting studies of exercise as a means for coping, rehabilitation, and improved quality-of-life after cancer diagnosis. Dr. Friedenreich is also interested in measurement of the physical activity and dietary intake. She developed the interview-administered Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Past Year Total Physical Activity Questionnaire. Dr. Friedenreich is also a co-investigator on the first ever randomized controlled trial of exercise for colon cancer survival (NCIC CO.21 Trial - CHALLENGE Trial) being conducted across Canada and Australia.
Dr. Christine Friedenreich can be contacted using the following information below:
Scientific Leader - Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Alberta Health Services - Cancer Care Alberta
Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Box ACB, 2210 2nd St SW
Calgary, AB T2S 3C3
Office: (403) 698 - 8009
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Friedenreich's current research program focuses on cancer etiology primarily on the role of physical activity in cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival. Her research has expanded to include studies of the biologic mechanisms that mediate the association between physical activity and cancer. She has conducted case-control and cohort studies of physical activity in breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer risk and survival. She was also the Principal Investigator of the ALPHA Trial (Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial) that examined the effects of aerobic exercise on intermediate biologic end points for breast cancer and the BETA Trial (Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta), the sequel to the ALPHA Trial, which examined how dose of aerobic exercise influences biomarkers associated with breast cancer risk.
As a co-investigator, she is conducting studies of exercise as a means for coping, rehabilitation, and improved quality-of-life after cancer diagnosis. Dr. Friedenreich is also interested in measurement of the physical activity and dietary intake. She developed the interview-administered Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Past Year Total Physical Activity Questionnaire. Dr. Friedenreich is also a co-investigator on the first ever randomized controlled trial of exercise for colon cancer survival (NCIC CO.21 Trial - CHALLENGE Trial) being conducted across Canada and Australia.
Dr. Christine Friedenreich can be contacted using the following information below:
Scientific Leader - Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Alberta Health Services - Cancer Care Alberta
Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Box ACB, 2210 2nd St SW
Calgary, AB T2S 3C3
Office: (403) 698 - 8009
Email: [email protected]
Principal Applicants
Dr. Jeffrey Vallance
Jeff Vallance, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Calgary. He currently holds a Population Health Investigator Award from Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions as well as New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Jeff's research program explores physical activity, sedentary behavior, and related health outcomes across the cancer context as well as among older adults. Jeff is interested in the use of objectively determined physical activity via accelerometers to determine the physical activity and sedentary behaviours of cancer survivors and older adults.
Dr. Margaret McNeely
Margaret (Margie) McNeely, PT, MScPT, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. She currently holds a joint appointment in the Department of Oncology and performs clinical research in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at the Cross Cancer Institute. Dr. McNeely's research interests are in the area of cancer rehabilitation and exercise. Her research to date has focused on upper limb dysfunction and cancer-related symptoms of pain, fatigue, and lymphedema.
Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed
Nicole Culos-Reed, PhD, is a Professor in Health and Exercise Psychology in the Faculty of Kinesiology and a Professor in the Department of Oncology in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. Dr. Culos-Reed also holds a Research Associate appointment with the Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
Her work is on physical activity for cancer survivors, and focuses on utilizing a multi-disciplinary perspective to understand and improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. Specifically, the goal of this research is to develop physical activity programs that positively impact the myriad of physical and psychological factors that cancer survivors experience, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Upcoming work will include providing greater accessibility and options for physical activity programs to the cancer survivor population, to examine the feasibility of lifestyle interventions at various stages of cancer continuum (diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, survivorship, and palliation), and to collaborate with other cancer centers to better understand the role of physical activity for different cancer types.
Her work is on physical activity for cancer survivors, and focuses on utilizing a multi-disciplinary perspective to understand and improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. Specifically, the goal of this research is to develop physical activity programs that positively impact the myriad of physical and psychological factors that cancer survivors experience, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Upcoming work will include providing greater accessibility and options for physical activity programs to the cancer survivor population, to examine the feasibility of lifestyle interventions at various stages of cancer continuum (diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment, survivorship, and palliation), and to collaborate with other cancer centers to better understand the role of physical activity for different cancer types.
Co-Applicants
Dr. Gordon Bell
Gordon J. Bell, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Exercise Physiology and the past Director of the Sport and Health Assessment Centre within the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta. He is also member of Alberta Diabetes Institute. Dr. Bell received undergraduate degrees (BEd; BSc) from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master's degree from the University of Victoria and his PhD from the University of Alberta. Dr. Bell's research program focuses on the physiological and cellular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise, especially changes in the cardio-respiratory system, skeletal muscle properties, and glycemic control. He also has expertise in health and performance related assessment and prescription for healthy individuals involved in fitness and sport and those with chronic disease.
Dr. Darren Brenner
Darren Brenner, PhD, is a molecular cancer epidemiologist in the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research at Alberta Health Services and an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. His research is focused on the intersection of lifestyle, genetics, and molecular pathways in the development of several cancers, including lung, breast, and colon. He is currently evaluating the impact of chronic inflammation from lifestyle (obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, poor nutrition) and environmental factors on breast and lung cancer risk through several case-control, cohort, and randomized intervention trials. The aim of this research is to identify high risk populations, novel risk factor profiles, and potential markers of early detection of cancer.
Dr. Lynn Corcoran
Lynn Corcoran, RN, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University and a Sessional Instructor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She has years of experience as an RN in a variety of clinical and teaching areas such as public health, counseling, and women's health. Lynn worked in the Breast Health Program at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary providing education, resources, and support for patients with breast cancer. Lynn's research and scholarly interests are varied and include women's health, interpersonal violence, qualitative research methods, and innovations in teaching/learning.
Dr. Karen Kopciuk
Karen Kopciuk, PhD, is a Research Scientist with the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research with Alberta Health Services and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Departments of Oncology and Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Calgary. She obtained her MMath and PhD degrees from the University of Waterloo and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute where she worked in the area of statistical genetics. Her research interests include multi-state models for estimating genetic and disease risks in families who carry a mutated gene, feature selection methods for high dimensional survival data, and projection to latent structures methods for longitudinal biomarkers. She is currently evaluating factors associated with stage of cancer diagnosis to identify associated patterns of health behaviours using the Alberta Tomorrow Project data. She is Past-President of the Biostatistics Section, the AB/BC Representative and on the Elections Committee of the Statistical Society of Canada.
Dr. John Mackey
John Mackey, MD, is a medical oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton where he is also the Director of the Clinical Research Unit and a Professor of Oncology at the University of Alberta. He is an Executive Director of the Cancer International Research Group/Translational Research in Oncology, an academic virtual clinical trials organization with over 18 000 patients on randomized intervention studies, with participating cancer centres located in 54 countries. He chairs or co-chairs nine international clinical trials of breast cancer systemic therapy, and supervises the clinical research programmes for women with breast cancer in the referral area of the Cross Cancer Institute. His translational breast cancer research program studies predictive assays for benefit from systemic therapy of breast cancer, and mechanisms of drug resistance. He has authored or coauthored more than 200 cancer related publication, and serves on the Journal of Clinical Oncology Editorial Board.
Dr. Jessica McNeil
Jessica McNeil, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Fellow for the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, in Calgary. Her research has focused on modifiable risk factors (e.g. exercise, sleep) that impact the prevalence and development and of chronic disease linked to obesity. Her recent research interests focus on the development of novel physical activity strategies for the prevention, control, and survival of cancers linked with physical inactivity and obesity (e.g. breast cancer). She currently hold Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions (AI-HS). Her CIHR Fellowship Award application was nominated for the Alice Wilson 2016 award, offered to "a woman of outstanding academic qualifications who is entering a career in scholarship or research at the postdoctoral level".
Collaborators
Dr. Sasha Lupichuk
Sasha Lupichuk, MD, is a medical oncologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC) in Calgary, chair of the Southern Alberta Breast Tumour Group, medical director of the Calgary Breast Health Program High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary. Dr. Lupichuk received her Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and her medical degree from the University of British Columbia. While starting on staff at TBCC, she also completed a Master's of Science in Health Services Research at the University of Calgary. Dr. Lupichuk's research interests include breast cancer therapeutic clinical trials, and models of care for breast cancer survivors and individuals identified to be high risk for developing breast cancer.
Dr. Charles Matthews
Charles E. Matthews, PhD, is a physical activity epidemiologist and Investigator in the Nutritional Epidemiology Branch of NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. He received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a Master's degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and a Doctoral degree in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Dr. Matthews' research is designed to inform efforts to prevent and control cancer through conduct of etiologic and methodological studies of physical activity behaviours in the population. These behaviours reflect the continuum of human movement and range from purely sedentary behaviours (eg. sitting) to active behaviours that include light to vigorous intensity activities. Methodological research in Dr. Matthews' group is focused on the development of better tools for the assessment of active and sedentary behaviours in population-based studies of malignant disease. Work here includes description of the measurement error structure of existing self-report instruments, use of the next generation of physical activity monitors, and the development and testing of new self-report instruments (eg. web-based 24-hour recall of active and sedentary behaviours (ACT24)). His current etiologic work seeks to refine our understanding of the type, intensity, and amount of activity-related behaviours that may confer risk (sitting) or protection (activity) for cancers that have been convincingly linked to physical activity. In addition, his work also endeavors to add to the evidence-base supporting associations between physical activity and other cancer, the potential for physical activity to ameliorate cancer risk associated with obesity, and to better understand the biological mechanisms that underlie these associations.
Dr. Matthews' research is designed to inform efforts to prevent and control cancer through conduct of etiologic and methodological studies of physical activity behaviours in the population. These behaviours reflect the continuum of human movement and range from purely sedentary behaviours (eg. sitting) to active behaviours that include light to vigorous intensity activities. Methodological research in Dr. Matthews' group is focused on the development of better tools for the assessment of active and sedentary behaviours in population-based studies of malignant disease. Work here includes description of the measurement error structure of existing self-report instruments, use of the next generation of physical activity monitors, and the development and testing of new self-report instruments (eg. web-based 24-hour recall of active and sedentary behaviours (ACT24)). His current etiologic work seeks to refine our understanding of the type, intensity, and amount of activity-related behaviours that may confer risk (sitting) or protection (activity) for cancers that have been convincingly linked to physical activity. In addition, his work also endeavors to add to the evidence-base supporting associations between physical activity and other cancer, the potential for physical activity to ameliorate cancer risk associated with obesity, and to better understand the biological mechanisms that underlie these associations.
Diane Cook - See Study Team
Study Team
Edmonton
Diane Cook
Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Research Coordinator
Diane graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree. Her concentration was Athletic Therapy and Exercise Physiology. Previously, Diane has been involved in coaching power skating, working in the field of Athletic Therapy with MacEwan and Concordia University Colleges, and in the field of exercise rehabilitation with various physiotherapy clinics and Millard Health. As a breast cancer survivor, Diane is interested in the effects of exercise on cancer. She is also the research coordinator for the CARE Trial - A Randomized Controlled Trial of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Chemotherapy. Outside of work, Diane enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, traveling, and photography.
Diane graduated from the University of Alberta in 1999 with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree. Her concentration was Athletic Therapy and Exercise Physiology. Previously, Diane has been involved in coaching power skating, working in the field of Athletic Therapy with MacEwan and Concordia University Colleges, and in the field of exercise rehabilitation with various physiotherapy clinics and Millard Health. As a breast cancer survivor, Diane is interested in the effects of exercise on cancer. She is also the research coordinator for the CARE Trial - A Randomized Controlled Trial of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Chemotherapy. Outside of work, Diane enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, traveling, and photography.
Spencer Allen
Exercise Specialist
- Spencer graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2019. Following graduation, he worked in the Behavioural Medicine Laboratory at the University of Alberta, getting involved with multiple exercise oncology trials, including the AMBER study. He is currently pursuing his master's degree at the University of Alberta, with a focus in behavioural medicine. Outside of his academic pursuits, Spencer competes in and coaches pole vault within the local track and field community. Most of all, he enjoys sharing his passion for sport, physical activity and health with others.
Calgary
Leanne Dickau
Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Research Coordinator
Leanne graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology in 2006. In 2011, she completed a Master's of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria. While completing her Master's degree, she worked as a fitness tester and project coordinator in the Behavioural Medicine Lab at the University of Victoria. After graduation, she obtained her Certified Exercise Physiologist certification from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and worked as a research assistant at the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria, BC. Within CEPR, Leanne has worked on various projects including the CO21 Challenge Trial looking at physical activity and colon cancer. Along with an interest in health and fitness, she has quite the travel bug and has lived in both Germany and Australia. She also has a love of hiking and spending time in the mountains
Leanne graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology in 2006. In 2011, she completed a Master's of Science in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria. While completing her Master's degree, she worked as a fitness tester and project coordinator in the Behavioural Medicine Lab at the University of Victoria. After graduation, she obtained her Certified Exercise Physiologist certification from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and worked as a research assistant at the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria, BC. Within CEPR, Leanne has worked on various projects including the CO21 Challenge Trial looking at physical activity and colon cancer. Along with an interest in health and fitness, she has quite the travel bug and has lived in both Germany and Australia. She also has a love of hiking and spending time in the mountains
Rebecca Urbat
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Exercise and Health Physiology from the University of Calgary in 2015. While at U of C, she completed a practicum with the Canadian Sport Institute - Calgary but found her true passion working with chronic conditions by volunteering with the Thrive Centre, Rehabilitation Program, Joint Effort, and Will for Riding. Previously, she worked at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre as the Parkinson's program coordinator and TrymGym at the University of Calgary. Away from work, Rebecca stays active by escaping to the mountains and she enjoys riding her horse. She competes in dressage and show jumping.
Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Exercise and Health Physiology from the University of Calgary in 2015. While at U of C, she completed a practicum with the Canadian Sport Institute - Calgary but found her true passion working with chronic conditions by volunteering with the Thrive Centre, Rehabilitation Program, Joint Effort, and Will for Riding. Previously, she worked at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre as the Parkinson's program coordinator and TrymGym at the University of Calgary. Away from work, Rebecca stays active by escaping to the mountains and she enjoys riding her horse. She competes in dressage and show jumping.
Irizelle Lategan
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Irizelle completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2016) and Master’s of Kinesiology (2019) at the University of Calgary. After her undergraduate degree, she worked as a summer student for the AMBER study – Calgary, assisting with data entry and exercise testing. Irizelle’s experience with AMBER inspired her to pursue her Master’s degree specializing in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Previously, she has worked with chronic kidney disease through the Southern Alberta Renal Program, Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, and Wellspring – Calgary. Outside of work, Irizelle enjoys travelling, playing any sport, and going for brunch.
Irizelle completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2016) and Master’s of Kinesiology (2019) at the University of Calgary. After her undergraduate degree, she worked as a summer student for the AMBER study – Calgary, assisting with data entry and exercise testing. Irizelle’s experience with AMBER inspired her to pursue her Master’s degree specializing in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Previously, she has worked with chronic kidney disease through the Southern Alberta Renal Program, Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, and Wellspring – Calgary. Outside of work, Irizelle enjoys travelling, playing any sport, and going for brunch.
Andria Morielli
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (Post Doctoral Fellow)
Andria is currently a Post Doctoral Fellow in the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research department. She graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a Bachelor of Science, Specialization in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2011. Andria became a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology in 2011. From 2011-2013 she worked as an exercise physiologist at the JGH Hope & Cope Wellness Centre/Lou's House where her main responsibility was to provide cancer survivors with individualized exercise prescriptions. She is interested in the role of exercise in the prevention, management, and recovery of cancer.
Andria is currently a Post Doctoral Fellow in the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research department. She graduated from Concordia University in Montreal with a Bachelor of Science, Specialization in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2011. Andria became a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology in 2011. From 2011-2013 she worked as an exercise physiologist at the JGH Hope & Cope Wellness Centre/Lou's House where her main responsibility was to provide cancer survivors with individualized exercise prescriptions. She is interested in the role of exercise in the prevention, management, and recovery of cancer.
Trisha MacDonald
Data Entry Assistant
Trisha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dalhousie University, and for many years was employed in the Social Services Field, providing support to persons with disabilities. Trisha has worked with the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research for 5 years, beginning as a Recruiter for the BETA Trial. Currently she is responsible for the data entry component of the AMBER study. Originally from Cape Breton, NS, she has lived in Calgary for 28 years. In her free time, she enjoys camping, gardening, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Trisha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dalhousie University, and for many years was employed in the Social Services Field, providing support to persons with disabilities. Trisha has worked with the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research for 5 years, beginning as a Recruiter for the BETA Trial. Currently she is responsible for the data entry component of the AMBER study. Originally from Cape Breton, NS, she has lived in Calgary for 28 years. In her free time, she enjoys camping, gardening, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Sue Daniel
Recruitment Assistant
Sue graduated in 1986 from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Nursing. She worked as a Public Health Nurse in Cochrane for many years. Sue has always been passionate about sports and fitness and began instructing aerobics and conditioning classes in 1987. She was able to combine her interest in fitness and her background in nursing as an exercise trainer with the ALPHA Trial and subsequently the BETA Trial. Sue has a special interest in how lifestyle factors impacts breast cancer recovery as her physically active mother is a two time breast cancer survivor. Sue stays active by running, biking, and has completed several marathons and triathlons, including an Ironman triathlon. She is also kept busy through her children's athletic activities, which include swimming, running, and triathlon.
Sue graduated in 1986 from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Nursing. She worked as a Public Health Nurse in Cochrane for many years. Sue has always been passionate about sports and fitness and began instructing aerobics and conditioning classes in 1987. She was able to combine her interest in fitness and her background in nursing as an exercise trainer with the ALPHA Trial and subsequently the BETA Trial. Sue has a special interest in how lifestyle factors impacts breast cancer recovery as her physically active mother is a two time breast cancer survivor. Sue stays active by running, biking, and has completed several marathons and triathlons, including an Ironman triathlon. She is also kept busy through her children's athletic activities, which include swimming, running, and triathlon.