TrainingPeaks member profile: Erin Kummer, XTERRA triathlete
17 March 2009
After transitioning from competitive golfing in Michigan to rowing in Colorado, Erin Kummer became curious about all of the people riding around Boulder on bikes. “After seeing the hundreds of people around town riding bikes, I was intrigued and randomly went out and bought a road bike one day during the summer of 2004. I began riding around not having a clue what I was doing but loving every second of it.”
Next, she got curious about the University’s triathlon team. “After hearing about the triathlon team at CU, I checked it out in late October of that year and baboom…hooked. I had never swam, biked or ran competitively in my life and it looked really intense, but the people were so welcoming and I’m always up for trying something new. It was definitely a struggle getting started but once I figured it out, everything just seemed to click.”
Finally, she wondered what it might be like to do an off-road triathlon. “It wasn’t until 2008 that I made the switch to off-road triathlon, or XTERRA as most refer to it as, and it was honestly the best thing I could have done. Not only did I discover my passion 
for riding mountain bikes, but the XTERRA community is something unlike anything else. You are part of a family within that race circuit and everyone knows everyone. Sure, there’s always new people (such as myself last year), but once you connect with those who travel to each of the national races, you honestly can’t wait to get there and see everyone…it’s like a vacation with a few hours of REALLY, REALLY, hard work in between!”
Being based in Boulder, Erin has a lot of training talent surrounding her. “I work with Neal Henderson out of Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. He coaches a group of triathletes and rockin’ cyclists that get together weekly for some quality hammer time on the bike. I swim primarily at Flatirons Athletic Center with their masters program which includes coaches such as Dave Scott, Jane Scott and Wolfgang Dittrich, all who have resumes a million pages long! I normally run, lift and do yoga with the plethora of athletes/friends in the ‘Boulder Bubble’, but every once in a while it’s great to throw on some good tunes and hit the roads alone.”
With so much training going on all over town, Erin soon discovered TrainingPeaks. “I began using Training Peaks when I started working with Neal as he uses the software with each of his athletes. I had heard of others using it but had never had a real reason to make the switch as my other coaches used different systems. After a brief introduction to the program, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe how many features it offered and how many fun things you could do. This software, along with WKO+, has allowed me to analyze so many different aspects of my training and organize it in a way that actually shows me the progress I have made over a period of time. Even though the program has so many features and options, the complexity of the program doesn’t affect the ease of use and convenience of viewing and inputting data. I’m always so impressed with the constant additions and upgrades to the software that happen on a daily basis… this software is absolutely amazing and has the ability to really help a variety of athletes focus on the detail of the training and their long/short term goals. I would recommend it to ANYONE!”
This year is Erin’s first year racing professionally, so she is facing new challenges. “So far this season, I have battled a few bumps in the road. I might have skied a little too hard during the off-season and caused a bit of a heckle in my left knee. Regardless of what caused the issue, I have developed some torn tissue and build up of fluid around my knee that has nulled my running since mid January. After a few cortizone shots the other day, I have started feeling better, but that’s probably not the end of the road. I am always getting injured early season. I’m actually glad it’s happening now and not in the summer when racing is in full force so I’m doing okay with it…kinda. I’m bummed about missing the Winter XTERRA World Champs in Ogden next weekend, but I’ve been riding my bike like a madwoman so I’ll jump into a few bike races to keep my adrenaline in check over the next few months.”
Aside from hoping for a speedy recovery, Erin also hopes to learn a lot this season. “Once I am healed and ready to race, I’ll be competing in the XTERRA USA Series which includes 8 regional races across the country, nationals in Ogden, UT and worlds in Maui, HI. I’ll also throw in a few local mountain bike races, just for fun. As a 
first year pro, I honestly have no expectations other than take away some type of learning experience from each race. I’m both really excited, but also a little nervous at the same time.”
Racing as a professional is definitely important to Erin, but so is maintaining a balanced lifestyle. “Although training as a professional triathlete is the main focus and priority right now, I feel that having a balanced lifestyle is truly what makes an athlete successful. Not only do I enjoy riding my BMW motorcycle (with a bicycle rack!), I am an accountant for several small businesses in the Boulder area. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, usually eating of course, who have been the backbone to my development as an athlete and the best support team anyone could ever have!”
Happy training, Erin!
2 Responses to “TrainingPeaks member profile: Erin Kummer, XTERRA triathlete”
March 20th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Is that a production bike rack or custom made? Would you provide a manufacturer? Thanks
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
It is a custom rack made completely from raw materials that were cut, bent and welded to fit my bike and luggage system specifically. If you are interested in having one made, please email me as my best friend here in Boulder makes them for lots of other models in his spare time!
erin@erinkummer.com