One year ago, Maggie Freeman struck a major highlight for a new triathlon club by winning the 2007 Danskin in Sandy Hook.

 

Always smiling, Maggie has seemingly done it all at the young age of 39, dominating local duathlon and road races for many years.  Now the real deal in triathlon. 

 

We caught up with her as she recovers from an outstanding 10:55 Ironman distance at Beach2Battleship this past weekend.  Maggie had a PR and placed 3rd overall.

 

 

JSTC:  Maggie…We are doing this interview by email, but I get the feeling you are smiling.  True?

 

Maggie:  Yes definitely

 

JSTC:  Congrats on a super race in Wilmington last weekend at the Beach2Battle.  140.6 is a long way.  Tell us how it went for you, and what it felt like when you knew you had sub 11 in the bag. 

 

Maggie:   I had a great day.  I knew if the swim went well for me I was going to go for it but honestly, I never thought I would break 11 hours.  I knew I was capable of 11:30 or so but when I got out of the water at 1:12 (1:14 after wetsuit strippers and the run to the timing mat) I knew it was going to be my day.  I was conservative on the bike going by heart rate and I was hoping to go sub 4 hours on the marathon.  The bike was great until about mile 85 when I started getting antsy just wanting to get off the bike.  Into T2 then off for a challenging run.  I just ran as fast as I could.  I had some stomach issues during the run and when I passed a guy I knew, I asked him what pace we were on, he said 10:45, I was like no way!  I did the math and knew I would have to finish strong to go sub 11 and I went for it.  I had no idea where I was in regards to my place in the race until I rounded the corner for the finish line and I heard the announcer say “here comes the third female, Maggie Freeman!”  I believe I was crying at that pointJ  It was truly an amazing moment that I will not soon forget.

 

JSTC:  Dedication, execution, and emotion…now that’s a tri!

 

JSTC:  What do you do for a living?

 

Maggie:  I am a Sergeant with Manalapan Police Department.

 

JSTC:  Another cop, this must be the safest club in America!

 

JSTC:  I’m doing 86 in a 55, but my bumper sticker reads Brielle Cyclery Rocks.  You letting me off?

 

Maggie:  Hmmmmmmmmmm, perhapsJ

 

JSTC:  The Blue and Canary Yellow line cannot be broken!

 

JSTC:  Where’d you grow up and what’s home these days?

 

Maggie:   I grew up in Spring Lake, my parents still live there but right now Manalapan is my home.

 

JSTC:  Some of us old timers remember you winning some pretty big 5K’s along the Jersey Shore.  Is there a race that stands out from those early years?

 

Maggie:  Not really, every race brings something new.  I just love being out there with friends and especially to be able to have the opportunity to race with my father, Ted.

 

JSTC:  That is the best!

 

JSTC:  If you had to leave one at home on race day, would it be your cell phone or iPod?

 

Maggie:  iPod, I never race with one.  How could I chat and cheer people on while wearing that thing?

 

JSTC:  I was talking about pre-race!  Some people gotta have the tunes…or NPR in Slavinski’s case.  Boy is that a sad story…

 

JSTC:  What bike are you racing and training with these days?

 

Maggie:  I train on a Cervelo Soloist and I race on a Cervelo P3C

 

JSTC:  With that answer, I’ll be sure to forward the marriage proposals on to you.

 

JSTC:  What running shoes do you train and race in?

 

Maggie:  I train in Brooks and I race in Zoot

 

JSTC:  And wetsuit?

 

Maggie:  Xterra Vendetta

 

JSTC:  Competing along with you, or simply watching you win the 2007 Danskin, was one of the proudest days in club history for anybody wearing JSTC colors.  What do you remember most from that race?

 

Maggie:  I remember being surrounded by fellow club members who were both racing and volunteering.  It was such an honor and a privilege to win that race and to be able to share the moment with so many people.  Having Kathy at the finish to give me a huge hug was awesome!

 

JSTC:  Penna-hug at the finish….Lot of that going around lately!

 

JSTC:  You have won so many duathlons over the years that RD’s look upon you as family.  What run-bike-run race stands out the most?

 

Maggie:  I really like the DQ events.  They are very well run and they treat every athlete like a star.

 

JSTC:  You often race for a cause.  Is there one you are especially passionate about?

 

Maggie:  Right now I am racing for the Autism Foundation.

 

JSTC:  What automobile would you love to be barely able to cram your bike into…maybe something sticking out of somewhere…and drive to TimberMan to race?

 

Maggie:  I like big trucks so I would say a Cadillac Escalade or a Chevy Tahoe

 

JSTC:  I was thinking vintage Datsun 240Z myself. 

 

JSTC:  What’s in that vehicles CD player?

 

Maggie:    Heavy metal to get me pumped to rock!

 

JSTC:  Ever radar clock a guy on a bike with impressive feedback and think about getting his number?

 

Maggie:   Unfortunately NO

 

JSTC:  You’ve been beating the boys all your life.  Do you really apologize as you go by them….Or is that just urban myth?

 

Maggie:  That is a myth.  I say “good job, keep it up”  Some don’t take it so well though.

 

JSTC:  When you ride 75 miles in training, what energy food and drink do you carry on board?

 

Maggie:  I only use Carb Boom gel and I currently use CarboPro powder with Nuun.

 

JSTC:  Import or domestic when the party starts?

 

Maggie:  Domestic

 

JSTC:  If you could pick one area restaurant for dinner the night before a race, where are you going and what are you eating?

 

Maggie:  Emilios for a pasta dinner and a nice salad.

 

JSTC:  I’m feeling a new sponsor coming our way…

 

JSTC:  You’ve mentored many newbies.  Are they teaching you something as well?

 

Maggie:  So many athletes I have worked with are dealing with many different reasons why they want to race.  Some are to celebrate new fitness, overcoming obstacles etc.  I really think we learn a lot from each other.  It is something I look forward to each season.  You can never help enough people or have too many friends..  

 

JSTC:  With regard to Clarence at Brielle Cyclery…What is your position on your ace mechanic’s hair length of late?

 

Maggie:  Not really sure on that one but I think he could rock some dreads soonJ

 

JSTC:  Wilmington, NC has a huge movie making studio.  If you could run into two actors, who would they be?

 

Maggie:   Robert Deniro & Queen Latifa

 

JSTC:  Loved Queeny in Barber Shop.  I would have gone with Benini over DeNiro though…

 

JSTC:  You swim much better than you give yourself credit for.  Where will you swim this winter to stay strong?

 

Maggie:  No, I am never swimming again!  Seriously, I am going to work hard all winter after a little break of course.  I would like to have a lot of improvement for next season.

 

JSTC:  What do you do when it is not swim-bike-run for fun?

 

Maggie:  I like to run with my girlfriends and shop of course!

 

JSTC:   How does a champion like yourself eat an Oreo cookie….Just bite it?  Unscrew it?  If you answer the latter, then which do you eat first- the plain side or the one with the crème?

 

Maggie:  I don’t like cookies but I would eat the filling out of the oreo and throw the cookie part away

 

JSTC:  You might have met your match with the Fig Newton. 

 

JSTC:  Ever show up for a race and forget something pretty important?

 

Maggie:  Yup.  At my half ironman I forgot my hair elastics and my race belt.  Luckily my crying netted me what I neededJ

 

JSTC:  AJ is always there when you need him..

 

JSTC:  Are you scanning the web with a Mac or Windows?

 

Maggie:  Windows

 

JSTC:  What does the JSTC mean to you?

 

Maggie:  A lot, the club is a big reason why I have been as successful as I have been.  When I first joined, I was training mostly indoors and by myself.  Through the club, I have met so many great friends, I always have someone to train with and share info with.  I really enjoy reading everyone’s posts on race reports etc.  I feel that we are part of a very special family.

 

JSTC:  You are the captain in a all women 140 .6 mile survival triathlon relay race that makes Silverman look like an ITU event.  Who is on your team from the club?

 

Maggie:  Suzanne Huelster (of course) and Jacqui Gordon

 

JSTC:  I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding porters should you need to solicit the club for that road trip!

 

JSTC:  Who would make a better triathlete…Eli Manning or Tom Brady?

 

Maggie:  Tom Brady

 

JSTC:  Bet the wuss won’t swim in cold water…

 

JSTC:  Do you, along with fellow club members Jacqui Gordon, and Sue Huelster ever have a girl’s night out and talk about how the three of you could take over the world?  And if the answer is yes…would AJ be spared his freedom or enslaved for selfish purpose?

 

Maggie:  We haven’t done that yet but I think I will have to get the ball rolling on that oneJ

 

JSTC:   You have raced a ton on the bike over the last 10 years.  I bet you only flatted once.  True?

 

Maggie:  If you jinxed me, you are gonna be in big trouble but the answer is yes.

 

JSTC:  Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain my ass…I KNEW it!  See campers….you don’t need all that crap on your bike.  Just go out there and lay it down in Olympic distance and less.  

 

JSTC:  What is on your 2009 radar goal wise?

 

Maggie:  Of course another sub 11 Ironman, a Kona slot (lottery slot is fine) and possible long course duathlon worlds

 

JSTC:  Maggie, you are the definition of inspiration and class.  Thank you for being a part of The Jersey Shore Triathlon Club.  It is a big part indeed, and played honest and true.  Rock on girl!

 

Maggie:  Thank you so much!  Lets Party!