Today we focus on one of our original Valkyrie team members: Robyn Poulson. This lady is an outstanding cyclist and triathlete but most impressive is the way she always gives Steve Hardy a run for his money and keeps him on his toes!!!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
Joined the first year of Valkyrie. 2017
(Thanks to meeting this super cool, super fast chick while racing in 2016….. Gemma Hollis! )
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2005. I was working for the City of San Luis Obispo and they put on an annual triathlon. I thought – that sounds like fun, so took out my almost 30 pound mountain bike. Luckily a cycling friend insisted I borrowed his “slick tires”. It was the most fun with strangers cheering you on! I then invested in an aluminium frame road bike we found on sale, and I started biking more, racing more and having fun!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I started with “pool swim” triathlons in California. Then got to race wildflower – first the sprint mountain bike, then the Olympic, and then my 1st 1/2 there as well. What an iconic race that used to be! The more I raced, the more updated the equipment got, and longer the race distances, to my 1st ironman in 2008: ironman Coeur d’Alene. I have had many great opportunities, including racing for Team USA in Australia back in 2009, and 3 x 70.3 World championships: Clearwater, South Africa & Utah. The 1/2 has always been my favorite distance.
But the biggest part of the journey has been the communities and triathlon family I have made along the way.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
Oooh – tough one! I’d have to put a few top contenders out there:
* Wildflower – what an event! So fun! Camping at the lake and racing with friends – and don’t forget about the vodka shots and naked aid station!
* Competing in the 1/2 IM worlds in South Africa filled me with so much pride and joy to be racing in my country for the first time. It was truly a special trip and race!
* Comrades marathon.
* State Team Trial trial. Do it next year!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Not specifically this sport, but this sport got me back to fitness and meant I was able to train and run the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. A race I used to watch every year growing up. Truly a dream come true!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
To stay positive when things don’t go your way. We’ve all had races where things happen, and I’ve had my fair share (including no shoes in T2 at a race many years ago). Most recently at 70.3 worlds in Utah- I got a flat coming down snow canyon in the hail and rain, and after a failed attempt at airing up my tire, I started walking and pushing my bike down hill. I was proud that I continued on with a good attitude and was able to still soak up the run, knowing it would be my slowest 1/2 ever, but chatting and having fun with fellow athletes as we suffered together in the sun and hills made it a memorable day and one I am proud of!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Beer! There’s a meal in every one right ?
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
Sandy and I have been married for 25 years and have 2 amazing kiddos: Matthew (12) who was born in Australia (and likes to cheer for them in rugby 
lol) is my smart, loving, gentle-giant of a rule follower who loves to read and play rugby and soccer; Molly (11) who was born in Canada is my crazy, fun-loving, kind, helper who also loves to read and play field hockey. They are now both done with Elementary school! How the heck did that happen?!? We also have 6 year old chocolate lab Abi; a 2 year old rescued short haired cat Nala; and this last weekend we just adopted the cutest little 12 week old Siamese kitten, Marula.
lol) is my smart, loving, gentle-giant of a rule follower who loves to read and play rugby and soccer; Molly (11) who was born in Canada is my crazy, fun-loving, kind, helper who also loves to read and play field hockey. They are now both done with Elementary school! How the heck did that happen?!? We also have 6 year old chocolate lab Abi; a 2 year old rescued short haired cat Nala; and this last weekend we just adopted the cutest little 12 week old Siamese kitten, Marula.TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I am extremely fortunate to be a stay at home mom.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was an au Pair and lived in Hamburg, Germany back in 1997 – and that is when I met my husband. Drinking beer at the Oktoberfest’s Hofbrauhaus in Munich. I could down a beer faster than him! He was impressed! 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The comraderie, trash talking, and support. I miss hanging out with y’all! Can you guys move into the loop please! Also: 6 seconds! Ask Steve……
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I don’t really have a favourite author. I used to read all the John Grisham nooks, and love the Lawrence Anthony books about Africa.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
My kitchen!
But if we go out, I do love DeGama in the Heights.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Nelson Mandela. If he could overcome all he went thru and be the bigger person, then we can all learn something from him! Watch the movie Invictus!!
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Enjoying bike racing. I seem to have a nagging injury that flares up every time I try run, so focusing on what I can do. Ride bikes! 
I am also very fortunate to be a Trek Ambassador this year and I love racing my gorgeous Trek Domane!
I am also very fortunate to be a Trek Ambassador this year and I love racing my gorgeous Trek Domane!ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
I love that we celebrate each others successes. Thank you for including me in the spotlight and hope to see you all at a race soon!
