USANA's Melanie McQuaid Makes Cover of Triathlete

If you are familiar with the sport of triathlon, you no doubt know the name Melanie McQuaid.

She's won the XTERRA Triathlon World Championships three times, becoming the first person to accomplish the feat. She's also finished in the top two overall on the XTERRA USA Championships Tour for the last six years.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Melanie is also an experienced public speaker and has been an avid user of USANA products for three years.

And now, she is featured on the cover of the July 2009 issue of Triathlete magazine! Be sure to pick up a copy (on newsstands now!)

Melanie, who lives in Victoria, British Columbia, took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for What's Up, USANA? readers.

Q: How long have you been competing in triathlons?
A: I have been doing triathlons since 2001. Before that I raced as a professional mountain biker since 1997.

Q: You obviously are incredibly successful. What are two or three of your greatest highlights?
A: Highlights include three World Championships wins, two overall National Series Championships and five National Championship wins.

Q: What does it take to compete in these grueling events?
A: Off-road triathlon is a 1,500m swim, a 20-30 mile mountain bike ride (depends on the course) and a six-mile off road trail run. A good balance of skill and speed in all three sports helps.

Q: How long have you been a USANA-sponsored athlete?
A: I have been with USANA for three years.

Q: How has USANA helped you in your training and competition?
A: USANA helps keep my nutrition balanced no matter how much I have to travel and helps me to maintain my immunity despite a busy race schedule. I am pretty careful about what I eat but still feel some supplementation can help cover all the bases. Also, using the Athlete Approved products helps me to have peace of mind about using the supplements in a drug tested sport.

Q: What is your favorite USANA product?
A: I think the Mega Antioxidant is my favorite product.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not competing?
A: I like puttering around in my garden, cooking and sipping wine with friends.

Q: What is up next for you?
A: I have four more races in the XTERRA series, two half Ironman events, two National Championships and the World Championships on Maui. It is a pretty crazy schedule this year!

Check out Melanie's Web site for additional information and follow her on Twitter @racergirlmel.

Congratulations on your accomplishments! The USANA family will be keeping up with your progress.