THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608020194
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: 55 lines
``When I'm racing, I'm racing against myself,'' said 20-year-old Shannon Hoffman of Chesapeake, who competes in grueling triathlon races, combining swimming, bicycling and running. ``I'm trying to better my time.''
She does it for fun, she said, but the experience hasn't always been joyous.
``Swimming in the ocean terrified me,'' said Hoffman. ``I'm one of those people who likes to see the bottom of the pool. I did it and just didn't think about it until after the fact. Then I thought, `Oh my gosh, look what have I done.' ''
Hoffman placed first in the competition for women under 25 at the recent triathlon at the Fort Monroe Bay Sprint. And she placed second in her age group at the Breezy Point Triathlon this year.
She is pleased that one of her friends has become a triathlon participant. ``So I've passed the torch along,'' she said.
Hoffman teaches water aerobics at Bally's Fitness Center, but her interests are not limited to athletics.
The 1994 Great Bridge High School graduate is an assistant at the tutorial learning center at Tidewater Community College, where her major is science. She hopes to enter a medical field after graduation.
Full name: Shannon Hoffman
Hometown: Great Bridge
Fond childhood memories: ``Playing in the sandbox with my sister.''
Occupation: Student
Hobbies: ``Running, reading, spending time with my friends.''
Last book read: ``In Potters' Field'' by Patricia Cornwell
What's your favorite game? ``Water sports, such as volleyball.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Yellow. Because I'm usually in a good mood.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A cat, so I could catch up on my sleep.''
What irritates you the most? ``Slow drivers.''
Favorite type of music: ``I listen to everything except rap.''
Favorite movie: ``Independence Day''
Can't resist: ``Other females to talk with.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``Small things irritate me, things that I should not be concerned about. I need to learn to be a little more tolerant.''
Favorite TV program: ``I don't have time for TV.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Ruby Tuesday
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Spending time with my friends.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``The biggest Papa John's pizza with the works.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY by CNB