by Lisa Lynam

This feature is a continuation of the Chann McRae spotlight in the August 2003 issue of Runner Triathlete News. To get all the details on his transition back into triathlons, pick up a copy of the August issue of Runner Triathlete News. Subscribe to RTN today!

Chann McRae's cheering section will grow by one this December when wife Jennifer is expected to give birth to their second child. The couple met on a road trip to the Hotter-n-Hell bike race weekend in Witchita Falls. Jenn knows well what it takes to live as a competitive professional cyclist. She spent eight years racing - five on the track with Team EDS and three years on the road with Shaklee and Team Timex. Known for her sprinting talent, her specialty was in criterium racing. Her career highlights include a silver medal in the 1998 Senior Track nationals 3k pursuit, 1998 Masters World Champion in 3k pursuit and numerous other wins including the 1998 Manhattan Beach Criterium, 1996 and 1997 Tour of Texas, 1997 and 1998 Hotter-n-Hell, and 1997 Masters Worlds Points Race and Pursuit.

Since retiring in 1999, life after the bike has involved raising the McRae's daughter Henna, now two-and-a-half, and coaching women in Austin through a development organization called Women on Wheels.

"My goal is to offer affordable quality coaching to aspiring women cyclists. I enjoy staying involved in the sport and applying the knowledge and experience I've gained to assist others in reaching their goals," said McRae.

Jenn still needed her own outlet of physical exercise, but cycling became a challenge as a mom.

"I transitioned to running because it was an easier activity with the baby. I had her in the baby jogger at six weeks. As a new mom, it was my sanity and road back to fitness. With the busier lifestyle, running is certainly a more time effective approach as opposed to cycling. I ran cross country in college so it wasn't a difficult transition," said McRae.

This winter she took up her running a notch and added the goal of finishing the Motorola marathon.

"I always have to have a goal to work towards, so the Motorola Marathon was my personal journey between babies since I'm now 5 months pregnant. I met my goal time of 3:23, and now I'm hooked and eager to run faster, so it's time to shop for a double baby jogger."