You call Hawaii home. How did you end up in Columbus?

Technically, London, Ontario, Canada, is where I grew up, but I hate the cold so I moved to Hawaii the first chance I got.

I ended up in Columbus through military connections. You can take the girl out of the islands, but you can't take the islands out of the girl. I love Columbus and all it has to offer, but Hawaii will always be home.

What's the goal behind the recently created Active Columbus GA Facebook group?

The Tri-City community has really blossomed in the last couple years with an increase of running, cycling, triathlons, and people just getting out and being active.

As a coach, and an athlete myself, people ask me when and where events are happening or where groups are meeting, etc. The Active Columbus GA group on Facebook was started to give people a place to connect with each other (regardless of activity), ask questions, post events, find training groups/partners, or become motivated to be active.

The group is intended for any active activity, such as yoga, walking, swimming, or anything in between. It is not just limited to the cyclist, triathlete, or runner. The website www.activecolumbusga.com also provides a comprehensive list of bike shops, running stores, yoga studios, gyms, clubs, events, routes, and training groups in the Tri-City area.

The holiday season often throws people off their diet and exercise routines. What's your advice for staying active during this time of year?

The average American gains 15 pounds during the holiday season. Don't be a statistic! Make being active a priority every day. Many people have lots of parties and functions coming up, choose those holiday treats wisely.

You're a cyclist and a runner. Which etiquette tips should these groups of exercisers remember while sharing places like the RiverWalk and Fall Line Trace?

The weather has cooled off and has brought a lot of people out into the fresh air. Cyclists, please stay on the right-hand side of the RiverWalk and alert people when you are passing on the left.

Runners and walkers, please stay on the right side of the trails. Although your iPod might be turned up and your power song might be motivating you to push a little harder, remember: be self-aware.

What's the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?

The Chattahoochee Challenge Triathlon Race Series and Y KIDS TRI triathlon. We are entering our third year and are very excited about 2013. Columbus is a perfect venue for athletes of all levels, individuals and teams.

Our year will kick off with the Chattahoochee Challenge Half Iron April 20 with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. On June 8, the kids (ages 6-12) will come out and participate in the Y KIDS TRI at the downtown YMCA.

The Chattahoochee Challenge Sprint on July 20 is perfect for beginners. It offers a 500-meter down river swim in 4- to 5-feet deep water, 12 mile bike along our RiverWalks, and a 3.1 mile run through historic Columbus. Those who don't want to swim can try their hand at the Duathlon, a 1-mile run, 12-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run on the same day.

The Chattahoochee Challenge Olympic Triathlon wraps up the season on Aug. 20 with a 1500-meter swim, 24-mile bike ride, and a 10K run. Duathletes for the Olympic race run 2 miles, bike 24, and run 10K. Rumor has it that there are a number of business and city personnel who are challenging each other and/or departments in a friendly competition. People can register/volunteer and find out more about these races at www.tricolumbusga.com or www.ykidstricolumbusga.com.