Linsey crosses the finish line in Kona/Photo by Jay Prasuhn

Every month we track down a pro and subject them to a round of 10 questions. This month, Montana-made Linsey Corbin spoke to us as she prepares to fly to Chile.

Linsey Corbin is preparing to fly to Chile to kick-start the season at Pucon 70.3 on Sunday, January 16. Corbin, who turned pro in 2006, placed 2nd at the event two years in a row (2008 and 2009) and ranks it among her favorite races.

Leading the pack is natural for the upbeat and versatile athlete. She not only won the first two races she entered, but also set a course record in her first race as a pro. She lives and trains in Missoula, Montana, and ended last season with her fastest Ironman to date (9:05) to land a 2nd-place showing at Ironman Arizona. Other highlights of her year included a win at Ironman Coeur D’Alene, which she reaped in a course record of 9:17:54. Off the course, the former ski racer admits a hatred for bananas, and a need to find a way to get her super pup to Australia. Keep her posted if you have any ideas.

1. When did you realize you’d been bitten by the triathlon bug?

When I was racing for the University of Montana triathlon team. I made my first trip to Wildflower—we drove 24 hours through the night to get there. I was hooked after that special weekend in May. It was epic!

2. What’s your favorite racing memory?

Winning Ironman CDA [Coeur D'Alene] this year is tough to beat. That was the first Ironman I did in 2006 and one of my favorite races. I love everything about that race—the course, the terrain, the atmosphere, the community. I thought finishing an Ironman was a cool feeling, but winning takes it to a whole new level. Other favorites are Ironman Hawaii, Wildflower, and the Pucon 70.3, which I’ll race this coming weekend.

3. What’s one thing we might see if we peeked inside your training bag?

I’m kind of boring: CLIF Z-bars, iPod, water bottle, a few bucks to avoid a visit to bonktown, chocolate milk, and my favorite sweat towel. If it’s a race you’ll find my signature cowboy hat to wear across the finish line.

4. What’s your favorite fuel, pre-race and mid-race?

Pre race: A bagel with almond butter. During the race: CLIF Shot gel in citrus or espresso. Post race: Big Sky Brew.

5. Do you complete any rituals or good luck routines before a race?

I refer to my training journal for a lot of inspiration. I make a list of a few key things to think about during the race, write it down, and commit it to memory. I also talk to (or even better, see!) my parents every race morning. As for good luck, I have to have my cowboy hat and Chris [Corbi]n waiting for me a few hundred meters before the finish line.

6. What’s your favorite triathlon discipline and distance?

My favorite discipline is either the bike or the run, it just depends on the day and where my legs are at. My favorite distance is the Ironman.

7. What music keeps you motivated during training?

I like a mixed bag: Johnny Cash, MGMT, Vampire Weekend, classic 80′s, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, hip-hop. I like it all, pretty much.

8. What’s something people might not know but be surprised to find out about you?

I used to be a ski racer. I hate bananas. I was a vegetarian for nearly 20 years and now I eat a big steak on the grill every Sunday.

9. When you are not training or competing, people can find you:

Enjoying Montana with my husband Chris and our pup, Madison. We are always off on snow adventures or on the river in our drift boat looking for big fish! I also enjoy baking, a quality cup of espresso, dark chocolate, and vintage shopping.

10. What’s one (or two) race(s) you haven’t done that you’d like to do someday?

Ironman Frankfurt. I also wouldn’t mind a training trip one winter in Noosa, Australia—we just need to find a way for the super-dog to come along!