Athlete of the Month

The Team Sheeper Athlete of the Month award is handed out to a member of the team on a monthly basis, 7 or 8 times a year. The AOM is someone who made a notable contribution to the team or did something remarkable. Selection is made by nomination and voting by the membership.

You can nominate anyone and the nomination period is usually during the first week or two of the month. Look for notification that nominations are being sought.  When nomination close, the voting starts and once all the votes are tallied, the new AOM is crowned.

Besides bragging rights for a month, our AOM gets some goodies from our gracious sponsors, such as free shoes from TRH, a massage from SMI, gift certificates from GoRide.

The Runner's High is proud to sponsor this month's athlete who embodies the spirit of Team Sheeper. We are about more than just improving athletic skills and performances.

Michele Santilhano

September 2007 Athlete of the Month

"I can't even list all the amazing events that Michele has accomplished: Catalina solo, TRIPLE Ironman, Double Centuries etc. At the same time she's acheiving all this, she's modest, encouraging to others, cheerful, working as a nurse in the children's cancer ward at Lucille Packard and just plain inspiring !" - Fellow Teammate.

Are you currently employed and/or describe your employment/career?

I work at Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital as a RN in the Cancer Infusion center.

Do you have any specific career aspirations?

To merge my love for my career and hobby together.

Do you have a spouse or children to tell us about?

WORK IN  PROGRESS.

What other hobbies do you have?

Zillions: Missionary work, ice climbing, mountaineering, rock climbing, Kayaking, AR.

How did you become involved with Team Sheeper?

Elsbeth's  and Lorraine Sneed's encouragement.

What is your athletic background?

No athletic talent while at school. I came to Team sheeper after 2 years of living in a tiny little town north of Sacramento. I had completed 5 x 100 mile runs and one ironman & one 5 day AR event in South Africa. The latter was completed 6 years ago. 

What is it you like most about triathlons?

The comradeship and multisport/ crosstraining focus.

What races are you planning for the remainder of this year, or the future, that you are gearing up for?

I have been selected to compete in Arrowhead; a 135 mile foot race in Northern Minesota in early Feb 08, maybe Badwater in July, some AR races, Lake Tahoe & Santa Barbara Channel swim California Triple Crown. I also want to focus on some shorter races to grow my speed & effieciency for the longer stuff.

What are your Triathlon, or personal goals / aspirations?

I dream about being fast and effiecient enough to qualify for Boston and Kona.

What is your favorite Team Sheeper workout or memorable moment?

400 x age. I love any of the combo times ie Tuesday am and or Sat am, Burrito run was fun.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I have climbed to the high camp of all 7 summits. I had a true white Christmas in 1999 while sumiting Mnt Vinzon and you can guess where that was or ask me. I have also been to True North Pole 90'00" The latter sentence is the clue to your answer.