Spin Cycle: Muskego Duathlete to Compete in France for World Championship

Monica Schoeneck is probably the last person you'd envision ever having a cigarette in her hand. Poised to leave for Nancy, France after qualifying as a professional duathlete (run-bike-run), the Muskego resident boasts quite a resume of competitions, including Ironman, and two previous World Championships.

"I was a smoker for about eight years, and my father was a smoker for about 30, when we promised to quit together as he was going in for heart surgery," Schoeneck said. "I figured then I would pick up running because I didn't want to gain the typical 30 pounds that people do when they quit smoking."

That was in 2007. Let's say the new habit became...habit-forming.

Since then, Schoeneck has developed a training regimen that takes up 12-20 hours every week, couched in between her roles as manager of a spa in Pewaukee and a stylist at a salon in Waterford. She competed in the 2010 and 2011 World Championships, and qualified as part of Team USA for the 2012 Elite World Championships, as well as the 2013 World Games in Cali, Columbia.

The World Games are under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, and are looked at to determine what new sports may become part of the the Olympic Games in the future.

Duathletes run in the first leg of the event, bike, then run again. Short course, which is what Schoeneck's competing in during September, includes a 10K run, 40K cycling, and 5K run. She had also qualified for the long course, which is 15K/150K/30K, but said the training time for the short course fit in better with her life.

"It can be a selfish sport, as you need to commit a lot of time to do it well," Schoeneck said. "I have a husband and two jobs, so I just felt I could better prepare for the short-course."

Privileges come with great responsibilities, however, and Schoeneck is hoping to garner sponsors from her hometown to make it to France and represent. The estimated $10,000 costs add up quickly, and the list includes $350 just to take her bike with her on the plane.

"Although this is an incredible honor, it also comes at an incredible expense and I am struggling with how do I get there," said Schoeneck "I am reaching out to the local businesses of Muskego for help."

Sponsorships will be recognized on Schoeneck's uniforms, but she's also offering to take time on behalf of the business who sponsors her to provide them with community service.

If you're interested in helping make the wheels turn for one of Muskego's own on the world stage, contact Schoeneck at 414-745-1999.