Guest post by pro triathlete Lisa Marangon

Lisa Marangon is set for her pro debut on Kona next month

Lisa Marangon (30) became a professional triathlete six years ago. The single mum had only just discovered the sport and the fact that she was very good at it: she won the 18-24 age group at the 2003 Ironman Australia in Forster-Tuncurry, and repeated that feat the following year.

Both years she qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, where she finished second and third in her division respectively.

It took three years after she turned pro before she had her first big professional victory. In 2007 she won the Western Australia half Ironman in Busselton.

And next month, she is making her professional debut at the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona after she earned her first qualification as a pro at Ironman Lake Placid in July with a solid third place.

I met Lisa some time in 2002 when she joined John Hill's triathlon squad. A super-strong swimmer and cyclist, who has often found herself at the front of the race during the bike leg, Lisa has worked incredibly hard at her running and has brought her speed in that department in line with her performance at the other two disciplines. In May she ran a blistering 83:22 half marathon, smashing her previous PB by some five minutes.

What I admire most about Lisa is her infectious enthusiasm, determination and never-give-up attitude. She discovered a talent for triathlon eight years ago, and has sustained the hard work, sacrifices and disappointments because she loves the sport and is determined to fight as hard as she can to make her dreams as a pro triathlete come true.

She has been on a roll this year, reaping the rewards of consistent hard work. I asked her about the importance of focusing on your dreams, and here's what she said:

"There are always risks in taking steps to reaching your dreams. Sometimes you need to fail to succeed! If you believe in yourself and give everything you have, knowing that it was everything, then you have succeeded. Dedication, determination and belief are the first steps in achieving anything you want to. Always know that anything is possible!"

Check out Lisa Marangon's website here
Follow her on Twitter here