Alumna Spotlight on Marni Sumbal: Championing Endurance—From FAU to Ironman World Championships

After graduating in 2005 with a master’s degree in exercise physiology, alumna Marni Sumbal has carved out a remarkable path in the world of endurance athletics. Sumbal is the proud owner of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition, where she coaches triathletes ranging in age from 30 to 70 across the United States to compete in endurance events, including half and full-distance Ironman triathlons.

Her expertise does not stop at coaching. Sumbal is also a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), and she provides specialized sports nutrition consulting to help endurance athletes like triathletes, runners and ultra-runners.

“Through my business, I have had the great opportunity to help hundreds of athletes fuel and nourish their bodies better for endurance sport,” shared Sumbal.“ I hope to continue to educate, inspire and motivate others to never take their human body for granted.”

An avid athlete herself, Sumbal is remarkably accomplished. She is a 22-time Ironman finisher and a three-time extreme triathlon finisher. In addition, she has competed at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, five times and has placed as an overall amateur female finisher in multiple Ironman and half-distance triathlons.

When she is not training or competing, Sumbal has found time to write three books and contribute articles to various sport and health-related websites and magazines. Among her many publications are: Outside, Fitness, Shape, Health, Women’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runners World, Bicycling, Women’s Running, Women’s Health, Prevention and Good Housekeeping.

She recently reconnected with former Exercise Science and Health Promotion (ESHP) Associate Professor B. Sue Graves, Ed.D., in February at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Greenville, South Carolina.

“Dr. Graves had a significant impact on me during my time in graduate school, and we have stayed in touch over the past 20 years through social media and email,” said Sumbal. “It was especially meaningful to see her in person and to hand-deliver copies of the three books I have authored.”

Sumbal shared that the college’s ESHP program gave her a strong foundation in exercise science and physiology that she applies every day, both as a triathlon coach and as a sports dietitian.

“The knowledge I gained at FAU directly informs how I work with my athletes and clients,” she noted.

Sumbal encourages current ESHP students to explore as many areas of exercise science as possible and to be sure to intern broadly and ask questions of professionals across different fields.

“When I was in graduate school, I fully intended to become a strength and conditioning coach, but I discovered a passion for sports nutrition that changed my path entirely,” recalled Sumbal. “I went on to become a Registered Dietitian, spent several years in clinical practice, and eventually launched my own nutrition and coaching business. Stay open—your path may surprise you.”