Tell me about your triathlon history & how you got started in the sport...
Around the age 16 or 17, I remember cooling down one night after a swim practice and being approached by a lap swimmer. He was questioning me about our drills and workouts and asked if I could watch his stroke to see where he could correct it. He told me he was a triathlete and suggested that I look into a local event that he was helping organize that summer. At that time, with little bike or running experience and a year after a torn ACL from my short lived skateboarding career, I was very interested, but thought that it would never be a possibility. I kicked myself for years wishing I had entered just to see if I could have finished it.

Then in 2005 at age 29. I was swimming laps at the YMCA one evening when a guy in the lane next to me strikes up conversation. He asked if I was on a masters team or in training for anything. I laughed and said “no ..just working out”. He said I was a strong swimmer and asked if I have ever done a triathlon. He said he was training for a ½ ironman and told me of a couple websites to check out. This was too similar to that night 12 years ago.. so I couldn’t let it go this time.

I signed up for my first triathlon that summer. I bought a training book, a pair of tri shorts and road slicks for my mountain bike. I had this fear of approaching the finish line like Chris Legh in that Gatorade Commercial, but to my surprise I did much better than I expected and am proud to say that I was the first cyclist into T2 on a mountain bike!

Looking ahead, what athletic goals have you set for yourself in 2008 ...
This year my main goal is to qualify for 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater.
I am racing to 2 qualifiers this summer and hope to finish in the top 10 of my age group at both. I am also racing a few Big Olympic distance races and would like to take Age Group places in them as well. This will require me to drop about 2-3 minutes off of each leg of the race.. I think I can do that.

What is your favorite thing about competing in triathlons?
I love the collective energy of the competitors and crowd as well as the camaraderie between all of the triathletes. It’s awesome to get a rush from the crowd cheering you on, but it’s even better to receive encouragement from another athlete that’s competing along side of you. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment.

What gets you motivated for a big race, or hard training session?
I have really been motivated by the thousands of “regular joe” age groupers that get out there and put everything they have into their races. Not for money or fame..but because of their love of the sport. Some of them finish ahead of Pros..and some finish dead last, but they are all out there pushing to see how hard they can push. That keeps me going.

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
Night Before: I have been trying not to do the huge complex carb thing before races.

I have moved to the lean protein and vegetable meals , but usually have a small side of a carb. (i.e. pasta, brown rice, etc.. )

Morning of: I have a ½ a cup of coffee with a bowl of cereal and fruit. Then typically eat a Cliff bar or Gu an hour or so before the race.

After: Cheeseburgers and an ice cold beer.

What is the best piece of advice you have for other triathletes?
Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still.
- Chinese wisdom