I grew up with an athletic background, but not an endurance one. I played soccer growing up and through college. I did a bit of running for that, but nothing more than 4-5 miles to get ready for preseason. I got my first road bike at about 25 years old. I started swimming about a year after that. I did my first triathlon, a 70.3, in 2010 at the age of 27.
2010
Musselman 70.3 - 7:00:08 (it was bad)
70.3 Syracuse - It was worse
2011 - I figured a few things out with nutrition and got on a tri bike rather than a roadie.
70.3 Providence - 4:58
I also did my first Ironman.
IM Cozumel - 10:24
I continued to work and improve over the next couple of years at the 70.3 and full distances, racing regularly.
2013 - I won my first 70.3 age group title, among quite a few podiums that year.
70.3 Florida - 4:20
IM Florida - 9:31
2014 - I earned my pro card at 70.3 Puerto Rico.
70.3 Puerto Rico - 4:25 (third overall amateur)
I won a few more age groups titles that year before taking my card at the end of the year and racing IM Coz again.
I raced in the pro field through the end of 2021, embracing the challenge, pushing myself, and learning more about the sport and myself each year. I was working full time as a school administrator (high school assistant principal and then principal) during those years, so “pro” was only in title. I made a few podiums (7th at IM Mont Tremblant, 5th and 6th at 70.3 Eagleman) and had some other decent results… Several sub-4 and sub-9 races.
In 2022 I gave up the pro card because I had never raced Kona and knew I’d never make it in the pro field. I raced Arizona in 2022 and had GI issues, so I ended up missing by 2 minutes. Last month I raced IM Chattanooga, and despite another crappy run, was able to punch my ticket to the island for 2024.
The sport has given me some great experiences and taught me a lot. It’s been an adventure and a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. Kona has its work cut out in trying to top Norseman, but I’m looking forward to experiencing the island and the tradition it brings.
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