How old are you?
45
Where do live?
Holland Patent
Website
What is your history with sports and athletics?
As a kid I was on a swim team, wrestler, loved to ride bikes, I really liked running also. After high school sports was non existent in my life until I had to do something about my 350lb life.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I never really considered myself an athlete until recently. I mainly enjoy the freedom it gives me to be active with my family. I enjoy the people I meet and I enjoy trying to be a positive influence to others. I always thought it was “too late.” I was dead wrong!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
My biggest challenge was that I weighed in at 350lbs. It was not until after I lost about 30lbs through a 6 week CrossFit challenge that I discovered I was depressed, addicted to food, and really just unhappy. I remember my first run was 25 to 50 feet and I was in lots of pain. My first CrossFit class I got on the floor and could almost not get up.
Has your participated helped you overcome any major life issues?
I overcame depression and was extremely lucky in that I did it on my own. I was unhappy and always had bad thoughts about myself. I honestly don’t think I was to far from being dead.
What is your “why?
My why is easy, it’s my family! I have a lot of “whys” but none of them trump my family. My wife supports me in all my crazy ideas and I try to be an example to my Daughter Alexis 17, sons Colbie 11, Benjamin 5.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
This is easily my bike. I have a Trek Madone and it’s actually my 3rd. I simply love bikes!
Do you have a favorite race or event?
My A race is Cazenovia sprint triathlon. It was my first ever at 315lbs and I will do it every year that I am able to. I really love Ironman Lake Placid also. I completed my first Ironman in 2019 at 286lbs “Anything is possible”. As long as I am racing with people I have met or will meet I am happy.
What’s next?
So coming up in a week is Ironman Lake Placid full. I have Maine 70.3 relay bike end of August, ADKrazy September this is a 5k, 10k, 13.1, 50k, and then a 32 mile gravel grinder.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I love to talk while I am racing. I also love to smile while I am racing and usually tear up once during every race thinking of my older brother.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
You have to commit to a goal! There is no goal too big or too small just go out and start working towards that goal. Hills make you stronger and couches kill. It’s never too late and you can start day one everyday if you have to.
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I love endurance sports, the people, the atmosphere, and the support!