What is your history with sports and athletics?
As a child growing up, I participated in baseball, martial arts, bowling, BMX racing and track and field. I really loved sprints and going fast from point A to point B. I held the 100m dash record for 12 years.
After school, I hadn’t done much until I hit the highest weight in my life at 33 years old while I was working for the railroad. When I realized I had gained so much weight, I told my wife I wanted to sign up for Ironman Muncie 70.3 and she encouraged me to do it. From there, I was fully committed and I trained very hard for the next 9 months (even with a job change to the best steel mill in the world in the middle of it). While training, I participated in a couple of sprint triathlons. After my first sprint at a local race, I was hooked and haven’t looked back since. I made several connections within the triathlon community and have been featured as Toyota’s USA Triathlon Triathlete of the Week.
I currently race for Team Innerforce and I am an ambassador for Full Send Triathlon. @innerforcesport @fullsendtriathlon
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I enjoy the competition, as well as spreading the word of the healthy lifestyle that triathlon can bring you.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Yes, I have had times that I have felt so demotivated, but my family and team continued to push and encourage me. I jumped into triathlon in what is one of the most competitive age groups not knowing what it was and I fell in love with it.
What is your “Why?”
My “why” is 100% my family. I want to continue my healthy lifestyle and be here for many years to come and show them by example.
What is your favorite gear or equipment?
I would have to say my favorite gear is my Innerforce gear. Without being comfortable I couldn’t race as well as I do. My favorite piece of equipment is definitely my Scott Plasma 10. Biking has always been my strong suit.
What’s next?
As I prepare for the 2021 season I am focusing on getting bigger, stronger, and faster for the USAT Age Group Nationals Championships and Ironman Muncie 70.3 where I want to finish top 20 in my age group.
Any fun facts about yourself?
I have been a Volunteer firefighter/EMT for going on 13 years and my family and I love Disney World.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and try something new outside of your comfort zone. I did and it was the best thing I have done for my health. Remember you never know until you TRI!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
I just want to thank my wife Jolene and children Marshall, Jackson, and Katie for giving me the opportunity to train, race and enjoy the sport I love.