How old are you?
55
Where do you live?
Johnson City, Kansas
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I played Football and Basketball in high school and ran cross country my senior year. I was not a talented athlete and was not very motivated. I didn’t do sports competitively until 47.
I lost my dad at 71 to a heart attack and I was overweight and out of shape. I was assistant chief on my local volunteer fire department and had a couple calls that stressed my physical and mental health.
I decided it was time to start doing something so I bought a road bike from Walmart and started riding to lose weight. I had a friend that had a friend that did triathlons and I thought that was very cool. Maybe I could run again. I started by running two blocks then walking one. I just kept building from there. Next was the swim part – I never had swim lessons as a kid so I went on YouTube and it was practice, practice practice.
My first triathlon was in a 50 meter pool and after practicing in a 25 yard pool, I thought I was going to die, but I made it through the swim and bike and loved it. I was hooked from then on.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
Triathlon is an amazing sport with a lot of helpful athletes. I have made so many friends.
I completely changed my body – instead of a 250 pound out of shape old man, I am 185 pounds of fit and have kept it that way for almost 10 years.
My proudest time was at Milwaukee this year for age group nationals. The triathlete beside me had never done a major event and I helped him get his stuff ready and marked him – he was so appreciative and I believe that is how we keep this sport going.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I live in a very rural community, there are only 2,100 people in 648 sq miles. I train all by myself. I work for the county doing maintenance on four buildings and I have been the Fire Chief going on 5 years now. I had to move a lot of my training to early morning 4:30 am swims, runs and weights.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
I have always been wound pretty tight, so it has helped my stress and has made me mentally stronger.
What is you “why?”
My drive is to become better and always improve. The younger guys at my first triathlon were awesome – I told my wife I want to be as good as them. She said they are 5 to 10 years younger and I said so what – I pushed myself and after a few years I was beating some of them.
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
My Specialized Shiv bike, and the training gear in the weight room I built in my garage.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Boulder Ironman 70.3 amazing place to race.
What’s next?
Next year I want to do Arizona 70.3 and qualify for the 70.3 World Championship.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Enjoy it, race day is amazing. There are all types of people racing, anyone can do it, it just takes a little dedication and time. It will change you forever.