Q: What made you want to start participating in Triathlons?
A: I was a swimmer all my life—I started when I was six and continued all the way into college. After my freshman season in college, I decided I wanted an alternative way to stay in shape during the summer. I was swimming 25 hours a week nine months out of the year, and triathlons offered a break from the status quo—I could still focus on training for swimming, but was able to mix it up with cycling and running.
Q: What is your Motivation/Inspiration for being a Triathlete?
A: Competing in triathlons is unique, because the sport combines something I am good at (swimming) with something I love (cycling) and something I need to improve (running). This provides a very rewarding and challenging racing and training experience as you have to balance three sports at once.
Q: What is your #1 rule when it comes to training?
A: The most important thing for me is to enjoy what I am doing—and that applies to training as well as competing. This is something I learned while I was swimming. When training becomes a chore, you begin to lose your passion for the sport. I try to maintain a healthy balance between training and other areas of my life. I try not to stress about missing a workout or an off-day on the bike or a slower-than-normal run—that’s part of life!
Q: What have been some of your Favorite Races? Why?
A: I was a big fan of the Lake Mac Tri before it was canceled, mostly because it was in my hometown of Holland. I cannot say I have competed in any races in the West Michigan area that I disliked. USAT Nationals in Vermont last year was also a great race—both the competition and the course were tough. I tend to prefer races/courses with more challenging bike courses.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your favorite race day or training stories?
A: Perhaps the strangest thing that has ever happened to me during a race occurred during my first-ever Olympic distance tri out in Massachusetts. I was first off the bike and I took off on the run with a solid lead, but all the course markings had washed away because of heavy rain. I ran about a mile off course before the race director found me and offered to drive me back to the course (and to the front of the race)!
Q: What motivated you to participate in the Grand Rapids Triathlon?
A: To be perfectly honest—Bob Karel. I ride with Bob regularly and he put the bug in my ear late last summer that I should enter the GR Tri in 2012. Apart from that, it just looks to be a fun race.
Q: How has being a triathlete changed your life?
A: Competing in triathlons has helped keep me motivated to stay fit and competitive at a high level. Having been an athlete for all my life, it was a little strange when my swimming career ended and I no longer faced the demands and rewards of an organized sport. Triathlons have helped me transition from competitive swimming into a sport that I can continue to compete in for years to come.
Q: What would you say to encourage others to participate in Triathlons?
A: First of all—tris are fun. They are a great way to stay fit and enjoy some healthy competition at any age or ability level. Many races have multiple distances, which means there is something for just about everyone. The atmosphere at races is laid back and triathletes are some of the friendliest athletes I have ever encountered. (Tris also give you an excuse to buy a sweet aero bike!)
Q: Any other information, stories, thoughts, inspirations, tips, goals, etc., you would like to share with us?
A: I can’t tell you the number of people who have been scared away from the sport by the swim leg. Swimming—especially in open water and in a pack—can be intimidating. Just remember to focus on your own swim and not those around you. If the swim leg is preventing you from participating in a tri, find someone you know or a coach who can help build your confidence in the swim.
