MG....Back in late 2001 I was getting antsy to do some writing. I had worked for a few local newspapers in the past doing local event coverage and I’d written for some websites. I figured that I should pick something that I was really interested in to write about, so I sent emails to all of the Tri magazines and websites. When Rob Walters from TT responded he put me on the contributor list and told me about the local editor program. I was interested since I couldn’t find a central site in our region to get results and other race info. My only worry was.........if I built it.........would anyone come? I decided to go for it and the response has been great. We’re getting over 6000 hits on the site per month.

That’s hard to say. Of course if varies depending on the race schedule and what other events are taking place. I would say that if two days go by without me adding something new I start to get uneasy........I put myself in the readers place........tuning in and finding the same stale news. I’m sure I’m my worst critic but I like to keep it fresh. I would say that after a race I spend a few hours total (over the next day or two) editing pictures and writing the copy but truly it could be ten hours or ten minutes........when I’m writing about something that I really enjoy the time flies. Shawn Gale (Defined Du race director) joked with me after a race that I would probably head back to my car and break out my laptop with wireless internet access and do the race report right there........before the sweat was even dry............I haven’t reached that level of insanity yet........but you never know?

Lots of people have asked that or at least said that I should give myself more credit. I use what I would call self deprecating humor. It’s just a tool to get people to ease up and have fun while reading. Make no mistake.......when I say that I’m slow..............I’m slow........a fact is a fact........but the fact that the writer can see himself in a humorous light should let the reader do the same.......especially if I’ve written something funny about them! I love to have fun on the course.........you’ll see me making jokes or looking to tackle Felix Hinojosa after the run turnaround but I’m out there racing hard...........I guess my one triathlon talent is the ability to smile and joke while in pain........cause I’m really going all out.

No........Let’s be realistic here. I’ve gotten faster this year due to some better training (and training partners) and the desire to perform at a higher level but I’m fighting genetics too. I’m built to be a better linebacker than runner. That said I’d like to progress to the point where I’m able to pressure the top three in my age group. Not beat them.......cause that’s just not going to happen..........but I wouldn’t mind being the guy that keeps them honest........and when they can’t get it together..........maybe just steals a podium spot once in awhile.

Way too many.........I think with the F1 that makes 15 so far. My teammate Reimond Heep must be groaning hearing that. First of all I love racing.......I like everything that goes along with it.......from packing the car.......to driving to the race.........and that great feeling when you arrive at the site and there is that energy going around. The race itself.........those hurt like hell......from start to finish but even still I enjoy it. I’ve found that if I didn’t attend a race that I didn’t get good coverage and couldn’t talk to the race director to make sure that I got results quickly. As the season has gone on I’ve received help from others like John LeRoy, Iceman Jared Lee and Super Mark Balsiger with race coverage and I appreciate it. I’ve also noticed that a lot of the run work that I put in earlier in the year has worn off.......or I’m worn down.........I was having some nice 5K splits late spring and they have started to decline so I’m sure it’s time for some rest.

I’ve got a couple more races this season......the Yucca Duathlon and the Kokopelli half IM in Utah in October. Next season I would like to be more selective about the races I enter. I think I’m a lock for 2^nd place in the 35-39’s (only due to racing so much) for the SWCS this season and I told myself that if I ever grabbed one of those season awards I would start to try other things within triathlon. Next year I’d like to race a bit more outside of the region.........we’ve been invited to compete in the US Powerman events by one of our Team sponsors, Boston Bill Sunglasses.......so that’s a possibility. I’ve got thoughts of Ironman but my well documented stomach problems have hindered my performance in longer events. If I can work thru that I’d like to give IM Florida a shot one of these years. Other than that I will be racing locally and taking your picture so watch out!

Funny, I started the Team in conjunction with the website and the original idea was to raise money to keep the site going. The local advertisers that I contacted were not impressed with a new site with no readers so facing a pretty steep monthly hosting fee from TT, I spread the word on the Team. I didn’t know how big it would get but we’ve got 28 members now........and more interest for next season. The membership fees never made it to help the site as we printed T shirts and put money away for our year end party and subsidized the printing of our race jerseys. TT lowered the monthly hosting fees so it all worked out like it was supposed to.......the money that came from the Team went right back into it.

We’re going to Interbike in October to shop for more sponsorship. My vision is that we’ll provide huge value to someone for their 20 bucks (or whatever it winds up being). This year we signed on with Boston Bill Sunglasses and had our athletes wearing their latest styles........next season we’d like to see some of Team members riding new bikes or wheels and sporting full race uniforms.........we’ll see. That said, I’m sure some of the Team members will be much more involved in the day to day operations because with everything else I just can’t keep up the way that I want to.

I never get bored.......sometimes I run out of cliches to use to describe someone’s great performance but that’s a hazard of the job. I’m looking forward to continuing with the TT/NM website and providing coverage of triathlon in our region for a long time to come. I just got published in Inside Triathlon magazine for the first time and look forward to more national publications but I can’t see not doing this.......as I said.........I really enjoy it.

Ah.........well that’s just a little tribute........a little gesture to my son. Anthony passed away on Easter Sunday in 1996. I’ve come a long way as a person since then. Anytime I’m coming to the end of a race.........I’m so grateful for what I’m able to do..........I want him to know how much I appreciate the strength he’s given me.