There are two things responsible for my entering triathlon – Plantar Fasciitis and my Mother. Unlike many triathletes, I had virtually no interest in sports growing up, much to my Mother’s chagrin when she suggested I’d like distance running and should try cross-country at school. On my 40th birthday I was suddenly overcome with a need to do something to get fit. I went out the door and tried to run just 1 mile: I walked most of it. I kept trying, but my lack of experience, fitness, and bad running shoes quickly led to that most disdainful foot injury. So I put my cheap bike on a just-as-cheap trainer to keep some type of exercise going. When the foot healed, I wasn’t sure to return to running or just keep cycling. My Mother suggested doing both and trying a Duathlon.

In the 10 years since I finished over a dozen Olympic Triathlons (it took a dozen Olympic Duathlons until I was ready to brave the swim,) qualified for USAT Age Group Nationals twice and competed in 2016. I also proved that my Mother was right all along about running, which she reminded me of after my first Marathon, and again many times after finishing more than a half-dozen Half Marathons and 2 more Marathons.

In 2018, with the help of TriDot and the fantastic coach Kathy Ward Hudson, I jumped up to my first 70.3 at Coure d’Alene and crushed by 6 hour goal by 20 minutes.

I’ve been using TriDot for several years and unlike my early days of ‘self-directed’ training, have seen great progression and results, including several podium finishes. Plus I’ve seen TriDot continue to evolve into a more dynamic and powerful training resource.

My biggest lesson since taking up the sport? Don’t wait for 25 years to realize your Mother was right.

On a side note: triathlon gear, especially aero helmets, can double as a sick rock band costume. Don’t believe me? Check out the photo below…