Why I Tri

In May 2008 I weighed almost 270 pounds. My wife was pregnant with our second baby and I really wanted to make a change in my health. I started a Couch to 5k running plan and ran the race in August.

I continued to train for longer distances and signed up for races when I was on vacation and business trips. By April of 2009 I ran my first half marathon in 2 hours and 1 minute. I had obviously started to lose a lot of weight and I felt great.

After my half marathon I was "recovering" by swiming and biking. There was a lot of talk about triathlon and I went to a local one that my boss was doing in May after I found an 8 week basic sprint training plan.

On Father's day weekend I participated in my first triathlon and really got bit by the bug really hard. I completed 5 total triathlons in 2009 and finished off the year with the Kiawah Island Marathon in December.

This year I will be participating in 4 Olympic distance triathlons and 2 sprints that are scheduled. My main goal is to compete in the Chattanooga Waterfront triathlon and possibly qualify for the Age Group Nationals in Tuscaloosa, AL.

I have lost over 70 pounds and I feel great. I want to tell my story, give back to the sport and community, and get people energized about being able to do what ever you put your mind to. This is something I never thought I would become and I enjoy sharing my success and supporting those who can benefit from my experience.