Why do you want to race for Team Eleonore Rocks?

I’ve spent the past 2 years racing with a triathlon team, and I enjoyed the camaraderie of a team. I fundraised for Team Fight for Rev3 Cedar Point, and I liked that the team I was racing for was more than just a social organization. But the Team Fight goal focuses on one race each year, and I wanted a team and a cause to represent season long. The reason Team Eleonore Rocks was the cause I picked has to do with my friend Aubrey Norris and her just recently born premie twins. I saw how much concern she had for them, and how difficult it was for her to spend time with her babies at the NICU. Supporting parents in that situation is an important goal, and having a way to do that directly is something I could definitely get behind.

Why should we choose you?

I am earnest and honest with a positive attitude, and willing to put in the effort to represent the eleonore rocks in a way that will put the focus on who we’re helping and how. Most importantly, I’ll provide show that athletes of any level of skill can contribute to the cause regardless of body shape or type. On top of my race day activities, I have a blog (www.becomingtimberman.com) where I share about my training and weight loss effort that currently averages 6,000 visits a month, and has grown every month for the past 2 years. I will be able to share information about eleonore rocks as well as the sponsors of the team.

What philanthropic endeavors are you involve in?

I have long been involved in philanthropic endeavors. Beginning in my teens I assisted at food pantries, bagging groceries and carrying bundles to vehicles. I have continued to support youth organizations such as Camp Fire USA and the Boy Scouts of America on an annual financial basis. Finally, last year I raised funds for Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults/Team Fight. I will again be racing for Team Fight, but out of my own pocket, so I won’t be doing any fundraising for outside of my paycheck direct donations.

What is your background (school, hometown, current town, major, etc.)?

I grew up just north of Toledo, Ohio in a small town called Samaria. I lived there until I was 23, after which I resided in Columbus for 13 years before 2 years in Boston. We moved to Angier, NC, a rural community 45 minutes south of Raleigh, this fall for my wifes work as a certified athletic trainer. I have my Bachelors of Science in Technical Management degree from DeVry University.

How did you get involved in triathlon?

I had been race walking for 2 years when the gas prices spiked in the summer of 2008. I decided to get a mountain bike to ride to work and save money on gas. Soon I was riding every time I could, and while I knew I was still too large to enter road bike races, even with the 50 pounds I’d lost, I read that you didn’t have to be in perfect shape to compete in triathlons. I attempted my first triathlon in spring of 2009, and though I finished dead last, I was hooked.

What is your favorite of the 3 sports in triathlon? Why?

The bike is my favorite sport. Because as a larger guy it’s the first time other than when I first strapped on hockey skates as an adult that I feel fast. Even on days when I’m doing long slow miles, climbing hills, or just having an poor ride, I still feel faster than I ever will doing anything else.

What inspires you?

A lot of things inspire me. I have a friend, John Young, who is a triathlete with dwarfism, who doesn’t let that stop him from going out and kicking as much butt as he can every race. His attitude makes him 10x the triathlete his body size should allow. My fast friends & teammates I raced with in Boston who have continually supported me to continue to improve have inspired me. The people who read and comment on my blog continue to surprise and inspire me on a daily basis.

Do you have a significant other? Children?

I have my wife Rachelle (pronounced Rachel) who is a terrific athlete in her own right, and who pushes me to be better. We have no children yet, but a dog (Stanley) and a hamster (Wangles).

What is your big boy/girl job?

My day job is working as a Senior Business Analyst for a major health insurance company.

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

I am going to finish my first IM distance tri. I am going to podium at least once for my AG. I’m going to average 10 minute miles running for all of my races of Olympic distance or shorter, I’m going lose a significant amount of weight.

What is your favorite training spot?

My wife works for Campbell University in the small town of Buie’s Creek, NC. The road between our house and the school is made up of rolling hills. Heading out past the university towards Coats, NC, there are 2 major hills within 3 miles of each other. Riding my bike along those stretches or road allows me to work on climbing, descending and hitting the big ring all without having to travel too far from home.