Why do you want to race for Team Eleonore Rocks?

In 1999, my oldest son was born 6 weeks premature.  We spent many days in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit with him until he was able to go home from the hospital.  Thankfully he was able to go home and is now a healthy 13 teen year old.  That experience of spending weeks in the NICU and the knowing the challenges that families face in that situation, makes the cause of Eleonore Rocks one that is close to my heart and one that I would like to support by being a member of the Team.

Why should we choose you?

I have been a supporter of Team Eleonore Rocks for the past several years and want to take on the additional role as a full fledged team member.  Also racing Ironman Arizona with all of the other Team ER racers on the course will be a fantastic experience and a great show of the Pink and Purple.

What philanthropic endeavors are you involved in?

I am the Triathlon and Run Coach for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. I am the Lead Mechanical volunteer for Pelotonia, a 5,000 cyclist charity fundraising ride in Columbus Ohio.  I am also the Finish Line Director for the Columbus Marathon.

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

I have lived in Columbus, OH for the past 10 years.  I am originally from St. Paul, Minnesota.  I played football in college for the University of St. Thomas, a division III school in Minnesota.  My Master’s Degree is from the University of Minnesota.

How did you get involved in triathlon?

In 2004, I started racing marathons.  I hadn’t been on a bike in over 17 years, after being hit by a car while riding my bike in college.  I also couldn’t swim.  After 13 marathons, including 5 in one year, and 3 in one month, I decided I needed to challenge myself with Ironman.  So I got back on the bike and enjoyed riding and got comfortable out on the roads again.  Next I set out to tackle the swim.  I was able to do a mile in the pool, using a “head-up/ water polo” type stroke.  So I entered my first Sprint Tri.  After spending much time hanging on the kayaks, I was the very last one out of the water…needless to say, that style stroke wasn’t going to work in open water.  I joined a master swim program and learned to swim freestyle (thanks Nick!).  The next year I entered my second sprint tri and took an hour off my time.  I signed up for Ironman and completed Lake Placid the following year.

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

My background is in running, so I always feel comfortable in that discipline.  However, because it was such a challenge, and I now feel very comfortable in the water, I’d have to say the swim is my favorite.

What inspires you?

To challenge myself, to push my limits, and see how far I can go.  I am also inspired to be an example to my kids.

Do you have a significant other? Children?

Carla is usually found cheering me on at races.

I also have 3 kids.  Tom is 13, Molly is 11, and John is 9.

What is your big boy/girl job?

I have been in the financial services industry for the past 20 years.

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

I am going to try and PR for a half marathon (sub 1:30) and then go for a Boston Marathon qualifying attempt in April.  Then focus on IMAZ in November.  A bike crash 4 weeks before IMLP in 2011 didn’t allow me to really “race” like I wanted.  So I would like to take some significant time off in Arizona.

What is your favorite training spot?

My favorite is early morning swims at the quarry in Grandview, OH.