In 1998, I was an ex-college volleyball player and former high school runner who hadn't touched a pair of running shoes in nearly ten years. As I sat watching the Ironman telecast, it would be fair to say I barely qualified as a weekend warrior. In years past, I acknowledged Ironman as good TV drama, but nothing more and flipped the channel. For some reason, this telecast was different and I was drawn in and motivated. Some months later, I found myself wearing a borrowed, ill fitting, women's diving wetsuit as I waded into a chilly reservoir for the start of my first triathlon. It was the 1999 Boulder Peak, a storied olympic distance event in Colorado. I had run 34min for a 10k in high school, so I was confident. How hard could it be? Add a little swim and 25ish miles on a bike. What could be so difficult? If only I knew then, what I know today! It took me nearly three hours to navigate my way to the finish line. It didn't matter to me that I drank more water during the swim than I carried in my water bottles on the bike...nor that my old Peugot had shifters mounted on the down tube and bolts where quick release skewers would have made more sense. I had even taped a wrench to the top tube, just in case I needed to change a flat! None of that mattered....
By the time I crossed the finish line in my cotton tank top
and baggy shorts, I was hooked. I had discovered my passion.
In the years since, I've completed four Ironman triathlons, enjoyed coaching atheletes to numerous victorious finishes and made lifelong friends as a result of my involvement in the sport. I dare say, my racing attire has improved somewhat, as well. Creating PoiDogSports is my attempt to help others realize their potential and experience the benefits of an endurance sports lifestyle with a shorter learning curve than my own. There's no need for you to endure the process of trial and error. Many triathletes, like me, have already done this for you!
My motto is "always race better than you train." This is the goal of every athlete, but in reality, it is more about your state of mind than anything else. Logging the miles is merely half the battle. The key is to focus on mental preparation. What goes on between your ears will determine your race day outcome. If you find yourself underachieving in your 'A' race despite solid training, maybe it's time to not only train your body, but also your mind.
Below is a short list of things you might want to know about me.
If you're looking for something specific that isn't here, please feel free to ask...
- USAT Certified Level I Triathlon Coach, Olympic Training Center. Colorado Springs, CO
- Certified Bike Fitter, Fit Institute Slowtwitch (FIST), Valyermo, CA
- USAT 2008 Art & Science of Triathlon Symposium, Portland, OR
- Established the WildeBerry in 2006 on Whidbey Island, Washington
- Sponsorship: Sampson Sports ('06), Active.com Elite Team ('04), RedBull (product '06, '07)
- 4x - Ironman (PB: 2005 IM Arizona, 11:19)
- 6x - 70.3 Finisher, (PB: 2006 Buffalo Springs Lake, Lubbock, Texas, 5:03)
- USAT Head Referee & Race Official, 2003-2006
- Qualified, 2006 AG National Championships (sprint distance)
- Guest Speaker for triathlon training and triathlon rules & safety
- Coach, University of Colorado, Boulder, Women's Club Volleyball (1995-1996)
- University of California, Davis Graduate, International Relations (1993)
- Student Athletic Trainer, El Camino College, California (late 80's)
Coach John's
Random Facts File
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Faith, Love & Curiosity
Favorite vittles
Sushi...Citrus...Pasta
Brussel Sprouts (roasted)
Fresh Seafood (like sushi) Pomogranates, Apples, Nuts
When I'm stressed, I...
take a nap or go running
Education
UC Davis, BA
met my wife Missy there
2008 reads
Freakonomics, The Looming Tower, Pillars of the Earth,
Killing Pablo, Bourne Identity,
Bourne Supremacy,
Bourne Ultimatum,
Bringing Down the House,
World Without End,
The Sicilian, Ironman Nutrition, Functional Strength Training, Mind Games.
My sports fantasy
either Olympic 20k Biathlon Champ or win 'the Molokai'
Colors
Orange, closely followed by Green, then Purple
Temporary snag
8-21-08 ruptured achilles
my rehab goal is the
2009 Royal Victoria Marathon
Favorite quote
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming,
"Wow -- what a ride!"
by Peter Sage
Tri@PoiDogSports.com
Whidbey Island, Washington
PoiDogSports ... personal coaching & training plans for endurance sport athletes
