Today’s Athlete Spotlight is Alex Metry. Alex is a smart, talented athlete with a beautiful family who is always cheering for his teammates!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
In 2022
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
My first-ever triathlon was the CB&I TRI in The Woodlands back in 2018. I took a bit of a break, then jumped back in with Oilman in 2020.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
Years ago, I saw the video of Team Hoyt, and it really inspired me. Later, after moving to the U.S., I was at the Ironman Texas finishline watching the athletes and thought, “I’d like to do this one day.” I kept saying that for years (my wife can confirm!) until I finally signed up for Galveston 70.3 in 2020. COVID delayed that race, so I just kept training and met some amazing teammates in Valhalla + Valkyrie, who encouraged me to push myself further. I haven’t done a full distance yet but it still is on my bucket list.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon—it’s such a unique and challenging course!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Nothing too fancy—just a couple of podium finishes in local races.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Balancing training and family time! My first 70.3 was when my oldest daughter was just one. Now with two little girls (ages 5 and 3), finding time for long training sessions and strength workouts is still a juggling act.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST-RACE FOOD?
ANYTHING edible! Seriously, I’m not picky after a race. The Promised Land Chocolate Milk is incredible though.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
I’ve been married to Rana for 10 wonderful years, and we have two awesome daughters—Emma (5) and Lily (3) who enjoy sitting on our Golden Retriever especially whenever he’s trying to have his own personal space.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE:
I grew up in a small Egyptian town called Tanta and spent much of my childhood traveling with my dad and brother to tennis tournaments around the country. I always enjoyed running to build my fitness for tennis, but aside from a few sprints, I didn’t venture into long-distance races until moving to the U.S.
My first job was at a small startup where I developed mobile apps for the stock market. I worked there until I moved to the U.S. in 2007 for grad school. Since then, I got to work and lead software development teams at interesting companies, mostly in technology and fintech.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS ABOUT YOU?
I injured my back a few years ago and had to undergo back surgery. Afterward, I took up cycling and swimming to reduce the impact on my back from running. Eventually, I recovered and returned to running, which lead to taking up triathlons since I was already cycling and swimming.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The strong sense of community! The team is full of amazing people who inspire me to push harder and improve.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Tough one! But recently, I’ve been enjoying Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I can never say no to beef fajitas from Lupe Tortilla!
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My family and the inspiring athletes I’ve met along the way.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
No races set in stone yet, but Waco might be on the horizon!
