Today we spotlight our Viking Brother Chris Lamneck. Chris has a challenging season set up with Ironman Texas in April and Challenge Roth in July.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2019.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
I completed a couple sprints in 2017 and IMTX in 2018.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
My wife and I volunteered at IMTX several times, and each year I would comment that I wanted to participate someday. In 2017, my wife finally told me to stop saying it and actually go out and do it. So, I signed up soon after, bought a bike that June, and started the triathlon journey. My first sprint was Jeff and Brede’s, which fortunately was just a pool swim. I quickly learned that I could barely go 50 yards without stopping. I had a lot of work to do. I did complete a couple more sprints that summer with open water swims, and I finished IMTX in 2018. After that, I switched to 70.3s for a bit. It took 3 attempts to get a full one done, though. I completed Waco 70.3 in 2018, but the swim portion was canceled. Then, in 2019, I got pulled from the run course in Galveston with 3 miles to go because of thunderstorms.. I finally got a complete 70.3 done with Waco in 2019. I planned a busy year in 2020, registering for Hawaii 70.3, Ironman Texas, and Ironman Canada. Unfortunately, all 3 were postponed due to COVID. I felt like I completed about 6 full training cycles over the next 2 years, but finally completed Hawaii 70.3 in 2021 and the two fulls in 2022. Last year, I traveled to Kona for a second Hawaii 70.3 and Sacramento for Ironman California.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
I’ve only done a handful of races, but each one was great. I’d love to combine the Hawaii 70.3 swim, Canada – Penticton bike, and IMTX run. The best overall, though, has to be the Hawaii 70.3. I’d do that race every year if I could.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Finishing my first Ironman. I really didn’t know what I was getting into. I could barely swim a couple laps and didn’t have much cycling experience. Fortunately, Gemma Hollis was able to help me with some swim lessons, and I was able to build endurance with PGK. The bike was almost as challenging for me. I didn’t even know how to clip in for my first ride. On race day, though, it was actually during the run when things fell apart. I sat down at an aid station on the second lap, and I just wanted to quit. My wife was volunteering there, though, and she pushed me to continue. I was so happy to get to that finish line, but afterwards, I swore I would never do it again. I still tell myself that lie every year.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Swimming. There was a point I thought I would never even finish a sprint, so an Ironman swim seemed impossible. I’ve never been very comfortable swimming and I still get anxiety, especially in open water. I would often skip swim workouts until I felt I absolutely had to get in the water for an upcoming race. It certainly wasn’t a very good approach to get any improvement. It has started getting better over the last few months, but I still don’t like it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
I never feel like eating after a race, and I don’t have a go to meal once I do eat. Anything that goes with cold beer works.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I’ve been married almost 15 years to my beautiful wife, Tamika. We have three daughters. Addison and Sofia are identical twins and they’re 13. Our youngest, Hadley, is 10. We also have 2 labradoodles.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I’m a pilot, but I do all I can to avoid work and spend my time at home.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Well, I’m such a quiet guy that many probably don’t even know I’m on the team. I am very competitive, though, and that can bring out a different side of me. Several years ago, I worked as a commodities trader for a small firm in Chicago. Our main office was an open space, with about 25 desks. While I was there, I would often have loud outbursts from my desk when I got too excited. It must have been disturbing others, because I was soon moved to a small back office with just two other people. I’m pretty sure it’s the only time I’ve been accused of being loud.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The support, both in training and on race day. There’s nothing better than passing the team tent during IMTX, and the Valhalla kit has also brought unexpected support during out of town races.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I love to read, but I don’t really have a favorite author right now. I’m always looking for something new to read.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Locally, I’d say Tris.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION
I have been inspired by so many over the years, there’s no way I can pick one. I do know that my wife is my biggest supporter. She pushed me to do that first Ironman and she encourages me every day to keep doing it.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
I’m signed up to do IMTX for a third time. I’m also registered for Challenge Roth in July and IM Chattanooga in the fall. After that, I’d like to focus on the 70.3 distance races.
