Today we spotlight the amazing MICHAEL ALBERICO! Michael always has a smile on his face and an encouraging word for teammates!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM? Jessica and I joined at the end of 2019.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM? Jessica and I joined at the end of 2019.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON? I did my first sprint triathlon in September 2017 and then my first IM in November 2018 – IMAZ. I did not own a road bike before my first sprint triathlon. I did run track throughout high school, I ran at the Penn Relays a few times. Ironically, I hated anything long and only did sprint events. It may be hard to believe but I did swim when I was younger, qualifying for states, so I have some swimming ability in me, I just need to find it again.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY: I went to college at Arizona State University (No. 1 most innovative school for nine consecutive years) and I would go watch IMAZ every year. I loved the atmosphere and told myself I would come back one year and race IMAZ. It took me 5 years after graduating to get my first road bike and another year to go back and race IMAZ. I have not done a full IM since but have done a plethora of 70.3s over the past few years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE? Hawaii 70.3 and Oilman. Pretty bummed last year was the last year for Oilman. I definitely would have done it if I knew it was the last year or at least put together a relay team…….
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT? Owning the household IM bike split record over Jess.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Running
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Everything in sight. If you know me, you know I have quite an appetite all the time.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
My wife Jessica and I have been married for just over 9 years – she is also part of Valhalla/ Valkyrie. We have a miniature goldendoodle named Winnie that we bring just about everywhere. You can spot Winnie at most local events!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I am an elite ultra-marathon/ trail runner in progress…..
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’ve lived in 9 states. Two of them at twice.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
Brazos Bend 100 a few weeks ago showcased exactly what this team is about and why I love it. It was my first ultra/ trail marathon, the first one Jess and I have ever been to and the experience would not have been the same without the team.
Everyone helped Jess and I out all day long. I could not have done it without Ashley and Ryan Byers, Adnan, Jeff and Anette Bonifas and a few others. I would have collapsed hard if it wasn’t for Ryan being stern with me about getting in more fluids and food – of course Jess was telling me the same but who listens to their wife 50 miles into a race? Jeff was there supporting me every time I came through a lap and gave me a beer to celebrate with at the finish! And it was great to see Ashley, Adnan and Anette out on the course all day long.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I wouldn’t say I have a favorite author but my favorite series is the “Killing Series” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. I am a big history guy and each book is historically accurate and the research done is phenomenal. I believe there are more than 10 books in the series now and I would recommend them all.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Jess and I have been hitting Sixty Vines at Market Street a bunch lately so I would definitely say that is a current favorite. But steak is king, and I love any and all steakhouses. Pappas Bros Steakhouse downtown Houston is one of my favorites. Will gladly take any recommendations!
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My parents and Jessica have been the biggest inspirations in my life. I do find inspiration from others as well. Most recently, one of our neighbors also did Brazos Bend 100. He has five kids and still trained for and completed a 100-mile race. That’s inspiring to me. To see his dedication and to see the example he is setting for his kids and family is incredible.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Going to race ‘Sea To Summit Triathlon’ in July.
