WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I think I joined offseason winter 2018-19. First race season as a Viking was 2019
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
First triathlon was in 2013, Xterra off road triathlon, got hooked (except it was in October in Michigan)
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I used to race mountain bike a lot and run a lot. Absolutely love doing really hard things, figured the next step was triathlon!! Took the Ironman leap in 2016 and usually do 1 full a year since then. My original goal was to find something that would make me quit, too hard, too miserable, etc. Still searching!!!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
I think Ironman Wisconsin in 2017, not a blazing fast time(not slow either) but I broke 3 vertebrae in my low back in the spring and was amazed that I was able to perform the way I did.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Well lately I’d say it’s been stomach issues on the run, suuuucks. Also, time in training is always stressful, especially when you only have 4 good months to train outside up here!!!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
ANYTHING that wasn’t served out on the course!!!
I dig gummy bears, and nerd clusters though!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
12 year old son, TWIN 9 year old girls! They are all crazy and love to support me when I’m training.
My lovely girlfriend Erin who’s been my Sherpa for years and my biggest supporter.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
First and foremost I’m a Marine, my birthday is on 9/11 so I had to join up and get in on the action! Afterward got a bachelors in Exercise Science and was a fitness trainer for 10 years. Covid kinda shut that down and now I’m into property maintenance, lots of tree cutting, irrigation, building!
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I once went 52 days without a shower(in Iraq, not here 😬)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
Being in Michigan I don’t get to interact face to face but the social media presence is extremely encouraging. Makes me wanna REPRESENT!! Also the kits are 🔥!!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Jocko Willink
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Hilliards Corner Lounge I guess
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
As a fellow combat veteran I find Kyle Carpenter very inspiring. His story, courage, and what he’s accomplished since his injuries is absolutely insane. I’ve never met him, don’t have to, look him up and it will be enough to quit feeling sorry for yourself!
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Obviously Ironman Texas as you all know!! Several 70.3s in the mix, shorter triathlons. I’ve never done a sprint so maybe! Marine Corps marathon and the local 25k Riverbank run which serves as US championship 25k!!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
The reason I signed up for my first Ironman was because my best friend Sam Keen ran Houston marathon and bragged like crazy to me(I HAD to one up him) He is a Marine and Houston fire fighter (native of New Caney). He was killed in 2014, I carry his picture on every Ironman! Whenever training gets tough or I’m walking in the marathon I think of him, and how lucky I’m am to be experiencing and living the fullest life possible!
Freedom isn’t free, live life, God bless America!
