It took some talking, but today we spotlight our TEAM DAD – the one, the only STEVE HARDY! What would we do without Steve and Ana!!!! Seriously!!!!!!!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2016 one of the OGs that are still on the team. I think we had 8 members that year.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2016 one of the OGs that are still on the team. I think we had 8 members that year.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2008 – Silver Lake Sprint Triathlon in Pearland
2008 – Silver Lake Sprint Triathlon in Pearland
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
My fitness background is based on weight training (non competitive). I would do some running for fitness. Got talked into doing the MS150 one year so bought a bike. I was running (some) and cycling (kinda) and someone suggested I do a triathlon. At that time my only knowledge of triathlon was Ironman and truly wasn’t even sure what that entailed. I figured what the heck and signed up for my first. Got in the pool and realized I am doomed. I couldn’t swim 25 yards without being gassed. Took a few private lessons and off I went. I did 3 triathlons my first year and during the swim at each one, I swore, I would never do another. Been involved ever since and the swim has become my strength. Don’t give up if you struggle in the swim.
My fitness background is based on weight training (non competitive). I would do some running for fitness. Got talked into doing the MS150 one year so bought a bike. I was running (some) and cycling (kinda) and someone suggested I do a triathlon. At that time my only knowledge of triathlon was Ironman and truly wasn’t even sure what that entailed. I figured what the heck and signed up for my first. Got in the pool and realized I am doomed. I couldn’t swim 25 yards without being gassed. Took a few private lessons and off I went. I did 3 triathlons my first year and during the swim at each one, I swore, I would never do another. Been involved ever since and the swim has become my strength. Don’t give up if you struggle in the swim.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
I’m a local race guy, The Woodlands World Championships (formerly CBI, formerly Woodforest), the Cypress World Championships (Bridgeland) and of course the Speedo World Championships in Sylvan Beach. I really enjoy the post-race atmosphere at a sprint.
I’m a local race guy, The Woodlands World Championships (formerly CBI, formerly Woodforest), the Cypress World Championships (Bridgeland) and of course the Speedo World Championships in Sylvan Beach. I really enjoy the post-race atmosphere at a sprint.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
When I started to podium in the local races. It coincided with me deciding to race the swim instead of surviving it. Having a nice 2+ minute cushion coming out of the water is a nice feeling.
When I started to podium in the local races. It coincided with me deciding to race the swim instead of surviving it. Having a nice 2+ minute cushion coming out of the water is a nice feeling.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Lately, running. I can’t find my running legs, it’s been getting better with a more focused approach on my weakness. The help I get from FreeSpeed Lab (shameless sponsor plug) and Jorge has helped immensely in starting to get back to the form I used to have.
Lately, running. I can’t find my running legs, it’s been getting better with a more focused approach on my weakness. The help I get from FreeSpeed Lab (shameless sponsor plug) and Jorge has helped immensely in starting to get back to the form I used to have.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Pizza and a beer. Now that I have a pizza oven, I have gotten pretty picky about my choice of pizza.
Pizza and a beer. Now that I have a pizza oven, I have gotten pretty picky about my choice of pizza.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I have two adult children, my daughter Mackenzie is 24, graduated from Sam Houston and trying to make her mark in Musical Theater. My son, Aidan, is a senior at Texas State University, majoring in Manufacturing Engineering. And of course, my beautiful bride whom most of you know, Ana. We’ve just celebrated 10 years of marriage this past November, and of course my two fur children, Winnie and Lady.
I have two adult children, my daughter Mackenzie is 24, graduated from Sam Houston and trying to make her mark in Musical Theater. My son, Aidan, is a senior at Texas State University, majoring in Manufacturing Engineering. And of course, my beautiful bride whom most of you know, Ana. We’ve just celebrated 10 years of marriage this past November, and of course my two fur children, Winnie and Lady.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.:
Contrary to popular belief, I DO have a job. I am a Program/Project Manager for Cisco Systems on their Collaboration (think Webex) side of the business managing the infrastructure build out of Datacenters globally. I work exclusively from home since Covid.
Contrary to popular belief, I DO have a job. I am a Program/Project Manager for Cisco Systems on their Collaboration (think Webex) side of the business managing the infrastructure build out of Datacenters globally. I work exclusively from home since Covid.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I guess I make quick decisions. I met Ana in June of 2013, was engaged by Sept of 2013 and we were married on Nov 1 of 2013. When ya know..ya know.
I guess I make quick decisions. I met Ana in June of 2013, was engaged by Sept of 2013 and we were married on Nov 1 of 2013. When ya know..ya know.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The people and the sense of being part of something bigger than an individual. This sport can be lonely when you show up at a race, don’t know anyone, finish the race, grab your gear and head home. Having a ‘family’ waiting and rooting for you is very encouraging and is enough to keep you moving on days when you may want to just curl up on the course and cry.
The people and the sense of being part of something bigger than an individual. This sport can be lonely when you show up at a race, don’t know anyone, finish the race, grab your gear and head home. Having a ‘family’ waiting and rooting for you is very encouraging and is enough to keep you moving on days when you may want to just curl up on the course and cry.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
I don’t read much these days, but historically, Tom Clancy and Stephen King. These days most of what is read is lighter than a novel stuff about nutrition, diet, etc.
I don’t read much these days, but historically, Tom Clancy and Stephen King. These days most of what is read is lighter than a novel stuff about nutrition, diet, etc.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Via Emilia in the Woodlands. If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out.
Via Emilia in the Woodlands. If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My wife, she’s the definition of survivor and perseverance. She’s also my biggest supporter. If you ever the time with her, let her tell you her story.
My wife, she’s the definition of survivor and perseverance. She’s also my biggest supporter. If you ever the time with her, let her tell you her story.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Lot’s of shortcourse racing locally.
Lot’s of shortcourse racing locally.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
This team is what YOU make of it. Take advantage of the breadth of knowledge in this team, the comradery, stay engaged and don’t be afraid to start some engagement.
This team is what YOU make of it. Take advantage of the breadth of knowledge in this team, the comradery, stay engaged and don’t be afraid to start some engagement.
