Today we are spotlighting Wayne Phillips. He’s always got a smile on his face and you can easily see that he truly loves triathlon and this team!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I joined Valhalla 7 years ago in 2017 after completing my first, and ONLY, Ironman Texas earlier that year at almost 52 years of age.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2012. Octoberfest Triathlon was my first event I entered in Cross Creek Ranch, Fulshear.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
I grew up an active athlete in high school in Western Massachusetts. Basketball was my best sport, with a little bit of track(javelin and high jump being my main events) and some lacrosse action as a goalie too. Ran several fun runs early on to include 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and my first, and ONLY, Marathon, in Detroit over 30 years ago. Running was the only of the 3 disciplines I did until my 30’s when I picked up road cycling in the 90’s when I moved to The Woodlands and rode with the Woodlands Cycling Club. Introduced to Triathlon by a good friend, George Childress, in 2011. Funny memorable moment at that first triathlon, which almost didn’t happen, until George was able to sweet talk a transition official into letting me back into transition after it had closed so I could get my goggles and swim cap that I had neatly placed there for use after the swim?? I did Ironman Texas 70.3 in Galveston in April 2013 and never looked back after that.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
I loved the Kemah Triathlon, Olympic distance, which had such a cool swim jumping off the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat out in the middle of Galveston Bay for the long swim straight in to shore and then running on the Kemah Boardwalk. But now The Kerrville Triathlon Festival (“Smokin’ Good Tri”) is my favorite. I have been there every year it has been held, except for one, over the past 10 years, with last 3 years now completing both the Sprint on Saturday and the Quarter on Sunday. Going for another Tri Brick this year!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
Ironman Texas. And the fact that I have done well over 50 triathlons and have never had a mechanical or DNF(I jinked myself now, didn’t I?)
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Training for Ironman Texas and coming back from a broken collarbone just a few months before that race.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Whatever is convenient and edible works for me and maybe a beer or 2.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I am happily married to Kathy, a very supportive wife for almost 24 years (easy math – married in 2000). We have two wonderful kids. A daughter, Katie, a Senior majoring in Business Management and a son, Will, studying Economics, both at Texas A&M.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I am a Real Estate Broker. My wife and I work together in our Real Estate business. The WP Real Estate Team. I have over 30 years experience selling homes. We enjoy hiking and camping as a family. One of my best memories is hiking with my son for a 2 week backpacking trip a few years ago at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a huge dart fan. For more than 20 years I was a league dart team player and every year I watch just about every match I can during The World Dart Championship from mid- December through New Year’s Day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The friendships, relationships, support and motivation I receive from such a great group of impressive individuals.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Og Mandino. The Greatest Salesman in The World. I enjoy Self-help books.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I love pretty much ALL food.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I don’t have just 1 person that comes to mind. I have different mentors I look to in different areas of my life.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
To stay healthy and continue training and racing as much as I can and to take a trip with my family (to celebrate our daughter’s graduation).
