We are shining the Athlete Spotlight on our good friend Will Featherson today! We have to say thank you for your service to Will first and foremost! He’s battled some injuries and setbacks, but those can’t keep this guy out! Read on…..
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I think it was 2018 but may have been 2019.
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
My first tri was in 2008.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
My first was 2008 in Galveston quarter. It took me 42 minutes to swim 1000 yards, I thought I was going to drown in that water. That was a really bad day but decided to tri another one. I did get better and in 2011 Ironman came to the Woodlands and I signed up. It was a really good race for me. It has taken a few years to get consistent at these events but I think I got there. I have done 9 ironmans at this point and not really sure how many smaller tris but It is a lot.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
My favorite race is Augusta 70.3, I have done that race 4 times and everytime I do it I PR. Really great race and the people are awesome there. If you have not done it then you need to go, you will not regret it.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
I think that my biggest accomplishment has been finishing Ironman Texas before dark. I know that may not be big for all you fast people, but for me it was the best. Especially after signing up for Ironman Texas the day before race day.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
My biggest challenge has came in the last few years. I had a bad auto accident in December 2022 and it took me out of all training for almost a year. I lost both my bikes in that accident also. I put on a lot of weight and really did not feel good about myself. It was really hard to just get out and run 1 mile when I started back. But here I am and back at running again. I have not started triathlon back yet, just running. But you never know what next year brings.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Always pizza, use to be a big burger but I gave up meat this year so I will stick with the veggie pizza.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I have 1 son that is 24. The absolute best son that a person can have. I have 1 brother and 1 sister, I am the youngest of us 3. I lost both my parent 20 years ago. I am single and enjoying life to the fullest. That’s all I got to say about that. ( Forest Gump words) I love me some Forest Forest Gump!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I have been doing the same job for almost 30 years. I work on elevators, yes if you get stuck in one it may be me that will rescue you.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a Navy veteran and was in a war in 1988
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
I love how everyone gets together when it’s race time or just for training. The help and advise is far more than any other team. Such nice and helpful people are on this team. Yall are all the best.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
John Grisham
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Salada, if that counts as a restaurant
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My mother was my biggest inspiration, even after she passed in 2004. She was the best. She was in the Navy for 28 years and thrived on being the best. She taught me more than anyone could ever teach anyone. I can only hope that I can be the best that she was. Thank you Mom for that.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
I should finish out this year with 13 marathons, that will put me at 77 total. I would like to get to my 100 marathon but it will be a tough one to get there next year. But I am up for the challenge.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Everyone comes on hard times when you think that nothing will go your way. Let me tell you that it all gets better. Don’t let the past drag you down. That was the past, so make every day count and live your life to the fullest. Go places, see new places and do not wait on nobody to make you happy. Be happy yourself and that is what really matters.
