Meet John #1, Ironman triathlete, husband, and newly-appointed grandfather. He pretty much does it all. Why #1? Because John #2!
Current place of residence: Camarillo, CA
Hometown/place of birth: Sun Valley, CA / Hollywood, CA
Day job: Architect
Favorite sports or hobbies (besides triathlon): I love to ski.
2015 triathlon/race goal: To complete two 140.6 distance events this year. IM Switzerland in July and IM Arizona in November.
Best triathlon race leg (swim, bike, run, T1, T2, beer garden): Definitely the bike. Definitely not T1.
Dream race: My parents were both from Switzerland. I’m really looking forward to competing there this year.
Race mantra: Just keep moving. A good friend once told me that every step I take during the race is one I don’t have to take again. I think about that a lot.
When/how/why did you start triathlon?: A good running friend of June’s (wife) asked me to help her with her cycling. I said sure, what are you doing? She said she signed up for an Ironman. I seriously asked her if she knew what that was. She had never participated in a tri. I signed up for my first sprint tri with her a couple months later. I was hooked.
Hardest race you’ve ever completed: IM Arizona, because of the distance and training commitment. The run during the Rhode Island 70.3 with the crazy steep hills, 90 degree heat and 90% humidity was also not fun.
Most memorable race moment: I was starting the second lap of the Oceanside run in 2011 and an athlete who had finished the event high fived me and encouraged me on. I then realized it was Andy Potts who had won the event. That really stuck with me.
Words of wisdom to someone considering training for their first triathlon/endurance event: Baby steps. Don’t overcommit to a race that is too hard or too long. Build slowly and you will enjoy the experiences much more.
Something you’ve learned about yourself through triathlon/endurance sport: You can accomplish a lot if you dedicate yourself and put in the work. You can do more than you thought possible.
Pre-race ritual or superstition: June says I wait to the last minute to pack. Not a good thing.
Training/racing “secrets”: Coffee
Training/racing pet peeve(s): Slower riders who ride to the left of the road. People who claw at you during the swim.
Why do you keep Tri-ing?: My training partners. I love to associate with the people who “Get it”.
What does “Fuel” mean to you?: Coffee
What does being “Fit” mean to you?: Feeling strong. Looking forward to the next workout. Wanting to do more.
Pick one:
Open water or pool? Open water
Trail or track? Trail
Solo or group training? Group
Chocolate or cheese? I’m Swiss, do I really have to choose?
Watch on your left wrist or right? Left
Morning or evening workout? Morning. I never would have said that before doing tris.
Hat or visor? I use both.
Swim cap or no cap? Pool, no cap…Open water, cap.
Cheerios or Wheaties? Wheaties
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Coffee, coffee, coffee.
Want to see yourself featured in a future edition of M.T.A.? All BrittFit Athletes are eligible. You could be next!