We have an incredible team of athletes at Triathlon Training Team. Each member has a story and a path that brought them to the here and now, we are so excited to share their stories with you so you can get to know our team that much more.  We will be featuring athletes every month so be sure to check back often.  Maybe you’ll find someone that shares your same fears, loves the same distance as you, has similar obstacles making it difficult to commit to training.  Whatever it is you are looking for, we are confidant you will find it at Triathlon Training Team and look forward to joining you are on your journey!

Today we are honored to feature Triathlon Training Team member: Steven

How did you get your start in triathlon?

I started running because I enjoyed doing Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) like Tough Mudder and Spartan Races.  A friend encouraged me to do a half marathon since I was already running.. After completing a Half Marathon and a Full Marathon. I looked at triathlon as a new challenge, instead of focusing on one sport, you had to focus on three sports.

What do you enjoy most about the sport?

I enjoy the people I train with and the comradery and competition that we put ourselves in on a daily basis. I enjoy the atmosphere and culture that the sport has, everyone respects each other, and even the pros don’t shy away from talking tips to first-timers. I also appreciate racing on the same course as the pros, not many other sports offer that.

What is your favorite triathlon distance and why?

My favorite distance is probably the 70.3 (Half Ironman) Distance. There’s something about giving it your all for 5 – 7 hours and leaving it all out there.

What are your goals for this season, what are your upcoming races? 

My goal for the 2017 season is to focus on the quality of races versus the quantity of races. I want to get 3 to 4 really solid races in this season instead of doing a bunch of races because the convenience. The following races this season I have are IRONMAN Oceanside 70.3 and IRONMAN Canada. I’m still looking for a late season race to finish off my season.

Do you have a bucket list race?

I currently have 3 Bucketlist races (besides IRONMAN Kona). IRONMAN Boulder 70.3, IRONMAN Boulder, and Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.

Describe the feeling of finishing your first triathlon?

I remember thinking “oh thank god, it’s finally over!” My first triathlon was a  70.3 in Folsom, CA and it was a very hot 107F when I finished the race.

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome to participate in the sport?

I think I have two equally challenging obstacles that I’ve had to overcome. The first obstacle was to find the time to dedicate to the sport. When I first started training I never thought it would be a part time job, but it has turned into training 5-6 days a week after work and on weekends. The other obstacle I’ve had to face is finding a partner who understands the time, dedication, and finances required to be successful in the sport. Luckily I have been able to overcome both obstacles.

What is your favorite memory/experience the sport has brought you during either training or racing? 

I’ll never forget the moment I crossed the finish line at my first IRONMAN race. One of the first faces I saw in the crowd was that of my parents, both were more beyond excited and proud of my accomplishment. Seeing their smiles and the tears in my mom’s eyes are something that pushes me to continue to do better.

Is there anything else you would like me to ask that I didn’t? What would that question and answer be?

Question:            What would you recommend to people getting into the sport?

Answer:               Find something local and small, don’t get intimidated, but most importantly, find a support system that encourages you to achieve your goals and doesn’t give you grief for working out or putting in the time it takes to be successful in the sport.