How did it feel to be inducted into the XTERRA Hall of Fame last year?
It was an honor to be inducted into the XTERRA Hall of Fame. It was a complete surprise and it felt like the culmination of my XTERRA career. That was my 20th time racing the XTERRA World Championship (18th as a professional) so it was a very special moment for me, especially with my family there. My brother Yaro narrated the video and the messages from my parents and my past competitors were very heartfelt.
We LOVE the fact that your family has followed you into the world of triathlon… how’s that going? Do you help coach them?
Traveling and racing has been such a big part of our family’s lifestyle. In Maui everyone participated with my daughter Larsen (11) running the 3k, my wife Ingrid running the 10k, my son Porter (16) running the half marathon, and my son Sullivan (17) racing the full XTERRA. So far I have tried to keep my coaching role very limited in their sports. I am there to support them in their activities but I want their interest to be intrinsic and I don’t need to live vicariously through my kids athletic endeavors.
Tell us a bit about your move into the world of coaching?
I have actually been a coach longer than I have been a professional triathlete. I started coaching athletes right after college. I have an undergraduate degree in Health Fitness and a masters degree in Kinesiology. I love guiding athletes of all levels towards their goals.
If you could only choose one sport to do for the rest of time, what would it be and why?
My initial background was in running. I don’t love every run I do, but that is the activity I miss the most when I am injured. I love the simplicity and efficiency of a run workout.
What have you got planned for 2022?
I plan to continue to compete at a very high level in 2022, but at this point I have not solidified my race calendar. I am looking to expand my racing portfolio and try a few events that I have never done before. I’ll keep you posted!