Tell us about how you got into triathlon and had you been a sporty person previously?
I kinda of stumbled into triathlon to be honest. I began a weight loss journey at the same time I started a new job. There was a large triathlon community where I worked and I thought about it and quickly dismissed it.
A few weeks later though, I realized, aside from wanting to look better I didn’t have a goal to work towards. I kid you not a few days later a friend texted me and said hey I am thinking about doing a triathlon, wanna do it with me?! I figured this was a sign and so we went for it. I was not really a “sporty” person per say. I was well over 300lbs in high school and college and although I did play lacrosse, I never took it seriously.
When did you compete in your first triathlon and could you tell us about that experience?
I completed my first race in September of 2015 exactly one year after I began my weight loss journey. It was the Atlantic City international and sprint distance race. I did the sprint and it was the greatest experience of my life. I just remember having so much fun the entire day. Oddly enough I didn’t know it at the time but I made it onto the podium in my first race ever! I was 5th in my age group and missed the awards because I didn’t know how awards worked at the time. One thing I will say about this day is that I chose a DelMoSports event for my first race and looking back to see how much passion Steve puts in to his races, had I picked another race, I don’t think I would have had as great a day.
What do you see as some of your biggest successes in the sport?
When I started this sport it was just for fun but it has become a huge part of my like. That being say two of the things I am most proud of is finishing 3 70.3 to date and taking almost 20 minutes off of my Olympic distance time between 2016 and 2017 at USAT Nationals.
How or who came up with the name of ‘Do it for yourself’ for you and what’s that all about?
When I was ordering my first Road ID bracelet I googled inspirational quotes to put on the bracelet. All of the typical ones like “never give up” and “keep moving forward” kept coming up. Then I found something along the lines of “do it for yourself”. I said you know what, that’s what I am doing. For the first time in my life I was running because I WANTED to, not because a coach was yelling at me. I decided it was time to lose weight because I wanted to, not because a doctor was yelling at me. I have completely adopted that now and continue to Do It For Myself everyday.
When did you start coaching and what message do you try to instil in those who come to you for guidance?
I started coaching swimming when I was 17 working at a gym. I then began coaching triathletes about 3-4 years ago for the health club where I currently work. I went to school for Health and Physical Education so I really enjoy working wit kids and adults on sports, activities and getting better.
The biggest thing I try to install in my athletes is something I learn from another trainer Mike Vacanti and that is consistency over perfection. You don’t need to be 100% perfect week in and week out. That’s how burnout happens. Whether you are trying to lose weight, train for a ironman, or just get better at swimming, it’s always consistency over perfection. Put in the time, stay consistent with training, or counting macros, or drills and you WILL see results.
Tell us about your role as a DelMo Sports Ambassador?
Becoming a DelMoSports ambassador was something I was approached about. DelMo posted on their facebook because they needed help at a local expo they were going to. I sent a message and said I would love to come talk to people about your races and triathlon and so I did. After that, they reached out for a few more expos and the rest is history. I stand behind brands and companies and people in this sport that I believe in 100%.
Steve (the owner) is an amazing guy and he bleeds passion into his company. On race day, you will see him at swim start, transition, on the board walk, on his fat bike. He’s all over and he makes sure everything and everyone is taken care of. Because of this, I have no problems stepping up and saying, Hey if you’re thinking about a race, don’t think, trust DelMo!
How are you mostly spending your time at the moment and do you have any exciting projects lined up for the year ahead?
The most exciting project for this year is the launch of The Do It For Yourself Podcast! I wanted to do this for the longest time and I had excuse after excuse as to why I couldn’t. Once I realized that I was doing the same thing as when I wanted to do a triathlon but “couldn’t” I said screw it and went for it. The show is an interview style show where I interview others who are doing it for themselves and we dive deep into their stories. It has been amazing so far and I am really enjoying it.
The last thing I am really excited about is heading out to Cleveland, Ohio for Nationals this year. The coolest thing about Nationals is getting to visit these cities that I may not otherwise have had a chance to see. I am excited to link up with some social media “friends” out there!
The last thing I want to say is thank you so much for doing this interview with me. I am honoured to be featured among the many amazing people on Limitless Pursuits and I really enjoyed sharing this with you!
