Is there one word that describes the joy you receive from your sport?
Lucky... for being able to compete. Exhausted... for the effort I put in.
Hunger... for the resisting the sweets during the prior week.
Ride... for the accomplishment.
... but that's four words.

How did you become interested in your sport?
After playing team sports (soccer, water polo, volleyball) while growing up in San Diego, I took to MTB riding in college. It was then I met the university tri club and completed in my first duathlon -- on my full-suspension mountain bike. It was a thrill and the jelly legs was something I just needed to conquer. Well, a dozen years later, I have mastered the "wobblies" but am as addicted as ever.

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
Traveling, painting, coaching, and spending time with my wife. I guess working on my house has turned in to a hobby. I love working with and building with wood. Just need more weekends.

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
I guess I will eat anything that will mentally keep me positive and feeling strong. Usually, a sandwich or some pasta with chicken or fish will do the trick. I like to eat early -- 5:30 or 6p is ideal -- since breakfast (oatmeal with trail mix and/or peanut butter) is so early.

Do you have a favorite song, favorite music group, or is there music you like to train to, or is there a certain song that plays in your head when you race or ride?
I like a lot of rap... Wyclef Jean, Eminem, Missy Elliot... but I typically only listen before races or while on the treadmill in the winter.

Do you have a personal motto?
Passion + efficiency.

The most memorable and meaningful race you've been in and why?
The most memorable and meaningful race you've been in and why? One race which I will never forget is Ironman Placid in 2004. We woke up to some overcast and drizzle which didn't matter during the swim of course. During the first 25 miles of the bike, we were flying. Quickly we realized, it was the beautiful tailwind pushing us along to increase our average to 25mph+. At the turnaround, the headwind hit, and we headed for the black cloud of Lake Placid. And that was the first loop. The second loop was the same and we actually got a few glimpses of sun on the far end of the course. But the cloud above Lake Placid was darker and seem to swallow the hills lurking ahead. The climb was long and slow. The darkness was impending, and as intimidating as it looked, I wanted to be there! Well, fortunately or not, I got to T2 dry and ready for the marathon. It was only about mile 9 when the darkness of the sky merged with the black asphalt in a torrential downpour. It was intense and lasted much longer than anyone wanted. The fans were some of the most memorable of any triathlon. They were scattered along the course, yelling and supporting each one of us as we splashed and squished along. It was a frustrating and exciting at the same time. After a day of wind, sun, rain, lots of rain, and more rain, I jogged around the track to the finish line for my first, "You are an IRONMAN," announcement. An experience I will never forget.