Is there one word that describes the joy you receive from your sport?
Fatigue!

How did you become interested in your sport?
I have been a keen observer of the sport since seeing triathlon on TV back in the UK in the early 90s. After entering the NYC tri as part of a relay team I was immediately hooked.

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
Telemark Skiing, Surfing, Squash

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
BIG Pizza and oatmeal in morning. Immediately after more pizza then ideally an in-n-out burger if on the left coast! Double double animal style!

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?
Long solo rides demand the entire ipod on shuffle...indoors I like some the prodigy or heavy club music to spice up my spinnin'.

Do you have a personal motto?
He who dies with the most toys...must have been a triathlete!

The most memorable and meaningful race you've been in and why?
Having participated in the bike leg of an Olympic distance relay in 2002 I signed myself up for my first full triathlon in December that year - this was despite not actually being able to complete a single lap of an 18yd pool! The race was 6 months away when i signed up and I chose a half Ironman since I figured the swim is proportionally shorter than an Olympic race and I could (hopefully!) make up for a terrible swim during a longer bike and run! At the time, I wasn't really much of a cyclist either, however, I had completed a bunch of marathons so I figured the run would at least be manageable.

After two months of total immersion drills at the pool I could finally string together a few consecutive lengths and gained confidence I would be able to complete the distance. On the big day I knew I had the fitness to finish but I was a bag of nerves since the swim was still pretty much unknown. I'd never swum in open water or been subject to a pack of neoprene clad maniacs and the prospect was very daunting!

Despite terrible navigation and the consumption of a few pints of muddy water I made it through the swim and was so elated after pulling off the wetsuit I couldn't stop myself smiling for the rest of the race! I then went on to produce a strong bike split and despite stomach troubles on the run I managed a decent half marathon to finish my first triathlon. Completing this triathlon reinforced my belief that anything is possible with a little hard work and commitment to succeed. I was immediately hooked and looking for the next challenge...