Ryan is a good friend of mine, training partner, and a triathlete in the rough. He comes from a football and body building background. He has a lot of drive, is passionate about what he does and manages to juggle work, training, and family life. He has done a few sprint triahlons in the past, but has been drawn into the world of long distance triathlon. He is registered for the 2010 version of the Whirlpool, Steelhead, Ironman 70.3 where he plans to conquer his demons and get it done.
TS: What inspired you to get into triathlon?
RH: I saw the Ironman on t.v. and thought, “That is crazy!” Then in 2005 I bought a road bike and the sales guy said something about duathlons and triathlons being fun. I thought, “Ha-Ha, yeah right.” Then the more I thought about it, my competitive juices started to flow and I had to find out more. So, I started reading about triathlon and then I went to a couple of events to watch. Finally, I thought, “I can do this!” I love to compete! Plus, I love to be in shape. It gets me out of my comfort zone. It gives me structure.
TS: Which of the three disciplines of triathlon is your strength?
RH: For now, the run. My run is also getting stronger because I’m gearing up for the 5/3 Riverbank Run 25K in May. However, I hope to gain more balance with the three disciplines as my training in all areas increases as the season gets closer.
TS: Which of the three disciplines in triathlon needs the most work?
RH: Without question the swim. I’m still pretty new to the sport and I have technique issues to work out until I can feel more comfortable in the water and then I can work on improving even more.
TS: What distance do you enjoy racing the most?
RH: I have only done sprint distance so far, so for now, I’ll have to say the sprint distance, but who knows after this season. I hope to do an Olympic distance as well as a ½ Ironman, so I’ll get a feel for what the longer events are like.
TS: What is your lifetime goal in participating in triathlon?
RH: To do an Ironman!
TS: What are your top three goals for this triathlon season?
RH: To finish my first Olympic distance race, to get a PR at the Tri Del Sol Triathlon, and my granddaddy goal is to finish my first Half Ironman at Steelhead this August.
TS: How do you balance training, work, and family?
RH: It is a team effort. Everybody has to be on board and I get a lot of support from my wife and kids. I try to get my workouts done in the morning. I get up at 3:30 am. I’ll run inside or I’ll bike on the trainer. As the kids get older I’m finding it to get a little easier because they can do more for themselves.
TS: What kind of bike do you ride and why did you choose this particular model?
RH: Quintana Roo Seduza. It is carbon fiber, black and white, and this bike is just RAD! It was the end of the year and there was a killer deal on it that I couldn’t pass up.
TS: What is your favorite local triathlon?
RH: Tri Del Sol. Close to home with a lot of locals.
TS: You are scheduled to do your first Ironman 70.3 this year, what prompted you to want to complete this particular distance?
RH: I have to continue to push beyond my comfort zone and see what I made of.
TS: What kind of music do you listen to when running on the treadmill or cycling on the indoor trainer?
RH: Just about everything. But I do like the 80’s.
TS: What food is a weakness for you when it comes to living it up?
RH: Pizza!
TS: Which would you rather do, 10 hill repeats running, or a 10 mile time trial on your bike?
RH: 10 hill repeats because when I fall over from exhaustion, it won’t hurt as bad and I won’t scratch my bike.
TS: What is the hardest aspect of training for triathlon?
RH: Finding the time to get all the training in is definitely the most challenging.
TS: Would you wear tri briefs in a race if you were given $100 to do so?
RH: AHHHH NO!
TS: What professional triathlete inspires you the most?
RH: It’s not the professionals but the age-groupers that inspires me most. One thing that really inspires me is watching NBC’s coverage of IM World Championship in Hawaii; amazing stories.
TS: Would you rather win the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii or an Olympic Gold Medal in triathlon?
RS: I would rather win in Hawaii. I think I would have more respect for myself and from others. It would be a great accomplishment.
TS: Would you rather carry Craig Alexander’s bag or walk Chrissie Wellington’s bike into transition?
RH: Being a nice guy, I would be willing to help both of them. Unless of course I was in the race, then they would have to take care of their own gear!
TS: Would you rather be first at any Ironman outside of the Hawaii Ironman Championship or fourth at the Hawaii Ironman Championship?
RH: I have to go with fourth in Hawaii. It’s the World Championship!
TS: Would you rather win a new pair of Newton running shoes or a pair of sun glasses worn by your favorite professional triathlete?
RH: I would go for the Newton running shoes. Those shoes are sick! A worn nasty pair of sunglasses is just a whole different kind of sick.
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