Ironman Louisville: Interview with Age-group Athlete Andy Gray

Andy Gray is a 30-34, age-group triathlete, from Vine Grove, KY, which is only about 45 minutes south of Louisville, where he’ll be taking on the Ironman distance again, after crossing the finish line in 2008. He’s been in the sport six years and is priming himself to improve upon his last IM effort, but this time with a friend who is also up for the challenge.


TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
AG: I wanted to try something new and see what I was capable of.

TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
AG: The run.

TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
AG: I did the race in '08 and I want to better my time. And I have a buddy doing the race this year, so I said I would do it again with him.

TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
AG: It’s the closest, and I’m from the area, so I feel like it’s my home race.

TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
AG: Mental hurdles of preparing for the race again and devoting the appropriate time to it.

TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
AG: I want to finish in daylight. 12:30 overall time would be awesome.

TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
AG: My hands are pretty awesome for the swim…kidding. Just some good goggles/mask I suppose. I love my aero bottle for the bike, and Bodyglide for the run.

TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
AG: I like Macca just b/c he’s cocky and he likes to play the mind games with the other competitors.

TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
AG: I would like to do one of the European ones, just for the vacation.

TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
AG: Wow, I would have to go with the Big Wheel since I can’t skate.

TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
AG: Running shoes. I could manage on the bike with my running shoes.

TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
AG: It’s a toss up.

TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
AG: Nappy Roots (KY hip hop group) doing a live show would be awesome.

TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance).
AG: Probably my parents, just to let them know I survived again.

Mr. Gray...get 'er done! Good luck to you.