Not surprisingly, since I was spending more time running and cycling, I subsequently became an easier out on the ball field, was moved from first base out to right field and slotted a few spots further down in the lineup during my final season. But, I was on a new path, morphing myself into an endurance athlete, a journey that opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
Between 2002 and 2009 my endurance endeavors ranged from a self-sufficient mountain bike trip of the
Continental Divide Trail to hopping in the 257km Tour of Flanders
sportive ride across Belgium’s famed cobbled streets. There were also Xterras, a dozen Ironmans and everything in between. There was really no rhyme or reason to the events I took a stab at. I had a few knowledgeable coaches along the way and gained invaluable insight by training with some of the top pros in the sport during a five year stint in Boulder.
In 08 and 09, I qualified for my pro card but was never confused with being a true professional. Let’s just say, if there are three tiers of pro triathletes, I slotted in nicely in the fourth tier! The only reason I worked towards the card in the first place was due to a drinking bet when a post-college roommate once blurted out, “it’s not like any of us will ever be a pro in any sport”.