Floridian Marc Bonnet-Eymard was the overall winner at the 2006 ITU Age Group World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland and won countless other races in his career so far. But he now has a new priority.
ST: Marc, can you tell us about your 2007 season?
Marc: I got off to a late start (5 months off) since parenthood was such a new thing for us. I wanted to make sure we had a handle on things before I ventured off on 20+ hour training weeks, while working full time and coaching part time. I chose to work with Paulo Sousa because I wanted someone to challenge me and I liked his philosophies. Before I knew it I was back in the swing of things. My plan was to race a few 70.3s and qualify for the championships in Clearwater. I had a few problems heading into Timberman 70.3, still I raced and was happy with the effort, aside from freezing my butt off. It was 50 degrees and dry and I was used to 90+ degrees and humid. Heading into September, I was feeling super fit with some of the best training runs and rides I had ever had. On the other hand balancing my other life and being there for my wife and son was getting challenging. I tried to get excited about Cancun 70.3, which was next on the list. I felt I had a good shot with the course and the conditions it brings. Sunday morning, two weeks before the race, and I had a 4hr ride followed by a good run. It was 7am, I brought our son Tristan into bed with my wife and me and I just couldn't get myself to leave them. So I stayed. Jerry MacNeil of Midwest Events, told me a while back that fatherhood was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. I never forgot that and that morning I didn't want to miss out. For the first time in 5 years I told my wife that we could go to a triathlon destination for a true "vacation". So there was no racing for me in Cancun, only family and a few Cervezas.
ST: Wow it seems your priorities are really changing.
Marc: Tremendously. My children and my family come first. Since my work is a direct link to supporting them, my job comes second. I get so much out of being with my children and influencing them in every, hopefully good, way. I don’t want my hobbies to get in the way of my responsibilities to them, so athletics/triathlon will come third. If I only made enough money racing. ; )
ST: How will that impact your schedule for 2008?
Marc: That's a good question. I used to be "all or nothing" when it came to training and racing. I wanted to be 100% prepared for my races. With my priorities rearranged I may find it challenging to get where I think I need to be in terms of fitness, particularly to compete on the professional level. I think now I will be ok with not being at my physical best and enjoy racing locally, some of the races where I got started in this sport.
ST: Can you tell us about your athletic background?
Marc: I was raised in an athletic family. My twin brother, Eric, and I competed in everything we could find, whether it would be organized sports or some game we created in the front yard. I started swimming competitively when I was 8 and stuck with that through college (Div. III). I swam distance freestyle. There was a big lull in my twenties when I was trying to find myself, so sports took a back seat. That's when I took an interest in golf. It was fun, but I was getting lazy. It wasn’t until I shattered my right tibial plateau in 2001, that I woke up and rediscovered my passion for endurance sports and the adrenaline rush of competition through triathlon.
ST: What does a typical training week look like for you? Or how will it look like this year compared to 2 years ago?
Marc: When I get started this year, I will squeeze in whatever I can. Early morning, a 90 minute swim or bike, and at my lunch break a 45min-1hr15min run. Weekends will be a long run and a long ride, if my wife isn't working and there isn't a weekend getaway planned.
Two years ago I was swimming 20,000 yds, cycling 10-11 hours, running 38-42 miles per week.
Monday - a good long swim, a strength work out and short bike
Tuesday – an 8-10 mile speed work run, short recovery swim, and a good recovery ride
Wednesday - a big swim, a good ride, and short run
Thursday - speed on the bike and a good run
Friday a good swim, a strength work out and light day
Saturday - a long run, recovery bike and short swim
Sunday – a long ride, short run and a recovery swim
ST: What is your favorite race and why?
Marc: Can't single out any one race, too many good ones.
Olympic: St. Anthony's. The race director and staff do a great job for such a large race. The weather is always great and it attracts some high talent, elite and amateur.
Half IM: Eagleman 70.3– Vigo and staff do an outstanding job, it's a huge race with a hometown feel. The course is beautiful and safe. And again attracts some quality athletes.
Any ITU Championship race in Europe. They do it right. The culture. The scenery. The people. In Lausanne 2006, for the Elite Men and Women, I thought I was going to an American football game, there were so many people.
ST: What is your favorite food?
Marc: My wife makes a chicken dish with warm goat cheese and roasted red peppers; actually I just had it tonight. I could eat pasta every night if I had to. My vices in season are Pringles (Salt and Vinegar) and chocolate chip cookies. Don't get me wrong, I eat healthy, but can't resist those two things.
ST: Do you have any preferences in terms of music?
Marc: Trance, alternative and classical/opera. Trance motivates me. Pushes me farther than I think I can go. It stirs a lot of passion inside of me. I race and train with much passion. Paul Oakenfold, DJ Tiesto, The Cure, Dave Matthews Band, La Traviata (full of passion)
ST: What is the last book you read?
Marc: Lone Survivor, The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10, by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson.
ST: Do you have any suggestions for other age group athletes?
Marc: Define your goals. They keep you focused, they help get you up in the morning, and help you push harder, even when it hurts. Be passionate about your goals and your sport. Know when and how to recover and train easy. So many athletes just go go go. Stay balanced, it will keep you in the sport longer and keep your family happy. Thank often those individuals who allow you to train and race so much.
ST: Where do you think you'll be in 5 years?
Marc: I'd like to take up pole-vaulting; see where I can go with that. I'll still be active in multisport, racing for fun and coaching on a developmental level for aspiring elites. I'll be rooting on my two boys to take up any hobby for which they have a passion.
ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?
Marc: That X-Ray image is what my right knee looks like. But I never used it as an excuse. My wife tells me it's a bionic knee.
