One Team, Any Start Line: the Slowtwitch Goodlife Racing Team

Backstory: I started playing triathlon in 2008 (yep I’m getting old…er). My first introduction to a triathlon specific site with forums, reviews, classifieds and so on was via Beginner Triathlete. I learned what T1 & T2 meant, I became quickly confused about the data that power meters would display, I learned that people had aluminum training wheels and deep carbon fiber race wheels…and the race wheels were only used for…races.  I bought my first gently used Garmin Forerunner on the classifieds, and started racing sprints, olys, and eventually a couple 70.3’s. Then, I signed up for my first 140.6 in 2012 – Ironman St. George (Utah).  

That was when I got “real serious” about triathlon and found Slowtwitch.  Spending more time on Slowtwitch and less time on the beginner site felt like a graduation of sorts. Like I had made it.  I found Dan Empfield, who in my mind was a godfather of the triathlon world.  I’ve learned a ton from Dan over the years in his articles, reviews, and responses to people in the forums. I’ve even learned a lot and have been entertained by those same people in the forums.  Some are gone, and some remain, and some continue to make me scratch my head.

Why do I tell you this?  Because for lack of a better way to describe, the above backstory and so much more, is why I fell in love with Slowtwitch (man, that sounds really cheesy).  I left a triathlon team of 7 years in 2023 to apply to the Slowtwitch Goodlife Racing Team. I was looking for something I could be completely invested in and something I could take pride in.  I also appreciate and stand by the only rule: no assholes. We protect the quality of this community above everything else. Fast or slow doesn’t matter. Kind does.

Honestly, I like the people I meet, and I like showing up to a race where the entire field of athletes are not wearing the same kit. It makes finding the STGL squad that much more special.  I’ve done team meet ups at various races and the cooking is always good, grabbing some new kit and nutrition is always nice, but the support and comradery is even better.  I’ve been offered the shirt off someone’s back, an extra bed because my short-term rental was a dive, and even a wheel off someone’s bike.

I also like our partners. I’ve worked in the industry and there’s nothing better than working for a company whose product you’re passionate about and proud to use and be seen with.  The Slowtwitch Goodlife Racing Team is no different and neither are our partners.  They’ve earned my trust and loyalty over the years because they’re honest, and the support, product(s), and service they provide are in the best interests of the athlete first.  I fuel and recover with Goodlife Brands and Nutrition; I’ve been racing in Zoot since I started tri; I’ve owned three Quintana Roo bikes over the years; I currently ride ENVE; I own a Wove saddle and have benefitted from Nick’s fitting wisdom; I blew up a rear disc wheel during a race and was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a pair of Cadex wheels for my “A race.”  The list of examples doesn’t stop here.

When I take off my hoodie in transition the morning of a race, and find several wandering eyes, I feel a sense of badassery. Note: I’m always quick to tell the onlookers that I’m not that fast, and not to worry.

I like the genuine friendships I’ve made thus far.  I could put the name of the guy who runs the show in this article, but he’d remove it while editing.  I’m sure some can figure it out. He is an example of someone I’ve become good friends with through the team and because of Slowtwitch.  He has become someone I can trust with my questions about gear, training, race strategy, and just life in general.  Honestly, I’ve made the comment before that he’s on a very short list of “2 AM people.”  If he got the call or the text from me in the middle of the night, there’d be no questions asked, I’d simply just tell him where and when.

The team is small and might be considered in its infancy, and there’s still work to be done and growth to happen. But the future is exciting, and I’m excited to play a small role in helping to shape it. It’s the reason we need great people first, and good athletes second. Whether you’re signing up for your first sprint triathlon, have qualified for an Ironman World Championship, getting excited about a trail running race series, a Belgian Waffle Ride or other gnarly trail & gravel rides, or maybe you just need that little push to begin a healthier lifestyle; not every start line looks the same, but any start line will do.  

If that sounds like you, you should consider joining up.

Tags: