What inspired you to pursue the sport initially, and how did you stay motivated through challenges?
My driving force was to discover my true potential. That has evolved over the years to specific goals, but the same theme remains. Obstacles present as challenges and help develop your character. Motivation is fleeting and to be successful you need to move beyond motivation and develop discipline.

What are your goals for 2025?
I will compete in select XTERRA events including the World Championship for the 25th time with both of my sons competing as elites. I will also pick out a “Misogi Challenge” for 2025 that is yet to be determined.

What’s your favorite race and why?
My favorite winter race is the Mt. Taylor Quadration, which is an epic race that climbs from the small town of Grants, New Mexico to the summit of Mt. Taylor over 11,000 ft on bike, run, skis and snowshoe, then returns to town. It is a great grass roots race and epic adventure.

How did your upbringing shape who you are today?
I always think that everything in my life has prepared me for this event or race. All the qualities such as perseverance and grit are forced through adversity.

How has your training and nutrition evolved over your career?
I like to say “do more with more” and my training and racing nutrition has evolved over the years as we have discovered better ways to do that. First Endurance has led the way in this regard.

How do you stay motivated during long, grueling training sessions or races?
Preparation is everything which makes the race the reward. I have never had an issue with motivation during a race.

What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My 5 knee surgeries throughout my career were big set backs, but ultimately prolonged my career.

What role does mental toughness play in your performance, and how do you cultivate it?
I think it is very important. Developing mental toughness comes down to finding the optimal challenge in training and experiencing first hand difficult situations where things don’t go as planned.

What has being an endurance athlete taught you about life outside of sport?
I think that sport at its best is a microcosm of life and my career has been long enough that sport has become an integral part of my life.

What piece of new technology or equipment could you no longer imagine living without?
It is hard to imagine going without wearables or bike computers, but I sometimes miss the old days.

What advice would you give to someone who’s just getting started?
Know that your progress will not be linear and some people have trajectories that are not as steep as others.

Who are your heroes or role models in sport (or outside of it)?
In multisport I have had some good role models such as Mike Kloser, Conrad Stoltz, Steve Larsen, Michael Tobin.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a loss or failure in your career?
Failure is learning and is along the same path as success, not the opposite.

What is one habit or routine you believe has contributed most to your success?
Training in all seasons and all conditions.

What’s your “kryptonite”?
Fish n chips

Do you listen to music or podcasts when you train? If so, what is your go-to playlist or podcast? Does it change on intervals vs. easy endurance?
No

Are you superstitious when it comes to race days and/or key interval sessions? What are those superstitions?
No

What is your go-to interval session or segment that lets you know you are ready for a big event?
Mountain Star 5 x 8 min Threshold back to back days

What training, recovery, or nutrition strategies do you want to implement this year to take your performance to the next level?
Every year is a grand experiment to chase the performances of the past and face the realities of the present with this one body and one life.