As we enter this triathlon season, I’ll be entering my 25th year in the sport. I’ve been doing triathlon more than half my life and I still love it, which is amazing in itself. Triathlon has made my life so rich is many different ways: right out of College it gave me another outlet to compete; I was fortunate to qualify and race as a Pro in my late 20’s and early 30’s; I met my long-term partner, George through the sport (cycling together with mutual friends 17 years ago), I’ve been able to make a living through the sport, as a coach; and I’ve met and coached the most incredible people, with the most inspiring stories. I've learned a lot about myself along the way, and truly believe its the experiences, the people and the journey along the way that's most memorable. Thinking back these are the things that I cherish, not the wins and the trophies.
I’ve raced every year since 1998, minus one season that took me out due to injury, and of course raced "virtually" in 2020 due to the pandemic. Ive finished 18 Ironman races, started 20 (2 DNF’s), I've qualified for Kona 7 times and have been to Kona 6 times (the title picture is me in Kona 2005, 27 years old). This year I’ll be racing Ironman Mont-Tremblant in hopes of going to Kona for the 7th time alongside my athletes Leah, Shayne and John Caffrey (and possibly others who qualify this season!). If I qualify, Kona will be my 20th Ironman. After all this time, the thought of it still gives me goosebumps, so I take that as a good sign. I hope each of you finds a race or a goal that gives you goosebumps!
I want to share some highlights from 2021 as I look forward to the 2022 season...
Erin, Radek, Phil, myself and Joe started of the season with a trip to FL to race IM Gulf Coast 70.3! Phil, Radek and myself left with slots to the IM 70.3 World Championships in St. George!
After not racing in 2020, Kurt got back in the race scene again. Kurt moved to Ohio a few years ago, but I'm still fortunate to coach him!
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Todd and Mark both qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships at the IM Mussleman 70.3!
We had our 5th Annual IFE World Championships, always a highlight to our season! 
Alex did his first tri, Mighty Hamptons, along with veteran triathlete, Mike Scanlon: 
Julie competed in and finished both IM Mussleman 70.3 and IMAC 70.3: 
Hilary and Katie both finished their first Maggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim, 5.6 Miles across the Great South Bay:
RJ competed in his first Ironman with a great finish, at IMMD: .jpg)
Erin, Mark, Radek, Todd and myself raced the IM 70.3 World Championships in Utah: 
Unfortunately, Phil had a bike accident preventing him from going to Utah to race! He'll be back stronger than ever this year!
Shayne had a breakthrough race at IMMD, placing 2nd in his age group and qualifying for Kona:
I got to race the Montauk Lighthouse Sprint Tri again, 19 years later, alongside my 18-year-old athlete Olivia, who is currently racing D1 Triathlon at the University of Denver!
Jeffrey Reynolds finished his first Ironman, IMFL, on a brutal weather day!
Leah (2nd from right),Johnny (far left) and Jeff (far right) had a big days at IM Maine 70.3 posting PR's!
Staci and Joe (far right) finished their first Ironman, IMLP in fantastic style!
John Edwards had mechanical issues at Placid, but finished the season with Mighty Hamptons and Mightyman Montauk 70.3: 
That's just a handful of the highlights from IFE's 2021 season!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy fun and fast 2022!
Here's to year 25!
