About

Life is too short not to try a tri! 🏊🚴🏃

 

Joe’s Story

I started out in triathlon by chance. Thanks to a friend, I had the opportunity to enter the TriFest Triathlon in Dubai. I had a basic $400 bike, but that was enough to get me through my first race. I didn’t know what to expect but gave it my best shot and finished it. Since then, I have never looked back! That first race was the stepping stone to becoming the athlete I am today.

Background

They say you should do what you love. If that is true, I am certainly doing the right thing. I love working with people to achieve a higher level of fitness. Whether it is losing a few pounds, overcoming physical or life challenges or competing in a race, my background as an athlete, coach and human being will help you. I guarantee it.

I have an extensive business background, and found success with numerous companies. I understand what it means to balance work and exercise and how to find creative ways to “have it all”, if you will. Setting goals, focusing and following through on plans is what I do, whether it in the business world or preparing for a race. As a business person, I knew that my success was tied to those around me, so I worked hard to build strong teams and motivate those around me. I take this same approach to personal fitness training.

My lifelong commitment to fitness has helped me compete in Ironman 70.3 Triathlons, open water swims, numerous marathons and many many triathlons and road races. Like many athletes, the road to fitness is neither straight nor flat; I have been injured and taken time off along the way. My drive to stay fit, share my knowledge and help others, however, has not wavered. My experience will help you avoid common mistakes and help you reach your goals more quickly.

What has triathlon done for you?

Triathlon has been an often challenging and humbling experience. I have learnt to overcome disappointment in the pursuit of victory. It has given me opportunities in the community to inspire other athletes to be healthy and active. I have learned to embrace every challenge in my own way and accept the fact that I cannot always be perfect, but that it’s an ongoing process of physical and mental adaptation.

What do you love about triathlon?

I love the pursuit of improving my own performance and that there is always a new challenge. I love the variety in training across three disciplines that keeps me focused. I love the community of triathlon, especially my team @tridubai. I love the people I have met in Dubai and throughout the UAE through my club and events. I love the idea that I might be able to inspire other athletes.

Why should other people want to try a tri, too?

Everyone should try triathlon, because it’s more than just a sport. Whether you are a young boy or girl, a teenager, aspiring athlete, father, mother, grandfather or grandmother, the list of reasons all people should do triathlon is long.

Is it about making friends, building self-esteem, getting healthy and fit, inspiring others, trying a new sport, or the sense of accomplishment when you cross that finish line? I think it’s a combination of all of the above. I find it’s often about a person putting himself/herself first for the first time in years and saying, “Right now, at this time, I am going to be the athlete.”

Triathlon provides the perfect environment for people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to participate and compete. The mutual support and encouragement to reach your ultimate goal is ever present. Plus, you will inspire others around you—whether it is other men/women, your son/daughter, uncle/niece, dad/mum, or a spectator the day of the race.

Hopefully in the process people will accept that it’s ok to get fit and feel good about yourself. It doesn’t mean you are being selfish! Being happy, fit, healthy and active benefits everyone around you.

Life is too short not to try a tri! 🏊🚴🏃