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| April 26, 2010 | Preston Miller and two other Tri-Scottsdale guys are heading to Kona | | Preston Miller has always been an active guy. His work as a CEO and outside interests like rugby and running have kept him busy. In 1999 at 53, he dipped his feet into the murky waters of triathlon and never looked back.
The triple disciple sport is a challenge no matter what distance. There is a lot to learn and a lot that can go wrong during an event. By age 58, he completed the big one, an Ironman: 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike followed by a marathon
(26.2 miles).
At 64, in late March, Miller qualified and earned a coveted spot for the grand daddy of all triathlons, the 2010 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October. Kona is a dream for most triathletes, only a lucky few get to participate each year. You must finish at the top of your age group at a qualifying Ironman or Half Ironman event to earn a spot. Not an easy task when there are 2000 or more athletes from around the globe competing at each event.
He was pleasantly surprised when he found out he would be heading to Kona. He strongly believes the sport is for every age and ability and the social aspects of group training keep it fun. He enjoys seeing the success the sport brings to people.
Here is what he had to say about his sport, what inspires him and what keeps him going.
Scottsdale
Age: 64 (USA Triathlon age 65)
Family: Wife, Clementine, 3 children, 5 grandchildren
Occupation: Retired CEO, Administrative Services, Inc.
Sport: Triathlon
Sponsors: TriScottsdale Gage Racing, Village Health Clubs
Competing in your triathlon since: 1999
How did you get into the sport? A friend suggested I do one triathlon just for fun.
Other sports you have participated in: Rugby
20 years, running, golf.
What keeps you motivated? Seeing the success and enjoyment triathlon brings to so many people.
Who inspires you most and why? My wife, family and friends. Their support, as well as their success, inspires me every day.
What do you love most about your sport? Triathlon is a sport for every age and ability. Even though it is an "individual" sport, the social aspects of group training keep it "fun" all the time.
How many Ironmans have you completed? 3
Accomplishments: Recently qualified for the Ironman and 70.3 World Championships (Kona, HI and Clearwater, FL)
Do you have a coach or trainer? Yes, my coach is Lori-Lynn Leach, former professional triathlete with numerous Ironman achievements.
How much time do you spend training and working out each week? 18-30 hours a week, depending on the race schedule.
Describe your typical training week. We run M-W-F, ride T-Th-Sat.-Sun. Swim M-T-W-Th. Weight training is 2-3 times a week, plus several hours of stretching. Each day has a different focus, such as distance, speed, intervals, or hills.
How do you keep it fun? Group training and helping others new to the sport keeps it fun for me. Watching others set goals and then exceed them is a big thrill.
When did you find out you qualified for Kona? At the awards ceremony for the California IM 70.3.
How did you find out? I went to the Kona registration desk and asked if the person ahead of me had taken the slot. Answer was "no" so then I had to wait until the awards were over for the "roll down" process.
How did you feel when you found out? Greg Welch called my name and I jumped on stage and gave him a kiss. So, yes, I was pretty happy.
You are scheduled to do an Ironman over the summer. Now that you qualified for Kona World Championships, how will that affect your plans, your training and your racing? The plan is to train normally for Switzerland, than have a short recovery of a few weeks, then ramp back up for Kona. This will be a new experience for me.
Future goals: To be able to compete into my 70's, so I can do triathlons with my grandchildren.
Favorite event: So far, it was Ironman France, but there are so many wonderful venues.
Most memorable triathlon moment: Probably the same for most [triathletes], finishing my first Ironman in Austria in '04.
Funniest triathlon moment: I was transitioning after the swim, trying to pull my cycling jersey over my head, not realizing I had pinned it through the front and back when putting the number on. I was feeling pretty darn stupid.
Can't live without tri equipment? It is and always will be "all about the bike."
Favorite quote: Age is just a number.
Book you are reading: Soldiers's Heart by Elizabeth Samet.
What is the best advice you ever got: Ninety percent of being successful is just getting up in the morning.
What advice do you have for others? Whatever you do in life, have fun doing it!
Must have nutrition during an Ironman: Gatorade/Carbopro on the bike, Coke on the run.
Favorite post Ironman food: Pizza sooner, beef later.
Special treat post Ironman: Vodka martini, of course.
What is playing on your IPOD: Everything lively, from the Beatles to Lady Gaga.
If you could go to dinner with anyone who would it be and why? Lance Armstrong. He is the most phenomenal athlete of our time.
Giving Back: Our group (he is a founding member), TriScottsdale Gage Racing, is a foundation. Our big event, the Tri for the Cure, is in its fourth year and should raise another $50,000 this year for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.This all-female sprint triathlon also serves as an introductory triathlon for about half of the 800 participants each year.
In addition, to Preston, Yatti Yadav and Jeff Kootman are both making their first visit to the Island. We will all be cheering for them as they train and get ready to compete in the big show!!!!!
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09.27.11 TriScottsdale Represents at Nathan's Tempe Tri 40 TriScottsdale members participated in the race. 28 scored team points (top 10 in category) with 18 podiums including 3 age group winners and 3 overall winners! Great team effort and repre... More>>
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