NAME: Larry Winans

AGE: 42

TOWN: Lewisburg, PA

OCCUPATION: Dentist

ATHLETIC BACKGROUND: As an adult, I never had any focus in athletics. I played racquetball for several years, ran a little and occasionally lifted weights. I found bicycling a few years ago and began to ride and entered some races. Because I was enjoying it so much, I started working with Troy to accelerate my development and skills.

TRAINING MOTIVATION: I want to serve as a positive role model not only for my wife and kids, but also for everyone around me. I enjoy the healthy lifestyle and being fit. I also like being able to monitor my progress and analyze the data. The rigors and discipline of training for an IM appeal to me. This past year, for my first IM, I trained hard because I was scared! The training has helped me in other aspects of my life because the focus has carried over. Quite often the training seemed like a 'mental vacation' for me from everyday life, which allowed me to appreciate what I have even more.

HOW DO YOU FIT TRAINING INTO A BUSY SCHEDULE? There are challenges training for an IM when balancing family, work and life in general. I worked with Troy to develop a plan that would fit into a hectic schedule. In the winter, to minimize interference with family, I would wake at 5 am to hit the trainer in the basement and enjoy Troy yelling at me! Every week I would plan ahead and make schedule adjustments accordingly to keep my life in a healthy balance.

WHAT GOT ME INTO MULTI-SPORT? I had been cycling for a few years then did a local inaugural sprint triathlon. I did notice that I tended to do better in longer cycling events, but this was my first foray into any multi-sport event. I did well and enjoyed it so much that I thought I would attempt a full length IM.

FUTURE GOALS: I had an awesome experience for the IM Louisville. I was very well prepared and managed an 11:54:41 finish. As I did in 2007, I am planning on doing the Eagleman 70.3 and the IM Louisville in 2008. I would like to continue my progress and development and see my time splits drop, especially in the swim.

ADVICE FOR A NEWBIE TRIATHLETE: There is so much that I could say. The most important thing is to be well prepared. Think through everything, but be ready for challenges during training and event day. The best advice would be to work with a coach to develop a personalized training plan. I would strongly encourage and triathlete to preview the event location and course. The best way to do this would be to attend a training camp. My attendance at Troy's camp for the IM Louisville proved invaluable on race day. Above all, enjoy the experience of training and racing, and revel in being fit and healthy.