About Paul

Background

Retired, living in La Crosse Wisconsin USA for most of the summer and in Isla Mujeres, Mexico for the winter.

Am 64 years old, but will compete in the 65 to 69 age group in the WI Ironman in Sept 2011.

Married to Brook who provides enormous amounts of support and encouragement, not to mention making sure I eat the “right” stuff.  She knows more about my nutritional needs than I ever will, which is about 10 less things to worry about!

Have two children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren.  Matthew, my elder child, is 42 and has just completed his third Ironman in Western Australia, finishing in 10 hours 56 minutes.

Athletic Background

Played Rugby Union at school and on and off through most of my early adult life.  Played my last game at 36.

Started running with the Hash House Harriers when I lived in Bahrain back in the ’70’s.  Never got too serious about it though.

Ran in a few 5K and 10K races in the ’80’s, but had no interest in competing.  Ran my first marathon in Chicago in 1990, more to prove I could run one than anything else.   Did not run another until the Madison Marathon 13 years later, after training with Pam through the winter, and there are lots of stories from that race.  Ran another marathon a year (2004) later and PR’ed at 3:52.  Have run lots of 5K, 10K and half marathons since.  I enjoy running now more than I ever did, largely due to becoming more involved in the local running club and also because of the track coaching from Angie.

Have owned a bike on and off since I was about 15, but did not get serious about road and mountain biking until I came to Wisconsin in 1989.  Have competed in various mountain bike and road bike races since then.

Learned to swim when I was about 12, but never got involved in any races.

Was introduced to triathlons in the ’90’s when I was on vacation in Australia.  My son, Matthew, told me he was going to do a tri and I should come along and have a go as it would be “fun”.  Had no real clue as to what I was doing but I did not finish last and I really enjoyed it.  Have competed in two Ironmans, both in 2004.  The first was Wisconsin and the second Western Australia, which I did with my son.  Matthew is coming to compete in Wisconsin in 2011 so I get the chance to race with him again.