.floatimg-left-hort { float:left; } .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 12px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 12px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;}
Describe your workout regimen.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday are bike days and Tuesday and Thursday are swim days. I try to run four of those days, too; it just depends on how I feel and how hard and long I do the other sports. I usually workout in the morning, at 5:15 AM, even on Saturday. I don’t want my workout time to interfere with my work and family life so the early mornings are best.

Do you work out with a partner or a group or alone? Why?

I have a friend that I work out with most mornings. We keep each other motivated. For the first six months, I would sleep in if I got the text that he wasn’t going to make it. Now, though, I’m generally more self motivated and workout anyway.

How have you changed that regimen over the years?

Before last year I didn’t really do anything in the way of fitness. But I wasn’t exactly a couch potato, either. I chased my kids in the back yard, and that always gave me a pretty good workout, especially as they continue to get older and faster. About two and half years ago I got news that my cholesterol was high and that I needed to do something about it. I changed my diet, lost about 20 pounds and lowered my cholesterol; but still no fitness training. Then last year I got roped in to doing the swim as part of a team at the Hy-Vee Triathlon – with only about 5 days notice! I used to be a good swimmer and knew I could at least finish the mile swim, but I wasn’t in shape to do anything outstanding. That experience, coupled with seeing a friend of mine come in second place overall, motivated me to get back in shape.

What are the keys to your diet?

My wife is definitely the key! For the last two and half years she’s made healthful dinners and healthful snacks for me and the kids. She really enjoys those recipes that mix in lots of different vegetables and we pretty much use organic or “all natural” ingredients. Eating smaller portions is something that I’ve tried to do as well. I have a tendency to eat until I’m stuffed but now I try to eat just what’s on my plate and not go back for second helpings. I also bring my lunch to work instead of going out.

Any fitness goals?

My goal is simply to do better than I’ve done before; so it changes as my fitness level increases. A short term goal would be to place in the top 30 at Hy-Vee. After that, we’ll just have to wait and see. I try to push myself as hard as I can with the time that I have. Whatever I achieve, I’m certainly not willing to sacrifice the more important areas of my life. Getting a (personal record) is a win in my book.