SBRStL – There is triathlon training and then there is IM training. How do you find a balance among family, friends, career, and training?

MB – "It is very difficult, simply because of the time involved. For the most part, it is a matter of scheduling. For six months of the year, I get up early and try to get in one or two workouts before work, swim a couple times a week during lunch, ride after work, then do a long ride, and run on weekends. That usually leaves Saturday and Sunday afternoons for family. Work, depending on what’s going on, can knock me off schedule for a week or two at a time, and I just have to roll with it."

SBRStL – Could you paint a picture for us of your athletic background and introduction to triathlon? Was your first race a success or a disaster?

MB – "I was a long distance (200 and 500) free-styler in high school. My first triathlon was Lake St. Louis in 1987, which I entered on a dare from my older brother. He convinced my younger brother and I to do it. I did the bike on my old Schwinn Continental with toe clips. I beat both my brothers and finished in the top third of the field. I was hooked."

SBRStL – I know you typically race an abbreviated local schedule, but generally what’s your take on the local multi-sport scene?

MB – "We are fortunate to have a number of quality races in St. Louis. I have been focusing on long distance triathlons for the last six seasons so I haven’t been able to fit in all the local races. I have continued to do Lake St. Louis because that race is so important to me and is considered by many to be the local "championship". There has been a great resurgence in triathlon in general which has been reflected in our local races with Lake St. Louis and South County selling out, and the other races being near capacity. As you know, there are also a couple new races on the horizon, for the St. Louis area – the ½ Max half-ironman, and the ¼ max. In addition to the sheer numbers of racers, we have also had some very good quality triathletes who have done well at the national level. Triathlon in St. Louis is alive and doing well."

SBRStL – "Are there any other epic adventures you’d like to tackle? Adventure Racing? RAAM? Etc."

MB – "Short answer here, I’m too much of a wuss. I will stick with triathlon and bike racing."

SBRStL – Where does your favorite long-ride route take you?

MB – "Bluff road out of Columbia, Illinois, through Prarie du Rocher up to Route 3 and back, and several variations thereof which get me my 100 to 110 mile rides."

SBRStL – This web receives lots of emails from triathlon newbies who get a taste of the sport and fall under its spell. What are a couple of lessons you’ve learned over the years that you could pass on to these eager students?

MB – "The most important aspect of triathlon training, in my mind, is consistency. Formulate a plan and then do your best to stick with it, realizing that family or work obligations may cause you to scratch a workout here and there. If you can log eighty to ninety percent of what you plan to do, you will be doing well. When formulating a plan, be realistic in light of your fitness level, experience, and other time commitments. Make sure to start with a good base training phase coming off your off-season with very little high intensity work. As your training progresses gradually add in a hard workout or two in each sport. Make sure to vary the intensity and length of the workouts once you are fully into your training schedule. Do not overload yourself or you will end up over-trained or injured. Never try anything new in a race. Equipment, nutrition, every aspect of a race should be practiced first. Finally, do not get too caught up with specific goals and lose sight of the prize: fun, fitness and a healthy lifestyle."

SBRStL – From a professional standpoint, what do you make of all the litigation USAT has had to bear the last couple of years?

MB – "It is typical of what has been happening to people, organizations, companies, and insurance companies across the country over the last twenty years. There has been an explosion of litigation. I think it’s a shame that it has reached USAT and the various race organizations. We all sign the waivers for a reason. In signing the waivers, we recognize that sport includes risk, and we assume those risks. By assuming the risks and relieving the race organization, USAT and sponsors from liability, we enable the sport to happen. Without them, the sport would not exist. Unfortunately, USAT and the race directors have become the victims of an over-litigious society. Look at what has happened to the Springfield Ironhorse."

SBRStL – How are you keeping fit through the winter?

MB – "I took a couple weeks off after Ironman, then started back with some short easy runs, a little swimming, SPINNING, and bird hunting on weekends which involves hours of very hard walking."

SBRStL – Have you determined any goals for 2003?

MB – "This year I am going to focus on short races in the St. Louis area which will hopefully give me more time to devote to our new team, Team Dogfish. Mesa Cycles is the new bike shop sponsor of Dogfish. I have been a member of the Mesa Triathlon Team since 1998 and last year raced for Mesa’s road team, the Clayton Cycling Club. Both have now been merged into Dogfish. I have been racing for fifteen years, and hope to share what I have learned with the members of the Dogfish Multisport team and help with development and coaching. My specific triathlon racing goals are to place well enough at Race for Sight to take home some cash, and win South County and Lake St. Louis. I would also like to do well enough in some road races to CAT up to a three. The main goal is to stay healthy, fit and enjoy it."

SBRStL – Thanks and best of luck !!!.