Meet TeamWILD Triathlon Coach: Michael Kelly

Our new triathlon coach, Michael Kelly, took just a little time out of his own training to answer our questions. Read on…

How do you define “Athlete”?

Too many people tie too much unnecessary meaning to the word “athlete”. If you asked me how I define a runner, I’d say it’s someone who runs, simple as that.  So an athlete is just someone who goes out and participates in a sport.  I guess there’s a component of participating semi-regularly, but that’s it.  It’s not about how fast, how far, or how many of your friends you can beat.  You’re already beating all of the people who couldn’t get themselves out the door.  So get out there and participate.  That’s all you need to be an athlete.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by intelligent hard work in the face of daunting obstacles.  It’s not enough to be smart but lazy.  It’s not enough to be hard working but foolish.  It’s not enough to just have everything go your way.  I get fired up seeing someone tackle seemingly insurmountable odds, apply every ounce of strength, every iota of intelligence, and come out on top.

With careful preparation, lots of hard work, and a positive actualization.  Positive actualization is about focusing on solutions, not problems.  When you face a hurdle on the track, if you spend all your time thinking about how huge the hurdle is, you’re probably going to run right into it.  But if you focus on jumping smoothly, stretching out over the top, and landing on the other side safely, you’re going to be a lot more successful.

It depends on the season, but I try to make the reward appropriate to the effort.  It usually involves ice cream, but sometimes it’s just a nap, or well-deserved down time.

I have a degree in music composition and theory, a minor in mathematics, I speak reasonably fluent German, and I work as a graphic/interaction designer for a company in the financial industry.  I love science – if I had to go back to school, I’d probably pursue astrophysics.

Mountain biking and trail running.  There’s something very primal and pure about being in woods moving along under your own power, trusting in your knowledge skill and strength to get you out of anything you might get yourself in to.

Thank you Michael!