ANDREW – Swim
Andrew, Commercial Banker, is participating in the 1st leg of the full iron distance of the MI Titanium. He is not only a triathlete, but he indulges in all types of outdoor activities, such as water skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, camping, and backpacking.
Q: What motivated you to participate as a relay team for the MI Titanium, and what makes your team stand out from the rest?
I wanted to try something I’ve never done before and see if I could do it. I wasn’t ready to try a full ironman by myself so we formed a team to do it together. What makes our team unique is that we each come from different athletic backgrounds but we’re combining our strengths for this race.
Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to on race day?
The challenge of doing something I’ve never done before personally and trying to achieve an even bigger challenge as a team.
Q: Do you participate in other events as a relay team or individually?
I participate in other triathlons and I do a lot of my training with friends and other groups around GR. I really enjoy meeting people who love the sport of triathlon and helping make each other better. That’s one of the great things about triathlon – even though everyone is a competitor, I’ve found that almost everyone in the sport is willing to help each other achieve their goals. It’s a lot of fun to train with friends and get better together. Plus, it keeps me motivated and accountable.
Q: What would you say to encourage others to participate in Triathlons, as either individual participants or relay?
I would encourage people to challenge themselves try things that are difficult. There’s a lot of value and reward in pushing and training yourself for a big challenge. And triathlon is a great sport to do that because there is a great community of people who are all supporting and encouraging each other to get better, not matter what your ability level. Crossing the finish line of a race is a huge feeling of pride and accomplishment after months of dedication and hard work.
MARK – Bike
Mark, a Senior Vice President for the Commercial Banking department, is taking lead with the bike portion. He is no stranger to racing events. He and his wife have been running in the Fifth Third River Bank run for 15 years. Mark has been involved in triathlons for the past decade, but due to a hip injury 5 years ago, he does all of his training on his bike.
Q: What motivated you to participate as a relay team for the MI Titanium, and what makes your team stand out from the rest?
As my biking went from a supplement to my running to my forced exclusive workout my mileage increased. An Ironman has always been on my dream list and since I will not be able to ever run one this relay allows me to experience the feeling while giving me something to train for.
Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to on race day?
Finishing. The sense of accomplishment.
Q: What would you say to encourage others to participate in Triathlons, as either individual participants or relay?
Tri’s are a great way to stay fit and healthy. The variety of training keeps you motivated and breaks up the monotony.
AMY – Run
Amy, Assistant Manager for the Commercial Banking department, will be partaking in the run portion of the MiTi. She has been with Mercantile Bank for 10 years and is a member of Toastmasters International. Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, DIY projects (when she has the time and patience) and trying new recipes.
Q: What motivated you to participate as a relay team for the MI Titanium, and what makes your team stand out from the rest?
I was recruited to participate after the original marathoner withdrew due to injury. At the beginning of this year I vowed to not do a full marathon and here I am, training for a full marathon again! Participating in an Ironman triathlon relay is very cool and I am excited to be a part of it.
Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to on race day?
What I really like about long distance races is the chance to meet and socialize with others. I’m sure I will have plenty of company during the run segment of this event. I also love that feeling of crossing the finish line!
Q: Do you participate in other events as a relay team or individually?
I’m pretty active in running events and have participated in races of a wide variety of distances, from 5K’s to full marathons. I am particularly drawn to “unusual” running events, for example, I ran across the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, and the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor Tunnel at the Detroit Marathon. I am also participating in another triathlon relay before this event (Millennium Triathlon on August 11), except I will be swimming, so I definitely have my cross-training cut out for me!
Q: What would you say to encourage others to participate in Triathlons, as either individual participants or relay?
I encounter individuals who want to participate in races but fear they are too slow or will finish last. I say the slowest person in a race will always beat the person who never tries. You cannot let anything like that deter you from participating! I salute anyone who has the courage to get to the starting line!
