There are a lot of motivators that exist that propel a triathlete to get on the starting line. It can be a family member or a friend that convinces you to join them in a race, it can be a source of trying to live a healthier lifestyle, the idea of trying a new challenge or it can be that a triathlon just sounds like a fun thing to do.
But taking on the full 140.6-mile triathlon, that is a whole other beast, a monster some would say. So, to sign up for that grueling of a competition because it sounds fun can only come from the mindset of someone who is a TITAN.
Ben Stuart is a TITAN.
I am a TITAN, Meet Ben Stuart
Age: 41
City: Mt. Pleasant, MI
Distance: 140.6-Mile Full
How did you first get involved in triathlon?
I was asked to participate by my wife to help out with Ride of Their Lives at Millennium Triathlon, she didn’t realize what she had gotten herself into! 🙂
What is your favorite discipline? And strongest?
Cycling, but don’t ask me at mile 111, my answer will be different. And strongest? Probably running relative to the rest of the field.
What was the first triathlon you ever raced in?
Reeds Lake Tri, don’t remember what year, maybe mid 2000’s?
What made you first decide to race the full 140.6-mile distance?
My neighbor and I thought it seemed like a fun idea at the time.
What was your training schedule like for that race?
Completely driven by fear but it was fun because it was all so new.
How was your race experience? Did you accomplish your goal? Did you enjoy the distance?
Race one is all about learning and making mistakes of which I made many! My goal was to finish and race my best, not to mention have a great vacation and I checked every box. Enjoy? It’s type 2 fun, fun when it’s done. However, Lake Tahoe was a beautiful venue and the surroundings did make for some really awesome race memories.
What did you like specifically about the MiTi race experience?
MiTi is in my hometown with all my local people. There are so many familiar and friendly fans out on the course it really makes for a fun day. The swim is beautiful, the bike course is challenging but can still be fast and the run is well spectated and pretty well shaded.
Would you ever complete that distance again?
8x so far, chances are I’ll be convinced to toe the line again.
What advice would you give to someone looking to do the full distance for the first time?
1: Be consistent in your training. Work with someone experienced to devise a good training plan and put in the time, race day will be like a long training day.
2: Get up in the morning and get your workouts done early, don’t let the rest of your day get in the way.
3: Remember your family/support team and the impact that long course training has on them, put yourself second when you need to!
What makes you a TITAN?
Haha, I don’t know… stupidity?? Kidding, how about a never quit mentality. I’ll do my best to get to the finish line one way or another!
