It didn’t take long for me to recognize the desire in this athlete’s eyes. With a jam packed schedule, he makes the most of it by embracing every challenge and enjoying every step. I have already learned so much from him. He has big goals, but he understands the value of the journey as it relates to the destination. Enjoy getting to know Tyler Childress!
-Coach Nick
Favorite snack/food you eat while training:
Swimming = Chlorine
Biking = Bonk Breakers
Running = Strawberry Banana GU
I’m all for mixing things up throughout my training cycle and discovering new nutrition options!
Piece of training gear or clothing item you couldn’t live without:
My Garmin 920XT. Aside from coaching, this has been the best triathlon purchase I’ve made. It does an awesome job of tracking all aspects of my swimming, biking, and running; while conveniently uploading it all to TrainingPeaks. I would go insane without this!
Strange routine, quirk, or mental game you do when racing or getting ready for one:
I have to pack my race bag perfectly two nights before the race and recheck it the night before or else I cannot sleep. It is my way of ensuring that I have everything that I need. I am probably like the majority of athletes that develop a severe case of OCD the night before a race!
What was your entry into triathlon/endurance training?
I am entering my third season of triathlon and I started around the time that I began to date my fiancée (who is a runner). I thought that I’d impress her one day and do a 5 mile run with her, and she kicked my butt, but I really enjoyed running. So my workouts transitioned from weightlifting to running, and then eventually swimming and biking. I did my first sprint triathlon in an awful time but I caught the bug! I started to spend more and more time in the pool, on the bike, and running and that hard work has definitely paid off.
After my first year of doing just sprint triathlons, I decided to step it up and do an Ironman 70.3 in Muncie and then run a full marathon in November. I had such a great time training for both races, and I know that I am endurance athlete for life!
Why do you keep doing it?
Simply because I LOVE TRIATHLON! I love the feeling after a long, hard workout, the accountability of having to wake up at 4:30 to bike before work or school, the people that I’ve met, and the new opportunities that I have waiting ahead!
Triathlon has given me a completely different view on life, given my background. I was born with four heart conditions, and have had four corrective surgeries throughout my lifetime; but am so blessed to be able to participate in the sport that I love despite being one of only eight people in the world with the conditions that I have. I love knowing that I have the ability to go out and run 20 miles, or swim 5000m despite the cards that I was dealt as a child.
Pr
oudest accomplishment:
Though I’m always looking ahead, I would say my proudest accomplishment in racing has really been finding out who I am. It sounds cheesy, but you really have to dig deep on some difficult workouts to get through. Just knowing that I’m getting physically stronger is great, but knowing that I’m getting mentally stronger is amazing.
What have you learned about yourself from endurance training and racing?
I love to put myself through physical suffering and push my limits with each and every workout. Finding that level of pain is so rewarding when it’s all said and done because I always feel like a new athlete when it is all over.
Future goals:
-Improve each and every day leading up to Ironman Louisville
-Sub 5:20 Ironman 70.3
-Have fun with each and every workout!
Outside of triathlon, what is most important to you?
My fiancée, family, friends, and my faith. All of which have helped shape me into the person that I am today and have shows an indescribable amount of support along the way!
Anything else you would want the group to know about you.
I’m always down for a group run or group ride! If you have any question for me, always ask- I’m an open book!!
