Derek is 36 and lives in Appleton Wisconsin with his wife Ann, and two daughters, Olivia (10), and Grace (8). His wife is a pediatrician and Derek (a former biologist) is now raising his daughters.
In High School Derek was a three sport athlete. When he began staying at home with the girls he immediately joined a health club as a way to stay in shape and to interact with other stay at home parents. Quickly his completive juices got flowing and he found endurance sports as a way to re-light the flame. He began with running events at distances up to marathon, and then started training for and competing in triathlons. The last few years he has consistently finished in the top 10 percent of his age group, including a couple of age group wins. This year he will be tackling Ironman Wisconsin.
In addition to Ironman training Derek stays incredibly busy with two active pre-teen girls and all of their associated activities; piano, swimming, soccer, and track and field.
I try to volunteer as much time as possible at their school, coaching soccer, fundraising and donating time to Feed My Starving Children, and serving as chair person for an organization that hires college age kids to come back to our community to work on faith based service projects.
Goals: My immediate athletic goal is to arrive at the Ironman healthy and fit. Secondly, I would like to finish feeling like I had given my best. If I do that, I think I should be able to reach my goal time of 11 hours. Ultimately, of course I would like to make it to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, but I would never attempt to do it if it compromises my commitment to my family.
Derek is 36 and lives in Appleton Wisconsin with his wife Ann, and two daughters, Olivia (10), and Grace (8). His wife is a pediatrician and Derek (a former biologist) is now raising his daughters.
In High School Derek was a three sport athlete. When he began staying at home with the girls he immediately joined a health club as a way to stay in shape and to interact with other stay at home parents. Quickly his completive juices got flowing and he found endurance sports as a way to re-light the flame. He began with running events at distances up to marathon, and then started training for and competing in triathlons. The last few years he has consistently finished in the top 10 percent of his age group, including a couple of age group wins. This year he will be tackling Ironman Wisconsin.
In addition to Ironman training Derek stays incredibly busy with two active pre-teen girls and all of their associated activities; piano, swimming, soccer, and track and field.
