Before you dive into Brent's Athlete Spotlight, here's a message from Coach Vicki:
I have had the privilege to work with Brent for a second year now, and he has proven to be an incredibly hard worker and does an amazing job #SWTFP 😊
Our focus in the off-season has been working on strength, which has been less of a priority in the past. Brent will attest to the fact that his ass hurts most of the time, which is a big plus in my books. He has managed to increase his FTP by 5% in 5 months, which is saying a LOT since his FTP was already amazing. He has also taken 35 sec/mile off of his 30 min timed effort, dropping him under a 7 min/mile!
I am so excited to see how his training translates to race performance this year! If you are at Buffalo Triathlon on June 4th, stop by and say “Hi” and, maybe get a few tips on how he keeps his hair looking so great all of the time 😊.
Name | Brent Beaulieu
Tell us about your family/career:
I am married to my wife Angela of 12 years, we have 2 children (Bjorn who is 10 and Charlotte who is 8 going on 16 yrs old!) I have been a drain surgeon (plumber) for 20 years.
How long has fitness been part of your life?
Fitness has been part of my life since Senior Year of high school. I had a gym teacher who became a mentor and a friend that swayed me into fitness rather than another path that I was going down. Fitness was not just about getting fit, it was a lifestyle.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy my kids playing sports, going to breweries, smoking meat in my smoker, boating, and going to concerts (heavy metal and rock n roll ONLY).
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
Remember why you started.
What keeps you going when you really don’t want to go?
Thinking about my daughter's notes she randomly makes for me which I have taped up in my garage as I am riding on my trainer… “You got this Dad! Go Dad don’t stop!”.
What got you started with training?
It has always been a bucket list item to do an Ironman. I had the opportunity to start my training when my wife got a job offer in India and I did not have to work. Therefore I had the time to dedicate and train while we lived there.
When you tell your friends/family about beginning your journey what was their reaction? How far is that? Wow, that is impressive, daunting and crazy. Good for you!
How long have you been training?
3.5 years.
Were you involved in other competitive sports prior to your adult years?
I was a swimmer in junior high/high school.
Best tip for someone that is thinking about starting a fitness program.
You can do anything you put your mind to.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My kids. I think about them a lot when I work out. I like that I am setting a healthy example for them and that they can do anything they put their mind to that is hard.
What is your biggest struggle?
I have trouble with accepting how I do in a race performance, I am a self-critic and feel I can do better, always.
Goals for the upcoming year?
I would like to beat my overall finish time in my upcoming full Ironman in Lake Placid and I would like to win my age group in the Maple Grove Tri.