August 2009August - Miguel ReyesMiguel Reyes is a 37 year old family man, a husband, father of three girls (under the age of 5) and business owner. He started off as a weekend warrior hitting mountain bike trails throughout Florida’s State Parks as a member of the Dirt Dogs and going to a weekly spinning class to help him through the trails.

He battled hereditary high cholesterol and always knew that staying active was one way to control it. But being a weekend warrior was not enough. He always had borderline high cholesterol and his doctor wanted him on medication. This became a strong motivator in his desire to do more. He wanted to improve his health, stay off medication, be fit, set a good example for his kids, and get better at sports even if that comes a little at a time.

He is not the fastest of the pack or the best for that matter but one thing is for sure - he has a strong desire to learn and improve.

What motivated you to get into running?
In 2008 my wife ran the ING Miami Marathon. I saw how much she enjoyed training and how proud she felt after she would come home from a long run. So I followed her along throughout the marathon, on my bike of course, and saw what an amazing sense of accomplishment she felt in having completed the marathon. I too wanted something that I could be proud of, that would help me improve my health...but I hated to run!

I decided to do the MS Ride to the Keys and back in 2008 with my wife and friends. Though it was a long ride, I did enjoy being outdoors and having fun with the group with whom I trained. At around that time, Miami Pace was born and my friends encouraged me to do a triathlon, and so I did.

When did you start racing?
I did my first sprint triathlon trilogy in the summer of 2008. Whenever I got the results, I saw that I would do pretty well on the swim and bike but was very disappointed with my run times. I then set out to improve my running time despite my hate for running but signing up for 5K's, 10K's and then the ING Miami ½ Marathon and the Miami Beach ½ Marathon shortly alter.

Which has been your main event so far?
My main event was the ING Miami ½ Marathon and the Miami Beach ½ Marathon shortly after, which I finished with a stress fracture. Then I would say the MS Rides and other long distance cycling events and the sprint triathlons.

Most important accomplishments as an athlete?
I would have to say getting out there and doing it!!! Its very difficult to get out there and train with a demanding job and three small children so I feel that I beat the odds whenever I'm out there. I try to make every workout count because I know that my workout time is a precious gift. I don't like to hear people say that they don't have the time to exercise; they need to make it. If I can, anyone can. As a result I feel great, my cholesterol levels are now normal for the first time in years, and I have met great people.

I also feel a great sense of accomplishment in knowing that I have run two ½ Marathons, six sprint triathlons and two MS Rides among other smaller races.

Which one has been your favorite race?
Ironically, my favorite race was the ING ½ Marathon. I hated to run yet I was challenged by it because I wanted to get better. It then progressed to a love/hate relationship and I had to learn to love it, sweat it, commit to it and now I'm married to it! For Life!

What do you feel you have learned about yourself in the process?
I have learned that it is great to exercise with a goal in mind and to participate in activities that allow you to track your progress. It is great to feel a sense of accomplishment and to be able to share those accomplishments with my wife and kids.

I have also learned to realize that I cannot compare my training efforts with those of my single and childless friends who are able to devote a lot of time to training. I have to fit training into my life and not make training my life. No matter how much time I spend training, the most important thing is my family, to be there for them and to be able to put my girls down to bed. It's more important to have one hour with my kids than one tour training. It's also important to have the rig ht balance between family, work, and training but I can honestly say that it can be done.

What's your goal and motivation for this year?
My goal has always been to improve my own personal records in sprint triathlons but most important in the running. I plan to do the Disney and Miami ½ Marathons and my goal is to cross the finish line with my wife. Who knows, I may run the Full Marathon someday!