Ed Colet is the club's Webmaster. Here's his spotlight feature.

                   Ed Colet at IM Wisconsin 2002

How did you get started in triathlons?
It started with running, originally I ran just to get in shape for soccer season, which for a long time was my primary sport. In college I got friendly with someone who ran cross country and we routinely did some crazy-hard runs. Running became fun in its own right and I liked the feeling of being extremely fit. When I graduated from college (Binghamton) I saw a flyer for the Westchester Triathlon race. It was 1988. I signed up, trained all summer, had a blast, and got hooked. Many years later, I was on the race committee for that race while I lived in the area. Glad to see that it's grown tremendously.

So, you've been racing since 1988?
No. I raced consistently from '88 to '92, when I blew out my knee playing soccer. I had a long complicated re-hab that lasted a couple of years, and required two follow-up procedures. Along the way there was grad school, and marriage, and work. I got back into getting fit by running a Marathon again (NY '97). I ran it again in '98 and did one sprint triathlon in 1999 which marked my return to tris. I did my first Ironman in 2001, and again in 2002. Around 2004, after persistent knee pain, it was 'scoped and arthritic changes were noted -- likely due to the history of surgeries, and racing. I've been advised to avoid running. As this was coming from the various Orthopedics docs that treat pro athletes, it was disappointing to hear.

How are you adjusting to not having a regular running routine?
Running's the easiest way to get into a fitness program, and I do miss it at times. Sometimes I'll test out the knee and if I run easily (i.e. really slowly) on soft trails for about 30mins, things seem to hold up ok. I'm trying to do more riding. I discovered that I don't really like swimming as an end-in-itself, so the triathlon thing is a question mark for me.

Did you meet your goals when you raced Ironman?
I raced IM USA with the goal of finishing. My next IM at Wisconsin, the goal was still to finish, but I also wanted to be faster. I think everyone wants or expects their next race to be faster. During the race, I was less "in-the-moment" and my time was essentially the same, but I think the difference in my mental perspective at Wisconsin affected my enjoyment of the race. IM is a long race, and if you're 15 mins or even an hour off an expected time that shouldn't diminish the experience. Also, traveling to IM venues (or any race) is also an opportunity to travel somewhere new.

What does your family think of your training?
They're supportive. To Lance and Julia, I'm just the DaddyGuy, Ironman training or not. Linda is happiest when I'm training for something and in shape. Otherwise she says I get grouchy. She's been known to call friends to secretly get me into a training plan -- like riding the climbs of the Tour de France. (Incidentally, Lance was not named after Lance Armstrong, but that's a cool connection). It was 3 months before Ironman USA when Lance was born. It was a special time. As the kids grow, it's still all good, but having a family makes it harder to be able to just get up and out to train because family schedules have to be considered and coordinated, along with work schedules.

You worked on developing data mining software, what is that?
It's software that automatically detects patterns hidden in large amounts of data. It relies upon sophisticated math, touches of AI (Artificial Intelligence), traditional stuff like databases, and other disciplines.

Anything notable about equipment you currently train/race with?
I really like my ride. It's a Kestrel KM40. In 2001 it was only available in two sizes, so I was especially relieved that the fit session went extremely well. I get teased about babying my Kestrel. I also ride a Trek OCLV that I use as a road and training bike, and I added a Cervelo R3 road bike to my "fleet". Generally, I like the feel and comfort of carbon frames. Especially for longer rides."