If you've seen the discussion forum, Justin "J-Ho" Holmes is a frequent contributor, entertaining us with often outrageous arguments, and frequent references to "smackdowns". The person behind those posts is in the spotlight.

  Justin Holmes at the NYC Triathlon

It's been sometime since our last interview, what have you been doing with triathlons?
Well in the past years I've been alternating between short course and long course

What long course have you done?
Well I did Ironman Canada in 03, great race, I'd suggest anyone if they can do it to do that race, great course, great organization, all around basically one of the best Ironman races I've done.

So how did you do?
Well the swim went well and the bike went well, but the run I fell apart, that's racing for you.

Ok, now what about short course, what have you been doing there?
I do what I call the "classic" short course races some, such as alcatraz in 02 and 04, westchester triathlon and the new york city triathlon. All races that are really well organized, very tough courses and top notch competition at all of them.

What do you think of the Westchester Triathlon Club?
Wow, its changed a lot over the past 2 or 3 years.

How so?
Tons of new faces in the group, the sat rides in the last 3 years have gone from a core group of maybe 6-9 people to now almost 15 or 20 people and group rides of 25 and above are not uncommon. I haven't been doing the long rides this year as I'm going short course, but showed up at one ride and there were 26 people going on an 80 mile ride. Talk about a large pack. And the quality of riders is a completely different story.

What do you mean? Beginners?
Well over the years more and more beginning long course people have started with us, but after one year they are no longer beginners. Also the rides in general have gotten a lot faster over the years, everyone has improved over the years to the point where there is now an "A" and a "B" group, that was never the case 3 years ago.

Would you say this is a welcome change or not?
I think is great, if nothing else it means that almost anyone can train with us, because of the variety of skill levels there is always a group for a new or experienced triathlete to fit into and still get a great workout and be around some really colorful characters. Also, its good to have some new people into the westchester tri club, afterall that means more BBQ over the summers.

Where do you see the Westchester Tri Club in say the next 5 years?
Good question, hopefully I'll still be racing at the very least. But seriously, I see the club growing even more, word of mouth from people saying "these triathletes are fun to train with, great group of people, great workouts, good place for information on how to train, good information on races, etc." Basically I see more people becoming part of the training crew since the people involved with the club are so diverse that people will naturally want to just see what it is all about.

Anything else you want to add?
Not really, just that if you want to train with a good group of people then show up for a sat ride or any of the other workouts listed on the website, you won't be disappointed.