(Jim Irvine racing Eagleman)

From your personal email handle, I take it you're into skis and skates?
Yes. I played a lot of sports growing up and love being active. I excelled in wrestling, soccer, skiing, and baseball.

Your first experience in the sport resulted in crutches and broken bones. Can you tell us about that start?
I was vaguely aware of what a triathlon was and thought they might be a cool thing to do some day. Then in the fall of 97 I saw an ad for the Westchester Triathlon and thought I'd give it a "tri". I had no training, hadn't been swimming in years or biking (for 20+ years) or running. I went out very hard in the swim, was out in front for maybe 100 yards and "hit the wall" very quickly. People started swimming over the top of me and around me. I got kicked, punched and dunked and in the process accidentally kicked someone in the head. I managed to complete the bike on a 24 year old 5 speed and hobbled along the run. After the race, I got myself to the hospital for x-rays of my foot which showed a broken toe. I left with crutches, but was hooked on triathlons. The following year, I did some unique triathlons (ski, mt. bike, run / In line skate / bike / run) and then started doing the traditional sprints. I was hooked.

And how did you hook up with the club?
As I met some other guys in my age group from the area, one of them (KC) invited me to come along for a WTC ride one Saturday. It was a bit intimidating for me but a lot of fun ... and a great group of people.

And what's on your race schedule for this season [2008]?
My A / B races are St. Anthony's Triathlon (April), Eagleman (June) and Ironman USA - Lake Placid in July and with some hard work and a great day at LP, maybe Kona in Oct. I'd like to throw in a couple of other smaller races in there as well (e.g. duathlon).

How are you preparing and training for IM this year? Anything different?
I hired a coach and have been trying to follow the training plan. I have been more consistent than in years past which I feel is important. This is also the first year I've ever been riding outdoors in the winter and I'm also running outdoors and have done the Boston Build up series. And last but not least .... shedding a few lbs.

Anything new this year in terms of gear and equipment for training?
No, nothing new for this year except I borrowed Monty's rollers to work on my form.

Are you able to balance your training load with work demands?
I do find it difficult to find training time during the week. And I am not a morning person and so I end up doing many of my runs late at night after a swim workout. Not fun in the winter (too many very cold late night runs). Workwise, I am a Business Development / Program Manager for Corporate Education Programs at Pace University (Computer Science School).

Despite the cold late-night winter runs, what keeps you going?
Quite simply, it's fun and I enjoy the competition and camraderie. I also like to set goals and try and achieve them. There are so many talented and motivated people in the WTC, it's inspiring and motivating just to train and workout with everyone.