Irwin Sheer after IM Florida

When and how did you get started in triathlons?
I did my first triathlon in 1989 with my wife. At the time we were living in Nyon, Switzerland which is near to Geneva. While recuperating from knee surgery I read about triathlons in Outside magazine and told my wife that I thought that I could do one. The very next day the local newspaper arrived on our door step announcing Nyon's inaugural triathlon. My bluff was called and I was on the hook...

You started with the Westchester Tri Club in 2006. How did that come about?
Initially I learned about Westchester Tri club through the web. I am one of the moderators of the Westchester Cycle Club triathlon e-group and was looking for local resources at the time. I contacted Rich to see if there was any synergy between the two groups. We right away realized that the groups were complimentary one focusing on shorter races and the other long. I started training with WTC early in 2006 to prepare for IMFL.

And what's on your race schedule for this season [2008]?
At the moment only Eagleman in June and Ironman USA Lake Placid in July. I will probably do other races such as the Harriman Olympic in May and others later in the season but have not yet signed up.

How are you preparing and training for IM this year? Anything different?
Self coaching? I am more or less sticking with the training plan that I used for IMFL. I'm hoping to be able to increase the volume some but we will see how that works out.

Anything new this year in terms of gear and equipment for training?
I got some new winter cycling gear that has enabled me to more comfortably ride through the winter months. This includes Exte Ondo jersey, jacket and some very warm Pearl Izumi gloves. It is probably time I upgraded my road bike but this is not a priority.

With the demands of another IM coming up, what keeps you motivated?
At first it was to see if I had it in me. Now it is really more for fun and fitness. I like the shape training for Ironman has gotten me into and it is much easier to stay in shape than to get in shape.

How do you balance work activity, training time, and at home time?
While I may not be able to run a 4 minute mile, when it comes to time management I could probably make an Olympic team. Of course, being the boss at work helps. I am a Financial Engineer. I work for BlackRock Inc., a global asset manager, as a head of their Financial Modeling Group. It also helps that I do not have any children and my wife is supportive of my passion.

And outside of triathlon, any other sports or activities that you were into?
I did a fair amount of training in martial arts, mostly Shotokan Karate. I actually made it to 1st Kyu but stopped short of 1st Dan (black belt).