A former competitive springboard diver, Bob Weber is one of the "verbally active" (i.e. loud) members of the club. He's interviewed for this spotlight feature.

Bob Weber rushing to the swim-to-bike transition at the Westchester Triathlon.

What was your start in triathlons?
"In 1995 I was cycling a lot, nothing competitive. I ran into Rebecca Doherty who convinced me to do Greenwich. I had never run before or had done an open water swim. Two days before the race I decided to go to the track to see if I could even run 2 miles straight. I did, so it was on. The morning of the race I had no wet suit and there were huge swells in the sound and it had rained all night and the course was wet. I thought I was going to freeze to death and drown in the Sound. I finally got through the swim and jumped on my bike. I was starting to feel decent. Unfortunately with about two to three miles left on the bike I got a rear flat. I rode it in. All these people that I passed during the bike were now passing me. I managed not to crash and started the run. I ran with a big dude who I thought was running a decent pace. Looking back I guess we were running about 7 min/mile. I finished and felt good and was hooked!"

What keeps you going with it these days?
"I race because I like to compete and it is fun. Any one who has gone to a race will understand the great energy and vibe that is going on. I train so I can MACK!!! Also,when you want to do something you make the time to do it. It's a lifestyle -- so it's not something you have to fit in."

How did you hook up with the crew from the club?
"I heard about the crew one Thanksgiving Eve when I ran into my longtime friend since 5th grade, Tom Bookless. I told him I just bought a new bike and wanted to bike with him. We finally hooked up with a small group of triathletes who thought I was loud and obnoxious, but they let me stick around because I could hang on the bike! That group turned into the Westchester Tri CLub and has been growing ever since."

What's on your race calendar for this year?
"Short sprint races this year, a few olympic distance, and maybe one half-ironman at the end of the season."

Not doing an Ironman this year, how's your training going to be different?
"Not training so much, less volume more intensity. And improvements in my diet -- more water,less sugar."