Austin's Triathlon Source
Triathlete of the Month
Jon Hill
Date of Birth
: 6-16-69Height
: 6' 1"Weight
: 180 lbs.Specialty
: gardeningAthletic Background
basketball, golfStrength
: cyclingCategory
: amateurTeam: Austin Tricyclist Racing Team
Club: Austin Triathletes
Date of First Race
: May 92Name of First Race
: Bud Light Series-PhoenixMemories of First Race
: breast stroking 200 yds in to the swim because I went out to hardRacing Career Highlights
Olympic Distance 2:08 (1994)
Half Ironman 4:50 (1996)
Ironman 10:29 (2000)
5K Run 17:47
10K Run 33:56 (course was short by 600 yds.)
Half Marathon 1:22:14
Marathon 3:15 (I haven't done just a marathon since 1996??)
1500m Swim 22:50
What (who) got you into multi-sport? My friend Greg
How did you get picked to be on TV during the Ironman California broadcast? That was really cool! They just called out of the blue. They were looking for a couple to do a profile on and they picked us.
You're a bike shop owner. How has that changed your life? I don't pay retail for bike stuff :). It's also a blast to be involved in a business that focuses on the things that I love to do, bike and run with an occassional swim.
Recently you placed 2nd overall in a very competitive field of Duathletes at the Gonzo Duathlon in what most consider a breakthrough performance. What two things would you say helped you to improve? Quality run training with people from the shop like Ivy and Jack, and also being confident enough to go out and try to win a race, not just place in my age group. Whether you win or not is no big deal, but if you don't try to win, you will NEVER even have a chance.
Your wife Nancy is also an triathlete. How has this affected your marriage? The fact that Nancy is an athlete was one thing that attracted me to her in the first place. I can't imagine going on a trip and not having anyone to run with. She also provides motivation when I don't feel like working out.
You are also owner of Maratona Sports Apparel. Describe Maratona for us. Maratona is an apparel company started by Jason Duncan about the same time I started Austin Tri Cyclist. It is a simple and affordable clothing line that is currently providing uniforms and race shirts around the region and will hopefully one day be a national company.
What are you primary goals in triathlon right now long term? My primary goal is go do Ironman California this spring and have a time of around 9:55. That time would provide me with my ultimate goal....a slot for the Hawaiin Ironman.
Advice for new triathletes:
Have fun!Personal Favorite Swimming Location:
Barton SpringsPersonal Favorite Cycling Route:
Lost Creek Blvd/Barton Creek AreaPersonal Favorite Running Location:
River Hills RoadPersonal Favorite Race
: Dirty DuathlonPersonal Favorite Workout
: 50 mile hard ride followed by a hard 10K on River Hills Road.Favorite Bike Shop:
Austin TricyclistPersonal Favorite Quote
: "Ever been in a cockpit before?"Personal Favorite Movie:
CaddyshackPersonal Favorite Food:
toss up between peanut butter and salmonRole Model:
Within the realm of triathlon, I look up to most athletes for one reason or another. However, it is the elite athlete that captures my interest. People look at Michael Lovato and comment on how fast he is and often say he's got the genes to go that fast, I wish I did.... Thats BS. Michael and others like him (James, Todd, etc.) work extremely hard for where they're at in this sport. Their work ethic is matched only by other leaders such as Sam Walton and Michael Dell. They are motivated to train constantly and when they're not, they train anyway. My role model within the sport of triathlon is the athlete that is willing to make the ultimate time commitment to the sport and still be a pleasant person to be around. I also look up to Joanitta Reed and Marvin Rivers. Their ambition and drive motivates me.