Austin's Triathlon Source

Brandon Marsh

Date of Birth:	12/2/74
Height:	5' 9"
Weight:	145 lbs.
Specialty:	Olympic Distance
Athletic Background:	Collegiete XC runner
Strength:	Running
Category:	Elite
Team:	Austin Tricyclist Racing Team
Club:	Austin Triathletes
Date of First Race:	'88
Name of First Race:	LaPorte Triathlon
Memories of First Race:	I walked through the aid stations, rode a black Schwinn World sport, and I wore the original (Black, orange, and white) Asics Gel-Lyte running shoes
Personal Best Olympic Distance:	Name of Race: Capital Of Texas Triathlon Date: May '02 Time: 1:56:32
Personal Best Ironman:	Name of Race: Ironman Florida Date: 2001 Time: 10:29
Personal Best 5K Run:	Time: 16:15
Personal Best 10K Run:	Time: 33:48
Personal Best Marathon:	Name of Race: IM Florida leg of marathon Date: 2001 Time: 3:55
Advice for new triathletes:	There are probably three key points for new triathletes. The first is to try not to get discouraged. It's really tough to fit everything in and be well-rounded in each of the three events. Secondly, be consistent. Rather than worry about getting fast in a hurry, just try to be consistent with each of the three sports. Training can become a year round event-physically and socially. I find that just making sure that you are getting out there and doing a workout will help more than anything. The third one is to ask lots of questions or read a lot. There is a wealth of information out there about triathlons. Here in Austin are some of the top amateur and professional triathletes in the country. They've been doing this for a long time and will have a great deal of knowledge about the sport. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I forgot the most important piece of advice: HAVE FUN.
Personal Favorite Swimming Location:	University of Texas Swimming Center
Personal Favorite Cycling Route:	Austin-out east towards Bastrop; Anywhere-Through Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Tetons. Mountain biking at Rocky Hill, San Angelo State Park, or the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Personal Favorite Running Location:	Barton Creek Greenbelt
Personal Favorite Race:	Either the River Cities Triathlon or the Wool Capital Triathlon
Personal Favorite Workout:	Long Bike Ride with friends
Personal Favorite Products:	Kestrel Bikes. I'm not sponsored by them, but they are the smoothest riding bikes that I've ever ridden. I'm also a fan of anything that makes my life a little easier.
Favorite Bike Shop:	Austin Tricyclist
Personal Favorite Quote:	It ain't over till it's over.
Personal Favorite Movie:	All-time is Top Gun; Lately is Remember the Titans
Personal Favorite Food:	When I can't figure out just what I want to eat, it usually ends up being Mexican food.
Most Embarrassing Moment in Triathlon:	Puking my guts out at the Temple triathlon circa 1991 just about the time Hugh Murray and Evan Mossman passed me.
Role Model:	My dad simply because he has seemed to do a great job in keeping his priorities in life right: church, family, work and play. Also the guys who were in the sport when I started, some of them are getting back to it. Will Visser for holding a full-time job, being a dad, and being a great athlete. Karl Stewart for doing so much for triathlons and for serving as sort of a mentor to me. Evan Mossman, Ian Pattie, and Roger Price for always keeping it fun (and kicking butt). The class act professional triathletes like Mark Allen and Dave Scott.
Profession:	I'm a chemical engineer for URS corporation (formerly Radian International). We are an engineering consulting company that specializes in air pollution control, regulatory compliance, and environmental permitting.
Other Info:	This summer I'm going to compete is the inagural Off-Road Ironman distance triathlon along with Jon Hill, Todd Gerlach, Rick Kent, Ivy Koger, Mark Lindsey, Al Sawicki, and Jeff Williams. It's going to be epic. The race starts at 6,000 feet in Rifle, CO and climbs to 9,000 feet elevation. It's never been done before, and we are all going to be a part of 'history in the making.' 2.4 miles of swimming in a resevoir created by melting snow and ice, 112 miles of mountain biking, and 26.2 miles of trail running--all in a day or longer!!
Anything else?	Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a little bit country, small town, redneck or whatever phrase you might want to use. I have a couple of pairs of cowboy boots, know how to two-step, and really like to hunt and fish when I have the time!! My brother team-ropes and my sister in-law is a barrel racer.
Webmaster Note:	While I was laying out the code for this page it occured to me that I've known Brandon Marsh longer than any other triathlete in Austin. I remember when (as a kid) he would come into Physico Fitness Superstore in Houston and ask for advice about cycling. He is as funny and friendly now as he was then. Brandon exudes what triathlon is all about. It not just about the challenges and goals but also comradarie and fun.