Our next interviewee has many titles: son, husband, father, Boom-Boom, Olympian and Professional Triathlete. In 2009 he won California 70.3 to help set the stage for another great season. Please welcome: the 6’5” Matt Reed

KK: Matt where did you grow up?

MR: I was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

KK: What is the weather like in Boulder?

MR: We have been shoveling snow. I think it maybe time to buy a place in California.

KK: Have you ever lived and trained in California?

MR: Yes, we moved because there is too much traffic and stop lights. I was actually hit by a car while biking. There used to be more trails to run but as things have grown I was forced to spend too much time driving to my training sessions.

KK: Where do you train when you come to California?

MR: San Lois Obispo and Malibu are really nice places to train. I will be in Malibu area training for a while.

KK: Last year you won California 70.3. Are you coming back to defend your title?

MR: Yes, definitely. My plan is go and do Miami International Triathlon, which I have won the last two-years, and go back and defend my title at California 70.3. California 70.3 is two weeks after Miami International Triathlon.

KK: Is it important for you to go back to a race in which you have won to defend your championship?

MR: Absolutely, it is really disappointing to me if I don’t go back.

KK: Tell us about last years St. Anthony’s Triathlon experience?

MR: In 2009 I was in the lead on the bike and I had gotten a flat. I really wanted to get the win there; it would have my third in a row. Andy Potts went on to take the win instead.

KK: Matt do you have any intention on racing the Ironman distance?

MR: I do. I just turned 34 in November and Ironman is definitely is a goal of mine. It is a different style of racing. I like to race hard on the short course; ITU and Olympic distances allow me to race hard. Ironman scares me a little bit because I love pushing myself to go fast and you can’t really do that it that distance. You have to hold back. At this stage in my career I am ready to race the long stuff.

KK: I saw somewhere that you are signed up to do the REV3 races.

MR: They have an Olympic half and full Ironman. If I can win two I will get to do the Ironman distance.

MR: I did plan on racing Kona in 2010 if I had won the 70.3 World Championship last year. I didn’t win or get the slot so I am not doing Kona.

KK: Do you have plans on trying to get to London in 2112?

MR: Yes, I feel like there is some unfinished business with the Olympics. Beijing wasn’t what I wanted. I felt like I was really flat for that race and my taper were off.

KK: What was your Olympic experience like, outside of the race?

MR: It was incredible I couldn’t believe it. Being around all these athletes you see on TV being around the best of the best in every sport was just amazing. To walk into the stadium as a team and talk to all the other athletes was crazy. It made me realize that I am an athlete just like them.

KK: Do you feel focusing on racing the Ironman distance will take away from your short course speed?

MR: I heard from other people that Ironman can hurt your speed but I feel like I need to take my speed to Ironman. My plan is to only to race one Ironman a year until after the 2112 Olympics. From there I will change my focus.

KK: How do you set up your training sessions?

MR: I like to run with runner and I like to bike with cyclists. I am running with guys who run sub 27 min 10k. These guys are gonna help keep my speed where it needs to be. Going into the Olympics my run will have to be 29 min 10k.

KK: Whom do you like to race?

MR: I like to race with Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper. We are all really good friends. We have this ability to make each other race and train harder.

KK: What do you stride for each year?

MR: I try to be consistent. I have been an up and down athlete. I feel like I am closer to being were I want to be. I have learned to be more physically and mentally tougher.

KK: What do enjoy most about the sport?

MR: This is a sport for everyone and each race challenges me.

KK: Didn’t your wife Kelly used to race triathlons?

MR: She was a runner in college and she has done 11 Ironmans, 5 being in Kona. Kelly is also my coach.

KK: If you were not a profession triathlete, what would you be doing?

MR: I would be a professional basketball player.

KK: What do you want people to know most about Matt Reed?

MR: I am a nice guy, family guy and I am approachable and hope I inspire other.

2009 Results for Matt Reed

1^st Miami International

1^st California 70.3

1^st Pan Am. Championships

1^st REV3 ½

1^st Lifetime Fitness Minn.

1^st Chicago Triathlon

1^st Dallas US Open

3^rd New York Triathlon

3^rd 70.3 World Championship

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