Name: Cary Gentry
Age: 52
Occupation: Senior Environmental Specialist for Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection in Winston-Salem. I’ve been here for 23+ years. I do anything and everything related to air quality including the daily air quality forecast for the Triad. I have a Meteorology degree from NC State (yes, I love weather).
Years doing triathlon? Geez, just over 22yrs, I think. Same # of years as my oldest daughter and that is how I remember it.
First Triathlon? A sprint triathlon at Wake Forest University. If I remember correctly, it was a 300yd pool swim, ~12mi bike, and a 5K run. I was SO nervous before the swim and used my old mountain bike. Once completed I was hooked.
Your favorite triathlon? Lake Logan Olympic…most beautiful race location EVER. Wetsuit swim in August with a surprisingly flat bike in the mountains and a shaded run.
Meal the night before race? I’m not too picky on what I eat the night before a race. Whatever I eat, I keep it light and not too spicy.
Pre-Race Meal? Bagel with honey and a banana. Sometimes, I’ll throw spread almond butter on the bagel too. One cup of black coffee.
Race Nutrition? For sprint races, I stick with water and maybe a sports drink handed out during the run. For Olympic and farther, initially, water, then I transition to Infinit Nutrition Speed (Lemon)…that reminds me, I need to buy more. I like the Stinger Waffles and gels on the bike and then water, sports drink (whatever the race has) and gels on the run.
Favorite motivational training song? I don’t have 1 favorite song. I DO like fast paced rock, alternative, and even hip hop. Basically, the only thing I don’t like is slow R&B. I have 800+ songs on my playlist, which goes back to the 80s to current.
Favorite mantra? Don’t worry, be happy!
Key Workout? I REALLY like to do what I call the 10 and 2. Go out moderate pace for roughly a 10mi bike, then finish with a 2mi run at the same moderate pace. I may push the hills or do 90sec pickups, etc. Just depends on how I feel. If I’m training for something longer I do 20 and 4 or 2x 10 and 2.
Best Triathlon training or racing tip? Don’t try anything new on race day!! This means nutrition, shoes, goggles, and even a tri suit. Practice BEFORE the race with whatever is new.
Triathlon literature or other sources of information? Karen Buxton…..she was my first and only coach. Over the many years, I have been doing this sport, I have learned so much from her training and coaching. There are smart ways to train and not. While I don’t have her as my coach now, I still train with her as a friend.
Who inspires you? Tough question. There are many types of people who give me inspiration. Recently, I was watching the Paralympics and the amazing athletes doing the sports they love despite their disabilities. If they can do what they love, then how can I complain when I pushing hard on the final stretch of the run and my legs hurt….such INSPIRATION.
Future goal or bucket list race? I think I’m done with the full Ironman 140.6 races, although, I would love to do Kona once in my lifetime. I’m not going to qualify, and I don’t do the lottery so, it’s not going to happen, but I can still dream.