Meet Cary Gentry!
Cary has been in the world of triathlon for many years and has a great deal of knowledge to share.
Read more about Cary below!
Name: Cary Gentry
Age:
Occupation: Meteorologist, Air Quality Specialist
Years doing triathlon? 20+
First Triathlon? Sprint triathlon at Wake Forest university in which I rode my old mountain bike
Your favorite triathlon? Lake Logan Olympic Triathlon near Canton, NC
Meal the night before race? Light and healthy like spaghetti/rice with chicken breasts along with vegetables. I always have something sweet (cookie, chocolate, etc) to finish off the meal.
Race Nutrition? I’m not too picky and can handle almost anything. Possibly a gel before the swim along with sips of water, then water/sports drink on the bike depending on the distance. Maybe a stinger waffle/gel. On the run, I’ll switch between water/sports drink at the aid stations. If it is a longer event, then I’ll take whatever they are handing out at the aid stations like gels/oranges, too.
Favorite motivational training song? I like ALL types of music except for slow R&B and don’t have a particular favorite one song. I REALLY like 80s rap (LL Cool J, Run DMC, Beastie Boys) along with late 90s/early 2000s grunge, metal (Linkin Park, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Nirvana) when working out.
Favorite mantra? “The weather is the same for ALL competitors so suck it up and deal with it”. I say this to myself when I start to complain about the hot/cold/rainy conditions.
Key Workout? Swimming (4×50 on the minute, with a 200 pull)x3 or 4. Brick: 10mi bike hard pace/2mi run. Repeat 2or3 times depending on what I’m training for.
Best Triathlon training or racing tip? NEVER try something new on race day. This includes goggles, wetsuit, nutrition, tri jersey(outfit), bike, running shoes, running without socks, etc. It’s a recipe for failure.
Triathlon literature or other sources of information? I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a lot of people who have been doing triathlons longer than me. I love picking their brains about training/racing/etc. I used to have Karen Buxton as a coach which was invaluable and I learned sooo much! I like to read articles online and triathlon message boards but you have to be careful what to believe and not believe.
Who inspires you? Honestly, anyone who competes from the front runners to the end of the pack. It’s an awe inspiring sport and all the races are heroes in my book.
Future goal or bucket list race? Well, I’m training for the VBR 70.3, June 5th, currently. Once I’m done with that race, I’m going to reevaluate my plans/future races. I’m thinking I’ll stick to sprint/Olympic triathlons along with several running races for the remainder of 2022.
If you see Cary, be sure to congratulate him on being our AOM!
Way to go CARY!