Name: Marty Owens
Age: 51
Occupation: Director of Track & Field, Cross Country and Women’s Triathlon @ Guilford College
Years doing triathlon? I have been involved with multi- sport/endurance events since 1991
First Triathlon? Ocean City Triathlon (NJ) May 1992
Your favorite triathlon? While competing at the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championship in 1995 & 1997 was quite the experience, my favorite race was Wildflower Triathlon 70.3. in San Luis Obispo, CA. It was always know as the Woodstock of triathlons as the overwhelming number of competitors campout for the two days of races.
Meal the night before race? I am a bit unorthodox in my nutrition. I stand with the mantra of never try anything different before a race, so I keep to my normal eating habits. So, I will go for a good burger and fries or a good Stromboli.
Pre-Race Meal? As a person who prefers 70.3 to 140.6 distance, I usually have overnight oats (oatmeal, almond milk, yogurt and strawberries), coffee and 16 ounces of FLUID Performance drink. I will also have a Clif Shot about 20-30 minutes before the swim to top off the tank. For sprint to Olympic races, it will be either an English muffin or bagel with butter and jelly, coffee and water.
Race Nutrition? FLUID Performance Drink, NUUN Electrolyte tablets, Cliff Shot Bloks (Margarita), Cliff Bars
Favorite motivational training song? R.E.M. – “Leave”
Favorite mantra? “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined” Henry David Thoreau
Key Workout? The last long brick workout before an IRONMAN race. I like to ride 65-75 miles over similar terrain profile to the racecourse followed by 6-7 mile run at close to goal race pace.
Best Triathlon training or racing tip? Enjoy the journey as you prepare for your races and don’t focus solely on your results in regards to placement. We all participate in this slightly absurd sport for different reasons and we each define our own successes!
Triathlon literature or other sources of information? Your Best Triathlon by Joe Friel
Who inspires you? I am inspired by the athletes I coach whether cross country, track & field or triathlons
Future goal or bucket list race? Ultimately, I would love to get back and compete at the Hawaii IRONMAN World Championships. But other than that, NORSEMAN Triathlon in Norway.