A:  Dean N. Haspela Currently living in Boston, MA. Frequent visits to Sebago, ME and Queensbury, NY.

A:  36

A:  Nursing Manager

A:  This is my second year. I first raced a Bud Light Triathlon in Lake George years ago.

A:  Two very good months.

A:  Tough question seeing that I’m a tenderfoot. Last year's sprints were great - but they were over so fast. There was no real time to 'get in my head' and to actually strategize within my mind. Sprints are fun - but for me they just seemed to be over before they began. Actually - I think I spent more time driving to these races than time that I actually participated in them. At this point my goals are set on the HIMs. I'm doing 3 of them this year. I have to say that I like these the best because each race is a set of 3 journey's. I enjoy just how much your own personal success seems to be based on your ability to pay attention and to answer to one person - yourself. Races of this duration require mental endurance.

A:  I'd have to say that my Garmin has brought my the most information and feedback. Knowing your current running pace is tremendous. But - does this make it my favorite? Right now - I love the power and feeling of swimming with paddles. I feel like I'm invincible and can swim like a fish!

A:  The majority of my competitive life was spent in high school and college cross country skiing. Skiing in high school taught me a lot and built a lot of who I am today. I became comfortable with and unafraid of training alone. I remember kayaking on the Hudson River before school and running in weather so cold that I couldn’t turn the dial on my school gym locker. But, what I think I learned the most from this time was that I enjoyed training and racing for myself. Feedback and recognition from others is always motivating - it fuels my tanks - but in the end the satisfaction of knowing my own accomplishments is what brings energy to my life. I went on to ski Division I at Castleton State College and then University of New Hampshire. Skiing the Junior Olympics circuit was a phenomenal experience also. Back injuries took me away from athletics for a while. I had a surgeon tell me that I probably wouldn't be able to run normally again once! But, last season was my first pain free season and I found that I was coming back into my own. Finishing the HIM Pumpkinman in Berwick, ME last year was a highlight - something that I won't forget. I chose this race because of the venue. Some of my very best friends work the restaurant located at the start/finish/transition. It felt like a familiar place that would give me a ton of support. This HIM was an experience that I worked toward over 8 months. Highlights of the race include a great strong swim, feeling fast and comfy on my bike, finishing my run, and being with great friends at the finish. Last year I won the newbie category at the MA State Olympic Triathlon. I wasn't expecting this so I left before the awards...

A:  This year my main goals are to better my times over last year and to gain valuable experience by racing frequently.

A:  I'd love to just see what I can do. I realize that some people get into the sport with the goal of finishing one - a sprint - an Olympic - anything! Others get into the sport with their sights on finishing an Iron Man. At this point - I'd have to say that my long-term goal will include a full Iron Man - but I think that I am looking at the HIM distance as something to focus on.

A:  Peanut butter, ingredients for burritos, and good coffee beans.

A:  I have not been around enough to say that I specialize in anything at this point.

A:  Set goals, make a plan, and don't worry that other people might think that you are nuts. Balancing training and life with your spouse is difficult. Set goals in your non-triathlon life too.

A:  Early morning workouts are phenomenal! It's like getting a leg up on the world! If I had to share a secret of what has got me to this point - it would be that something is better than nothing. Last year I used a book to guide my training. I knew that it wasn’t the best - but it provided structure. Consistency and structure are what have made a difference for me in the past. Now - working with a coach - I feel like I'm able to start training smarter instead of just more.

A:  My favorite workout to date would have to be any of my swims that I need to focus on times. I find it fun to try to learn what it feels like to go different speeds and paces.

A:  I’d like to express my appreciation to Kevin Crossman for the guidance that he is providing. I'd also like to thank my brother Kevin Haspela for being an inspiration to me. Watching Kevin race in triathlon made me wonder about getting back into competitive endurance sports. If my brother did not do what he did in triathlon I'm not sure that I would be racing right now. I am sure that by the end of this season I will be in the best shape of my life!