Congratulations to T3's June Athlete of the Month, Chris McNally. Chris' experience demonstrates what lies at the intersection of training hard physically and being smart about your approach to workouts. Chris does a great job of both, executing his workouts as planned and providing useful feedback to his coach. The results: A 5k PR this spring and taking more than two minutes off his PR for the Hudson Crossing Triathlon, all of this after the age of 50.

A:   Chris McNally, Ballston Spa

A:   52

A:   College Professor

A:   I started participating in tri’s in 2012. When I was 45 my weight and cholesterol both made it over 225. My doctor looked me in the eye and said this was the point where I had to choose; get healthy or get sick. I chose to get healthy, and triathlon was my means of doing so. BTW, I weighed myself earlier today: 189 lbs. Every year I say “I’ve never been in better shape in my life.” And every year it’s the truth

A:   This is my first season working with Carl. I previously worked with Kevin for 2 years.

A:   The Hudson Crossing, because The Fronhofer is, sadly, no more.

A:   My wetsuit. It’s like cheating, but legal and socially acceptable.

A:  I was never an athlete before pursuing triathlon, so every accomplishment is still a pretty big deal to me. For pure adrenaline, nothing has topped crossing the finish line at Placid. I’m old enough to remember The Miracle on Ice and Eric Heiden crushing it on that oval. So those memories certainly added to the thrill for me. Being able to say I earned a Battenkill podium spot is pretty cool, too. Especially around my roadie friends.

A:    1. Crush my PR at The Hudson Crossing - Done. 2. Have fun – In Progress.

A:   To stay healthy and have a lot of fun.

A:   Peanut butter, strawberry-rhubarb jelly, bananas.

A:   Go ahead, hit shuffle… It will probably get you some combination of Raffi, NWA, Linda Ronstadt, The Pogues, and Christmas music… It’s not eclectic, just unfocused.

A:   1. Wear good socks. 2. Take as many swim lessons as you can fit into your schedule. 3. Have fun. Nobody’s going to remember your times, except you.

A:   Listen to your coach. When you feel the need to question your coach, pause, take a step back, relax, then shut up and listen to your coach.

A:   Increasing 1' Power Intervals to Fail. That workout will show you what you’ve got!

A:   Triathlon is great for someone like me who is maybe too comfortable in his own head. You swim alone, you bike and run alone for the most part. But, when you take the opportunity to step outside of your inner world you’re going to meet some incredible people. Triathletes are the most fascinating bunch of individuals I have ever met. Every one of them has an impressive story to tell if you take the time to listen. That is probably what really keeps me coming back season after season.
Thank you for this honor.
Be well.