2017 TN Tri Buzz Champ - Interview with Jack McAfee
This week we talk to top Tennessee age grouper Jack McAfee and hear about how he started in triathlon, his recent Kona experience, the Bridges to Buffs swim race, and much more.
Thanks for taking the time Jack!
Photo Credits to Talbot Cox and Nick Morales
In doing our research for Tennessee Tri Buzz it was hard to get through race results in Tennessee the last few years without your name at the top. What is your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon?
I’ve been “swimming” since about the time I learned to walk, and naturally this led me to compete in the sport from a very early age. But by the time I reached high school, I was experiencing a severe burn-out of swimming which led me to give running a try. Since this was such a contrast to my swimming experience, I flourished, and was able to receive a running scholarship in college. Somewhere along the way I was encouraged to pick up a bike and give a triathlon a try.
You ran a smokin’ fast 2:57 marathon to win Ironman Florida in 2016 in pretty dramatic fashion. Can you give us a quick recap of your day and is that where you qualified for this year’s Ironman World Championship?
Last year, I had high aspirations going into Ironman Chattanooga to earn that coveted Kona slot. Unfortunately, I experienced the opposite extreme instead as I had a mechanical on the bike and lost 40 minutes – which put me well out of contention. It was beyond frustrating logging the countless hours over the past year of training to have everything derailed by something completely out of my control. I moped about my misfortune for about a week, then I was registered for Ironman Florida, determined to fulfill my goal of that coveted Kona slot.
The race itself evolved perfectly according to my pre-race plans, and after the bike I found myself in the top 5. It really didn’t register to me at the beginning of the run to even think about the overall, I just wanted to preserve my age group placing. But as the miles ticked off, I kept reeling in competitors. With about 3 miles left to go on the run I had spectators screaming that the leader was only a few minutes ahead of me! At that moment I figured that I had my Kona slot in the bag, why not see if I could snag the overall? I dropped my pace even as my legs were on the edge of severe cramping and my feet were completely blistered – but I managed to catch the leader with less than a mile to go. From there to the finish I was running on complete adrenaline and the cheers from the crowd.
Did you have specific goals for Kona? It’s hard to think that someone who won an Ironman event in order to qualify for Worlds was just there for the “experience”.
My goal in Kona was to post a similar time to what I had been able to achieve at Ironman Florida – basically a sub 9-hour finish. My training this past year was far more intense than the year prior to Ironman Florida – I was more than capable of achieving that goal. But I was also very much there to enjoy the experience. I had no intention of going there just to race – I was going to fully partake in the unique experience that makes Kona what it is. I snorkeled with Manta Rays, participated in the underpants run, swam to the coffee boat, and every day I soaked up the triathlon Mecca experience.
Most of us will never qualify for the big race. What makes the Kona swim, bike, run, and overall vibe unique from other races?
Any plans you make for racing in Kona go right out the window. That’s what make the race so unique and worthy of a World Championship. I trained in some pretty hot and humid days in Knoxville, but ultimately the heat is what brought me down in Kona. I knew it would be tough, but I did not expect it to be my unravelling.
The swim: As a confident swimmer, this leg did not garner much anxiety for me. In fact, it was my favorite part of the race. Treading water for about 10 minutes in the Bay prior to the start, you could feel the energy of the athletes all around you. Gazing towards the shore, you could see the thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the start, all trying to spot their particular triathlete amongst the masses. I glanced up at the looming Hualalai Volcano, and the sun popped out right before 7:10am. Seemingly with seconds of enjoying the sunrise, the cannon went off, and over a thousand triathletes began swimming at once! I usually find myself at the front of the swim in most triathlons, but in Kona there are dozens of fast swimmers. This gave me the rare opportunity to draft, and the swim was over before I knew it!
The bike: Heading out of Kona, there is a constant roar from the spectators. This lasts for about 10 miles as you do a loop around town before heading out to Hawi. By mile 20, you’re in the desolate lava fields that give the race another unique feel. There is generally no one out there - just you, your thoughts, and your fellow competitors. There’s one point where you can see the curve of the island, and it must be 20+ miles away, and it gives you a true feeling of how far you’re going to be biking. In most races in Tennessee, you’re biking amongst trees, and you really can’t see how far it is that you’re biking. To see it truly gives you a perspective of just how far you’re going. Coming back from the Hawi turn-around and flying downhill is when I experienced the wind. It wasn’t too bad this year – I had to rely on the handlebars in only a few cases.
The run: Like any Ironman, this is where the race really becomes challenging. The crowds can only do so much for you. I recall how exciting it was to be within high-five distance of the top pro triathletes in the world – all running by you on Ali’i Drive. Getting through those middle 20 miles was the most challenging experience I’ve had in triathlon. At many points I was reduced to a walk. During those times it doesn’t even feel like a World Championship, it’s just a battle in your head to keep going. When the finish line finally rolls around, you’re filled with a new energy from all of the spectators. The dream you’ve had to trot down the red carpet is within your reach, and all the lore from the history of the race is right there with you.
You are now part of the elite men’s tri team Every Man Jack. I believe you guys took 7 of the top 20 overall spots at IMChatt 70.3 and won countless others. What is it like being on a team of such high caliber athletes and has it helped elevate your game to the next level?
I wouldn’t say that it elevated my game to the next level – all of the guys on the team, including myself, were already racing on a level which required an intense focus. At every single one of the championship races this year – there were at least 15 teammates. Even at the Boston Marathon there were 5 other guys from the team. Ultimately, what the team did provide me was a sense of camaraderie. It’s a network of fellow racers who have knowledge of every race in the book, who have your back if your bike breaks down the day before the race, who can kick back and joke around to calm any nerves that might exist before the race. If anything, being on this team has made every race feel so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
On the local scene this year you won the Trideltathon Sprint, Lakeside of the Smokies relay, the Springbrook Sprint, placed 3rd and 4th in your age group at the 70.3Chatt and 70.3 World Championships, respectively. Who are some of your “friendly rivals” at these races?
I’d have to say any of my former Health Shoppe ZenEvo teammates. I raced on the HSZE team in 2015-16, and I’d argue that it’s the fastest team in Tennessee! Most of my success could be attributed to training daily with one or more of these former teammates. Whether it’s swimming with Bill Beecher or Nick Morgan to be first out of the water, mashing the pedals to keep up with Larry Brede on the bike, or doing the impossible by trying to outrun Alan Horton – there’s always someone who will hand it to me locally.
What is your podium for favorite Tennessee races?
My favorite race in Tennessee was Chattanooga’s Sports Barn Sprint Triathlon. It had been around for 20 years or so when I first raced it, and it’s unique in having two transition areas. I can proudly say that I won it 7 years in a row from 2007-2013, but unfortunately, the race folded last year.
I truly enjoy racing in Chattanooga, therefore I’d have to put any of their main events up top – the Waterfront triathlon, 70.3 Chattanooga, or Ironman Chattanooga. The Mach Tenn triathlon in Tullahoma and the Memphis in May triathlon are two of the oldest triathlons in Tennessee and certainly must dos. And as a Knoxville resident, sometimes it’s nice to stay local – my favorite being the Springbrook Sprint.
Tell us more about the Bridges to Bluffs swim race.
With my background in swimming and having extensive experience racing in open water swim races, creating and directing a race is something I’d wanted to do for a number of years. In 2016, with the help of Blaik Ogle, I founded a swim group that I affectionately named the K.O.W.S., a reference to my days swimming in Chattanooga with the C.O.W.S. The group has steadily grown, and Blaik and I felt that 2017 was a good of year as ever to host a swim race.
Bridges to Bluffs is a 10k open water swim that starts in downtown Knoxville and ends in Sequoyah Park. This past year was a success, as 70 people from all over the country signed up for the inaugural race. We received positive feedback from all the participants as well as US Masters Swimming. We were more than pleased to announce at the race this year that we had been selected to host the 2019 USMS 10k National Championships!
Perhaps most fulfilling was being able to race in my own race. The support from Knoxville leading up to the race was tremendous as we had dozens of people helping to ensure that everything went smoothly. All the work had been put into the planning of the race, and by race day I was fully confident that it was in good hands.
Anything else you want to share?
I used to train alone for the vast majority of my training. But over the years I learned how much harder I was making it on myself. There have been so many interesting and inspiring individuals who have made this journey much more enjoyable. So I’m incredibly appreciative for those in the endurance community who I’ve met over the years – they are far more memorable than any result. If you’re new to the sport or train alone, find a group to train and compete with. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for taking the time Jack!
Photo Credits to Talbot Cox and Nick Morales
In doing our research for Tennessee Tri Buzz it was hard to get through race results in Tennessee the last few years without your name at the top. What is your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon?
I’ve been “swimming” since about the time I learned to walk, and naturally this led me to compete in the sport from a very early age. But by the time I reached high school, I was experiencing a severe burn-out of swimming which led me to give running a try. Since this was such a contrast to my swimming experience, I flourished, and was able to receive a running scholarship in college. Somewhere along the way I was encouraged to pick up a bike and give a triathlon a try.
You ran a smokin’ fast 2:57 marathon to win Ironman Florida in 2016 in pretty dramatic fashion. Can you give us a quick recap of your day and is that where you qualified for this year’s Ironman World Championship?
Last year, I had high aspirations going into Ironman Chattanooga to earn that coveted Kona slot. Unfortunately, I experienced the opposite extreme instead as I had a mechanical on the bike and lost 40 minutes – which put me well out of contention. It was beyond frustrating logging the countless hours over the past year of training to have everything derailed by something completely out of my control. I moped about my misfortune for about a week, then I was registered for Ironman Florida, determined to fulfill my goal of that coveted Kona slot.The race itself evolved perfectly according to my pre-race plans, and after the bike I found myself in the top 5. It really didn’t register to me at the beginning of the run to even think about the overall, I just wanted to preserve my age group placing. But as the miles ticked off, I kept reeling in competitors. With about 3 miles left to go on the run I had spectators screaming that the leader was only a few minutes ahead of me! At that moment I figured that I had my Kona slot in the bag, why not see if I could snag the overall? I dropped my pace even as my legs were on the edge of severe cramping and my feet were completely blistered – but I managed to catch the leader with less than a mile to go. From there to the finish I was running on complete adrenaline and the cheers from the crowd.
Did you have specific goals for Kona? It’s hard to think that someone who won an Ironman event in order to qualify for Worlds was just there for the “experience”.
My goal in Kona was to post a similar time to what I had been able to achieve at Ironman Florida – basically a sub 9-hour finish. My training this past year was far more intense than the year prior to Ironman Florida – I was more than capable of achieving that goal. But I was also very much there to enjoy the experience. I had no intention of going there just to race – I was going to fully partake in the unique experience that makes Kona what it is. I snorkeled with Manta Rays, participated in the underpants run, swam to the coffee boat, and every day I soaked up the triathlon Mecca experience.
Most of us will never qualify for the big race. What makes the Kona swim, bike, run, and overall vibe unique from other races?
Any plans you make for racing in Kona go right out the window. That’s what make the race so unique and worthy of a World Championship. I trained in some pretty hot and humid days in Knoxville, but ultimately the heat is what brought me down in Kona. I knew it would be tough, but I did not expect it to be my unravelling.
The swim: As a confident swimmer, this leg did not garner much anxiety for me. In fact, it was my favorite part of the race. Treading water for about 10 minutes in the Bay prior to the start, you could feel the energy of the athletes all around you. Gazing towards the shore, you could see the thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the start, all trying to spot their particular triathlete amongst the masses. I glanced up at the looming Hualalai Volcano, and the sun popped out right before 7:10am. Seemingly with seconds of enjoying the sunrise, the cannon went off, and over a thousand triathletes began swimming at once! I usually find myself at the front of the swim in most triathlons, but in Kona there are dozens of fast swimmers. This gave me the rare opportunity to draft, and the swim was over before I knew it!
The bike: Heading out of Kona, there is a constant roar from the spectators. This lasts for about 10 miles as you do a loop around town before heading out to Hawi. By mile 20, you’re in the desolate lava fields that give the race another unique feel. There is generally no one out there - just you, your thoughts, and your fellow competitors. There’s one point where you can see the curve of the island, and it must be 20+ miles away, and it gives you a true feeling of how far you’re going to be biking. In most races in Tennessee, you’re biking amongst trees, and you really can’t see how far it is that you’re biking. To see it truly gives you a perspective of just how far you’re going. Coming back from the Hawi turn-around and flying downhill is when I experienced the wind. It wasn’t too bad this year – I had to rely on the handlebars in only a few cases.
The run: Like any Ironman, this is where the race really becomes challenging. The crowds can only do so much for you. I recall how exciting it was to be within high-five distance of the top pro triathletes in the world – all running by you on Ali’i Drive. Getting through those middle 20 miles was the most challenging experience I’ve had in triathlon. At many points I was reduced to a walk. During those times it doesn’t even feel like a World Championship, it’s just a battle in your head to keep going. When the finish line finally rolls around, you’re filled with a new energy from all of the spectators. The dream you’ve had to trot down the red carpet is within your reach, and all the lore from the history of the race is right there with you.
You are now part of the elite men’s tri team Every Man Jack. I believe you guys took 7 of the top 20 overall spots at IMChatt 70.3 and won countless others. What is it like being on a team of such high caliber athletes and has it helped elevate your game to the next level?
I wouldn’t say that it elevated my game to the next level – all of the guys on the team, including myself, were already racing on a level which required an intense focus. At every single one of the championship races this year – there were at least 15 teammates. Even at the Boston Marathon there were 5 other guys from the team. Ultimately, what the team did provide me was a sense of camaraderie. It’s a network of fellow racers who have knowledge of every race in the book, who have your back if your bike breaks down the day before the race, who can kick back and joke around to calm any nerves that might exist before the race. If anything, being on this team has made every race feel so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
On the local scene this year you won the Trideltathon Sprint, Lakeside of the Smokies relay, the Springbrook Sprint, placed 3rd and 4th in your age group at the 70.3Chatt and 70.3 World Championships, respectively. Who are some of your “friendly rivals” at these races?
I’d have to say any of my former Health Shoppe ZenEvo teammates. I raced on the HSZE team in 2015-16, and I’d argue that it’s the fastest team in Tennessee! Most of my success could be attributed to training daily with one or more of these former teammates. Whether it’s swimming with Bill Beecher or Nick Morgan to be first out of the water, mashing the pedals to keep up with Larry Brede on the bike, or doing the impossible by trying to outrun Alan Horton – there’s always someone who will hand it to me locally.
What is your podium for favorite Tennessee races?
My favorite race in Tennessee was Chattanooga’s Sports Barn Sprint Triathlon. It had been around for 20 years or so when I first raced it, and it’s unique in having two transition areas. I can proudly say that I won it 7 years in a row from 2007-2013, but unfortunately, the race folded last year.
I truly enjoy racing in Chattanooga, therefore I’d have to put any of their main events up top – the Waterfront triathlon, 70.3 Chattanooga, or Ironman Chattanooga. The Mach Tenn triathlon in Tullahoma and the Memphis in May triathlon are two of the oldest triathlons in Tennessee and certainly must dos. And as a Knoxville resident, sometimes it’s nice to stay local – my favorite being the Springbrook Sprint.
Tell us more about the Bridges to Bluffs swim race.
With my background in swimming and having extensive experience racing in open water swim races, creating and directing a race is something I’d wanted to do for a number of years. In 2016, with the help of Blaik Ogle, I founded a swim group that I affectionately named the K.O.W.S., a reference to my days swimming in Chattanooga with the C.O.W.S. The group has steadily grown, and Blaik and I felt that 2017 was a good of year as ever to host a swim race.
Bridges to Bluffs is a 10k open water swim that starts in downtown Knoxville and ends in Sequoyah Park. This past year was a success, as 70 people from all over the country signed up for the inaugural race. We received positive feedback from all the participants as well as US Masters Swimming. We were more than pleased to announce at the race this year that we had been selected to host the 2019 USMS 10k National Championships!
Perhaps most fulfilling was being able to race in my own race. The support from Knoxville leading up to the race was tremendous as we had dozens of people helping to ensure that everything went smoothly. All the work had been put into the planning of the race, and by race day I was fully confident that it was in good hands.
Anything else you want to share?
I used to train alone for the vast majority of my training. But over the years I learned how much harder I was making it on myself. There have been so many interesting and inspiring individuals who have made this journey much more enjoyable. So I’m incredibly appreciative for those in the endurance community who I’ve met over the years – they are far more memorable than any result. If you’re new to the sport or train alone, find a group to train and compete with. You won’t regret it.
epson printer technical support phone number
ReplyDeleteepson printer drivers
epson printer technical support phone number
epson printer drivers