Michael Minyon
First of all, I would
like to thank you and Team Buttar for hosting a first-class
triathlon series right here in Central Florida. I really appreciate
your organization, attention to details, innovation, and overall
commitment to the sport of triathlon and the triathletes. You and
your team are definitely helping to grow and promote the sport and
make it a fun and pleasurable experience for all. Thanks!
Why do you race?
I race for a few different reasons. I race to test my training and
fitness level and to challenge myself to see where I need to
improve. I race to see new venues and meet other people. I race to
accomplish personal fitness goals that I’ve set for myself. I race
for that little “thrill of competition feeling” I still get even at
my age and after 16 years of triathlons. And finally, I race so I
can hear the young lady doing the body-markings say “you can’t be
that age”.....(please don’t tell me they get paid to say that to
everyone…?.)
What kinds of races
have you done throughout your life and now?
I’ve raced triathlons since 1990. I’ve raced all over the state,
from the Panhandle to Ft. Lauderdale. I mostly participate in sprint
or Olympic distance events, but have raced half-ironman and a couple
marathons. I completed my first cycling century this year. I prefer
the shorter races as they allow me to race and still live a balanced
lifestyle. Completing the full Buttar series was a big goal and
accomplishment for me this season. I don’t have any immediate goals
for next year yet. I’ll formulate them over the off-season.
Have you learned
any life lessons while racing?
I probably learned a very valuable life lesson this season at the
Buttar Deland Triathlon. I was racing the opening bike-leg and
missed the turnaround for the sprint tri. I went about 3 miles too
far and then had double flat tires after hitting some road
construction. After walking a couple miles, two local bikers out for
a Sunday ride came by and offered their assistance. They assisted me
with changing the flats and provided me with almost everything I
needed, tubes, CO2, pliers, and tire levers. As we talked, I learned
that they were both local Deland ministers preparing for a charity
bike ride across Florida. I was still a little upset and frustrated
about my race, when both gentlemen encouraged me to enjoy the rest
of my race and finish. I did, and felt better doing it. Lessons
learned? “The Lord works in mysterious ways” and “relax, and enjoy
the moment”…..
From an active
lifestyle view, what do you see in your future?
- I hope that my active, healthy, lifestyle would allow me to participate
in triathlon or any other sport or activity I choose to do for the
remainder of my life. I’ve always been an active participant in
sports and plan to continue until a very advanced age.
What would you tell
someone new who is getting started with an active lifestyle?
I would probably tell them three things: • Surround yourself with
other like-minded, positive people I’ve always surrounded myself
with positive people with the same interests. I’ve enjoyed meeting
and getting to know some terrific people through my triathlon
training groups. I’ve ran with high school cross-country teams and
running clubs I’ve swam and participated with Master’s swim groups,
and I’ve biked with a regular bike group. The social aspects keep
the training fun and exciting. • Make sure you truly enjoy the
activity or activities. Have fun! If it’s not something you really
enjoy doing, don’t be afraid to change until you can find something
that works for you. (i.e. duathlons, aqua-man, mountain biking,
adventure racing, etc.) • Always remember to thank your supporters
Remember, you won’t be able to enjoy an active, healthy, lifestyle
without support from family & friends. Make sure you recognize their
sacrifices and commitments to your fitness goals and THANK THEM
REGULARLY! Other Information about me: I’m Michael Minyon from
Kissimmee, age 46. I’m a divorced father with two children Megan
(21) and Michael (19). I’m originally from Westmont, N.J., but moved
to Florida in 1978 to attend college and have basically lived here
ever since. I work as an Area Director of Finance for
InterContinental Hotels Group/Holiday Inns of Central Florida. I
began participating in triathlons in 1990 after getting bored with
only running road races, which I was doing to stay in shape for
playing in an adult ice-hockey league here in Orlando. I’ve always
participated and enjoyed all sports, but would probably consider
myself an average athlete. I think that’s why triathlon appeals to
me so much, because you can have some success by being just good at
all three sports rather than being outstanding at only one sport. I
really enjoyed coaching my son in Little League baseball for eight
seasons and would probably like to do something in the coaching
field if I was ever to leave hotel finance. When I’m not racing or
training I enjoy traveling and doing various activities with my
girlfriend Mary and her daughter Megan. We both enjoy the outdoors
with trips to the mountains and beaches, hiking, fishing, canoeing,
and sightseeing.
Contact
Michael
