We seem to have a bit of a thing for the medical profession in this team. Our latest, is an anaesthetist from Arizona, and if that wasn’t enough he also has 5.5 kids (6th kid is due at the end of June), one dog, leads boy scouts, volunteers at church, is starting a new company, and perhaps takes a nap in there somewhere??

* So Dr. Ketch, your days are pretty hectic. How do you fit all of your life into a 24 hour window?

That’s an excellent question! Not sure how I fit it all in. I wish I could fit a nap in! There is always something going on that wants to pull me away from training. I am lucky that my wife totally supports me in this adventure, and she lets me sometimes get out of husband/father duties to get a training session completed. My weekly schedule is very fluid, and is rarely consistent or concrete. Coach Katie is awesome at having things planned for each of my days, no matter how much time is available, and always has a backup plan in case the original plan goes to crud, which a lot of times it does. So we plug away together and I can almost always get some quality sessions in each week to help me get better and better. All part of the adventure!

* How are you enjoying the tri journey?

This is my first year in triathlon, and I absolutely love it! It has definitely been more difficult than I anticipated, especially as training ramps up before an event. But I feel so good. I haven’t worked out like this, wait, let me rephrase, I have NEVER worked out like this before. I love the mental and physical challenges of the sport. Fantastic. I also love the discipline it’s bringing to my personal and professional life, and the example it’s setting for my kids. All my kids have now competed in a triathlon, and they loved it as well. My son is already wanting to do more, and my wife has promised me that after the baby comes, she will do some as well!

* What are your plans for this season and tri life?

This season is a big one. I completed 2 sprint distances, and two half marathons, all in preparation for my first Ironman 70.3 in Oceanside, CA. I have a lot of friends that have done this event, and they are the ones that pressured me into getting into this in the first place. So I am very excited and nervous about this event. I have been working hard to prepare, about 8 months now. I am literally going from couch to 70.3! Intimidating for me, but Katie has obviously been instrumental in preparing me. It will be a fun and challenging experience for sure. For me though, the cool part is that I’m already looking for races to add to the calendar after Oceanside. I am enjoying this very much! Tri life is the best life!

* I hear you’re a bit of alright on the BBQ – I guess with such a tribe you had to learn some kitchen skills too?

Haha, yeah, I like to grill. My kids like to eat my steaks and such. Obviously with a big family, we share the workload as best we can (although my wife still does more than me, can’t figure out how to catch up to her). I love cooking and grilling, and my wife likes baking. She’s the one that has the real skills! So together we can come up with some pretty wicked meals. And my wife makes some seriously killer homemade bread. Yummy!

* When you came to us you didn’t really swim, didn’t own a bike and hadn’t run in 20 years. Now what is your favourite workout?

This is a tough one. You are correct that I literally did nothing when I met you. I knew how to not drown, jog, and ride a bike, but I had never done them to any significant level. I have made huge gains in each category, but I am still very new to all of this. I don’t think I have a favorite yet – I love and hate them all equally! Some days I kill a bike session and feel awesome, but then I’lll struggle in the pool or on a run. Then other days I kill a run or swim, and struggle on the bike. What I like is that since I’ve started training, I can run a 10k without stopping, whereas prior to, I literally couldn’t run a 1/4 mile without stopping. I couldn’t sit on a bike for more than 30 minutes, and when I went swimming, I could only do about 800 yards before the pool was empty – because I’d swallowed all the water! Everything is becoming and better and I love that!

* You put in a massive day at Ironman Arizona with the crew at the tent all day cheering team mates – how did you find that day given it was your first Iron distance experience?

That was a lot of fun, to see the family that CFC creates and the support they provide to all their current and previous teammates. It was amazing to see all the different types and levels of athletes competing, and completing that distance. For me, it was also intimidating, as I am in no way ready for that kind of race. However, it was also inspiring to see that anyone can accomplish anything with desire and preparation. I definitely haven’t ruled out that distance yet, but all in its proper place and time. It was a memorable day and l’m so glad I got to be a part of it.

* Anything else you’d like to add?

I can’t remember how I came in contact with CFC, but I am so glad I did! I truly can’t imagine trying to be on this journey without Katie, Pete, and my fellow teammates! And, as an extra perk, Katie and I have the same birthday! Totally meant to be! I love being a part of the triathlon community, I love being in better shape, and I love training with CFC! I highly recommend anyone interested in getting into this sport, do not hesitate in giving CFC a call. Hands down best decision I could have made to be successful in this sport. I am looking forward to many more years with them, and getting my wife and kids aboard as well. Thanks to Katie (best coach ever!!) and the CFC family! * blushing * thank you Aaron xo