Colin started racing triathlons in 2005 while training for his senior year high school cross country season. After another injury plagued cross country and track season, Colin continued to race triathlons as a way to stay in shape and fulfill his competitive drive. Colin attended the University of Dayton for his undergrad education where he helped start the University of Dayton Triathlon Club. Colin joined the University Swim club/Dayton Area Sharks masters swim club his his freshman year and saw drastic improvements in his swimming abilities over the four years with the club. After finishing his degree at the University of Dayton, Colin headed to Tallahassee, FL to continue his education at Florida State University (and escape the cold Midwest winters) to study sports nutrition.
Colin has racked up a handful of age group victories throughout the Midwest and Florida and his 2011 season was highlighted with a 3rd place amateur finish at the St. Anthony’s Triathlon qualifying for his Pro License and a 3rd place finish at the Best of the US Amateur Triathlon with a personal best Olympic distance time of 1:53:52.
Colin is looking forward to a successful 2012 season with Fast Forward Triathlon and will continue to focus on the Olympic distance with plans to compete in Collegiate Nationals in April, the Chicago Triathlon in August, and the Hy-Vee 5150 Triathlon in September.
| Hometown: Naperville, IL Currently residing in: Tallahassee, FL Education: B.S.E. Nutrition and Fitness, University of Dayton ‘10; M.S. Sports Nutrition, Florida State University ’11 Athletic background: Started running cross country in 8th grade. 4 years of high school cross country and track (constantly battling injury). University of Dayton Triathlon Club (Sophomore year through Senior year) and Florida State University Triathlon Club (2 years). Started triathlons in 2005 at age 17. Triathlon career highlights: 2008-2011 USAT All-American; 2011 St. Anthony’s Triathlon – 3rd OA Amateur qualifying for Elite card; 2011 Collegiate Nationals – 10th OA; 2011 Amateur Draft Legal Challenge – 4th OA; 3 Top 10 finishes at the Best of the US triathlon (2008 – 9th OA, 2009 – 8th – OA, 2011 – 3rd OA); 2010 American Triple-T Ohio Team Champion Season goals: Top 5 Amateur at Hy-Vee Triathlon, USAT Collegiate Nationals, and 70.3 TBD. Qualify for 70.3 World Championships. Favorite workout: Tempo runs of varying length (great fitness boosters!) |
Favorite workout: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Knowing that there’s a cup of coffee waiting for me (I love my coffee), meeting others to train What/who inspires you? Having that end goal in mind. All of the incredible professional athletes who continue to push the limits of the human body. What insight/advice would you like to share with aspiring triathletes? Set goals that are realistic but will challenge you to improve. If you didn’t grow up swimming, find a masters team to swim with. Train with others and have fun! Why do you race triathlon? For that perfect race where all of your hard training comes together. To stay healthy and meeting new people along the way at races, training camps, and in training. What has been your biggest challenge in triathlon? Being satisfied with a race performance. What is your greatest strength in triathlon? Balance among sports; Ability to rebound from a poor performance. Shout out to: All of my former coaches who have helped me get to where I am today especially Neil Duncan (my high school cross country coach), Cody Rasmussen (masters swim coach), and Tim Edwards (2011 Tri coach) as well as my family and girlfriend who continue to support me in all that I do Hobbies: Food/Cooking/Nutrition, Yoga, Skiing, Playing cards/games with my family/friends Website: http://colin-colinriley.blogspot.com/ |
