Member Spotlight - Kyle Holland
Read Kyle Holland's tri journey...
How did you hear about LA Tri Club?
I just moved to the West Hollywood area from Oregon and was looking for a way to continue training for my next Ironman event in Arizona this fall. While participating in the LA Marathon, I noticed the tent you guys had up and immediately looked you up after the event :)
What got you interested in triathlon?
I had always been a marathon runner, but in March of 2020, I suddenly found myself with a whole bunch of extra time on my hands... I started to do some research on other types of events and was immediately drawn to Ironmans. I started training right away and knew that I was going to be weakest on the swim having never swam a lap in my life - lol. After hiring a swim coach for about a month, I was on track to get the training needed to compete.
What was your first Triathlon?
I started with a half Ironman and after two deferrals due to COVID, I finally made it to my first one in Haines City, Florida. I was not ready for the jam packed swim and was kicked and punched more times than I could count, but once I got back on land, I felt strong. My goal was six hours flat, and ended up at 6:06. I did not work on my transitions at all during training and it killed me! Spent a total of almost 20 minutes in transitions.
What is your favorite race and why?
What is your favorite race and why?
My favorite race was a full in Cozumel and it was amazing! The swim was with current and about a billion fish. Bike and run were flat as can be and the locals came out with a full force of love and support. Ended in 12 hours flat which is right where I wanted to be.
If you could pick three MUST HAVES / MUST DO'S on race day morning, what are they?
If you could pick three MUST HAVES / MUST DO'S on race day morning, what are they?
My biggest thing is organization. I want all my stuff ready to go since I know that I won't be getting any sleep and will wake up groggy, I don't want to think when I wake up. But my must-haves are definitely, coffee (because nothing happens without coffee), Pedialyte, and bananas. I do eat breakfast as well but as long as I have those three, I'm not too picky about the pre-race meal.
Have you been to any LATC events so far?
I have not yet but plan on making it to at least 2-3 a month.
Have you been to any LATC events so far?
I have not yet but plan on making it to at least 2-3 a month.
Do you have any plans for more races in the near future?
My next race is the Orange Country Marathon and then a full Ironman in Arizona this November.
What do you do outside of your training?
What do you do outside of your training?
My favorite thing to do is watch my 16 y/o daughter play competitive softball around the country.
What has been the most difficult thing for you personally about training for triathlons?
What has been the most difficult thing for you personally about training for triathlons?
Like most, it's the time. I've opted for a Peloton bike so I can at least be home for a lot of the bike training, but those long training days away from home can be taxing on the family.
