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Rev 3 Quassy Meant Podiums For QT2 Systems Athletes!

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:00:00 -0400

The 2013 REV3 Quassy Half Distance Triathlon was another day to remember for QT2 Systems athletes. With full sun, and temperatures feeling more like July and August, it was anybody’s guess as to how everyone would perform. However, QT2 athletes took the opportunity to shine!

In addition, if you’ve ever raced the Quassy course you know how tough it is. By far one of the more difficult races of that distance, as Quassy is known for relentless hills.

With over 40 QT2 athletes racing, there was quite a bit of baby blue out on the course, in both the professional and age group ranks.

In the men's professional race, QT2 Systems was well-represented by Chris Baird who finished in 4:10:36, Pedro Gomes, in 4:13:06, and Darby Thomas, just behind in 4:20:17.

The age-group athletes stole the show, representing practically every division on the podium.

For the men, Matt Curbeau captured the day, winning the overall amateur race in 4:24:43, by four minutes. Taking second place overall was another QT2 athlete, Jason Frank, in 4:28:35. Julian Underwood took first place in the M40-44 division in 4:36:29.

On the women's side, Bridget Paulik and Barbara Tardiff won the F35-39 and F55-59 divisions, respectively, in 5:11:37 and 6:12:49. Even faster was Kaitlin Anelauskas, who finished in in 4:57:19, good for second place F25-29, and 4th place woman amateur!

Overall QT2 Systems athletes tallied five age-group division wins, and two second-place finishes. There were also 13 top-5 and 17 top-10 finishes.

Simply outstanding results, and a true testament to how hard our athletes prepare, race, and recover leading up to a race like this. Our outstanding partners also provide amazing products that our athletes embrace and fully utilize to produce results on race day, when it counts!

Thanks again to all of our sponsors who continue to help us succeed in all aspects of the sport:

Pearl Izumi, Quintana Roo, Normatec MVP, Powerbar, Fuelbelt, Fast:Splits Multisport, Rudy Project, Blue Seventy, Nuun, Wells Fargo Advisors, SaltStick, SRM, Dr.SearsZone, Be Well Boston and Salmon Health & Retirement.

Those receiving awards included:
Matt Curbeau - 4:24:43, 1st AG Male, 1st Male 25-29
Jason Frank - 4:28:35, 2nd AG Male, 1st Male 30-34
Julian Underwood - 4:36:29, 1st Male 40-44
Kaitlin Anelauskas - 4:57:19, 4th AG Female, 2nd Female 25-29
Bridget Paulik - 5:11:37, 1st Female 35-39
Amy Javens - 5:13:19, 3rd Female 40-44
Keith Manning - 5:14:36, 2nd Male 50-54
Steve Soba - 5:45:08, 4th Clydesdale
Barbara Tardiff - 6:12:49, 1st Female 55-59

Next Stop: Ironman 70.3 Syracuse, on June 23, 2013.See you then!

QT2 Results - Revolution 3 Quassy
Chris Baird - 4:10:36
Pedro Gomes – 4:13:06
Darby Thomas – 4:20:17
Matt Curbeau – 4:24:43, 1st Amateur Male, 1st M25-29
Jason Frank – 4:28:35, 2nd Amateur Male, 1st M30-34
Julian Underwood – 4:36:29, 1st M40-44
Tim Snow – 4:40:50
John Spinney - 4:44:38, 4th M35-39
Jesse Kropelnicki – 4:45:13, 5th M35-39
John Dunbar – 4:47:38, 5th M40-44
Jesse Marquardt – 4:50:16, 7th M40-44
Brad Strater – 4:54:20, 8th M30-34
Jayson DeAngelis – 4:56:01
Kaitlin Anelauskas – 4:57:19, 4th Amateur Female, 2nd F25-29
Zach Pratt – 5:01:07
David Miles – 5:01:52, 9th M25-29
Fred Horwood - 5:06:48, 4th M45-49
Kyle Strater – 5:07:43
Todd Hedges – 5:10:51
Bridget Paulik - 5:11:37, 1st F35-39
Amy Javens – 5:13:19, 3rd F40-44
Keith Manning – 5:14:36, 2nd M50-54
Kevin McIntyre – 5:26:13
Sam Farnsworth - 5:27:29, 10th M50-54
Tory Smith – 5:30:22
Rick Brown – 5:43:28
Steve Soba - 5:45:08, 4th Clydesdale
Ken Clebak – 5:48:00
Kevin Sullivan – 5:50:58
Bonnie Underwood – 5:56:39
Rob Strachan – 5:59:20
Lisa Goodkin – 6:00:59
Leslie Reap – 6:03:46
Debi Caprio – 6:10:09
Barbara Tardiff – 6:12:49 1st F55-59
Amanda Kourtz - 6:17:09 *Mechanical
Melissa Labrie – 6:19:54
Deirdre Kolarick – 6:38:35
Ben Clark - 6:50:12
Sarah Rupprecht – 6:50:57
Scott Gaudet – 7:37:06

The Core Diet Partners With OutRival Racing

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:00:00 -0400

The Core Diet, an operating business of QT2 Systems, LLC and a foremost provider of sports nutrition services, is very excited to announce its recent affiliate partnership with OutRival Racing (ORR); offering ORR athletes nutritional support as a part of their training and racing needs. ORR is one of the largest Texas-based coaching services providing training plans, group programs, and weekly training sessions to triathletes, runners, cyclists and other endurance athletes. ORR is also the official coach of the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas and Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. For more information, please read the full release HERE.

QT2 Systems athletes Brave The Heat at Ironman Texas 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400

QT2 athletes had to deal with some pretty difficult conditions at Ironman Texas, and were once again forced to overcome a good deal of adversity. But, that is the nature of Ironman. If you were following the athletes this past Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Memorial Hermann IronmanTexas, you already know just how difficult it was. There were 19 QT2 athletes racing, up from 13 in 2012, and considering the conditions of the day (temps in the mid- to upper-90’s, with a heat index of 108 degrees), all of them deserve a lot of respect for making it across the finish line.

In the women’s professional race, QT2 PRO’s Jennie Hansen and Kim Schwabenbauer stole the show as they went 2nd and 3rd overall! Jennie’s 3:10:51 marathon was the 3rd fastest of all women on the day, as she finished in 9:25:35. Right behind her, with the 4th fastest run time, was Kim in 3:19:15! Kim ended the day finishing in 9:33:01.

PRO Kim Schwabenbauer gives her take in this post race interview:

For the professional men, QT2 PRO A.J. Baucco stayed strong on the run, finishing in 8:53:37 good for 8th place overall. PRO Pedro Gomes was a few spots behind, in 12th place at 9:08:07.

In the age-group race, eight QT2 athletes racing finished in the top-10 of their respective divisions and two in the top five! One athlete, Derek Delmonico who grabbed 5th place in the M40-44 earned his trip to Kona.

QT2 athlete Audra Adair who took 2nd in the F35-39, with the second fastest run split for her division and 15th OA for the women, would have grabbed a Kona slot, but had already qualified by winning her age-group back in November at Ironman Arizona!

Thanks again to all of our sponsors who continue to help us succeed in all aspects of the sport;

Those receiving awards included:
A.J. Baucco - 8:53:37, 8th Pro Male
Jennie Hansen - 9:25:35, 2nd PRO Female
Kim Schwabenbauer- 9:33:01, 3rd PRO Female
Audra Adair - 10:36:54, 2nd Female 35-39

As what seems to be the norm for QT2 athletes, they had to battle extremely challenging conditions, with full sun and temperatures in the upper-90's and a real feel of over 100! This, alone, makes the day's results that much more impressive. Next Stop: Rev3 Quassy on June 2, 2013. See you then!

Check out this post race interview with Jennie Hansen:

QT2 Results - Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas
A.J. Baucco - 8:53:37, 8th Pro Male
Pedro Gomes – 9:08:07, 12th Pro Male
Jennie Hansen – 9:25:35, 2nd Pro Female *3rd Fastest Marathon
Kim Schwabenbauer – 9:33:01, 3rd Pro Female *4th Fastest Marathon
Derek Delmonico – 10:02:24, 5th M40-44 *Kona Slot
Audra Adair – 10:36:54, 2nd F35-39 *2nd Fastest AG Marathon
Pat Wheeler – 10:47:22
Patty Carrel - 10:59:36, 7th F40-44
Christine Kogut – 11:09:43, 10th F40-44
Carl Hefflefinger – 11:13:39, 9th M50-54
James Harris – 11:18:10, *72 minute PR
Britney Wilson – 11:19:09, 7th F25-29
John Barrett – 11:39:06
Donavon Lewis – 12:12:51, *117 minute PR
Margarita Sevilla – 12:20:18
Ryan Oilar – 12:23:03
Tracey Delmonico - 13:29:10
Stephanie Boutilier – 13:57:41
Molly Zahr – 14:12:29

QT2 Athletes Shine: Kicking Off 2013 at Ironman Texas 70.3!

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

This past Sunday, April 7th, 2013 in Galveston, TX 37 QT2 athletes lined up to take part in the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas. That’s up from just over 20 QT2’ers in 2012. Based on how well QT2 Systems athletes performed during 2012 the coaching staff knows it will be tough to duplicate those successes in 2013. Yet, Galveston proved we can do it again in 2013!

The conditions were much better than in 2012 despite the strong sun. Hot and breezy conditions were replaced with milder temps (mid 70’s) and a slight breeze; pretty much ideal conditions to race 70.3 miles in Texas. If you consider that many of our QT2 athletes live in colder climates, without the ability to get in many outdoor miles on the bike prior to race day this early in the season, the results that were compiled on Sunday were simply that much more impressive. In addition, we once again debuted our brand new race kits for 2013 courtesy of Pearl Izumi!

For the professional women, QT2 Systems’ Caitlin Snow finished third. Her run time of 1:19:43 was almost 90-seconds faster than in 2012. Other QT2 Pro women included Jennie Hansen who came in 7th with the 4th fastest Pro women run split in 1:22:25, Stephanie Jones who came in 8th with the 4th fastest Pro women bike split in 2:23:18, and Pro Amanda Kourtz making her professional debut, and finishing 12th.

For the professional men the results were much the same. Pedro Gomes took 5th place overall with a time of 3:54:50 with Christopher Baird finishing just over two minutes back in 3:57:15, good for 7th place. Finishing just out of the top ten for the men were Darby Thomas in 13th at 4:01:56 and AJ Baucco in 4:05:11, good for 15th place.

In the age-group race, the women had eleven top-ten age-group finishes that included two overall category wins. One by Amy Javens in 4:39:26, and another by Debi Bernardes in 5:09:47 (this was a win by 30 minutes!) The woman also had two second, a fourth and fifth place finish! One second place finish, by Kaitlin Anelauskas in 4:36:20 included the second fastest swim and run for her age group, and the other by Brigitte Paulick in 4:42:52 was a 25 minute PR.

For the age-group men, the performances included eight top-10 finishes including third place for Rodney Scott (on his birthday no less), in the M35-39 division in 4:20:36. In addition, there were two fourth place finishes; Matt Curbeau in the M25-29 division in 4:09:48 and Jesse Kropelnicki in the M35-39 division just behind Rodney in 4:23:38.

As a team, QT2 Systems won the Level III Team award for the day that includes Tri Teams/Club with membership between 100-249 athletes!

Some other notable statistics worth mentioning were: In all (Pro & AG), there was 2 divisional wins, 11 top-5 finishers and 19 top-10 finishers. There were two times under 4:00 hours. Twelve times under 4:30 hours and twenty-four times under 5:00 hours!

Those receiving awards included:
Pedro Gomes – 3:54:50, 5th Pro Male
Matt Curbeau – 4:09:58, 4th Male 25-29
Cait Snow – 4:17:38, 3rd Pro Female
Rodney Scott – 4:20:36, 3rd Male 35-39
Jesse Kropelnicki – 4:23:38, 4th Male 35-39
Kaitlin Anelauskas – 4:36:20, 2nd Female 25-29
Amy Javens – 4:39:26, 1st Female 40-44
Brigitte Paulick – 4:42:52, 2nd Female 35-39
Kate Weiler – 4:59:54, 4th Female 30-34
Nicole Kretzer – 5:01:49, 5th Female 30-34
Debi Bernardes – 5:09:47 1st Female 55-59

As always, thanks again to all of our sponsors who continue to help us succeed in all aspects of the sport:

When all was said and done, QT2 had an amazing all-around day. Next Stop: Bassman Half Ironman on May 5, 2013. See you then!

QT2 Results - Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas
Pedro Gomes – 3:54:50, 5th Pro Male
Christopher Baird – 3:57:15, 7th Pro Male
Darby Thomas – 4:01:56
AJ Baucco – 4:05:11
Matt Curbeau - 4:09:58, 4th M25-29
Tim Snow – 4:16:35
Cait Snow – 4:17:38, 3rd Pro Female
Timothy Clarke - 4:19:26, 7th M30-34
Rodney Scott – 4:20:36, 3rd M35-39
Steven Quinn – 4:22:21, 9th M30-34
Jesse Kropelnicki – 4:23:38, 4th M35-39
Jennie Hansen – 4:23:51, 7th Pro Female
Stephanie Jones - 4:24:14, 8th Pro Female
Amanda Kourtz – 4:31:23
Joseph Redmond – 4:31:37
Brad Strater – 4:32:57
Kaitlin Anelauskas – 4:36:20, 2nd F25-29
Paul Mikuszewski – 4:38:20, 9th M40-44
Rudy Quinn – 4:38:30, 8th M18-24
Amy Javens – 4:39:26, 1st F40-44
Dean Haspela – 4:39:56
Ryan Oilar – 4:40:43
Brigitte Paulick – 4:42:52, 2nd F35-39
Tatiana Vertiz – 4:52:42
Kate Weiler – 4:59:54, 4th F30-34
Nicole Kretzer – 5:01:49, 5th F30-34
Dave Strassburg – 5:03:11
Tara Rasch – 5:06:37, 10th F30-34
Debi Bernardes – 5:09:47 1st F55-59
James Harris - 5:11:34
Chris Kogut - 5:14:19
Jeff Rose - 5:17:22
Kevin Sullivan - 5:17:26
Tory Smith - 5:17:55
Katie Myszka - 5:23:59 *1st 70.3
Samantha Murphy - 5:32:00
Molly Zahr - 5:34:33
Mike Sgro - 6:36:10 *1st 70.3

QT2 Systems Has Announced Its 2013 Race Team

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Boston, MA - Boston-based triathlon coaching and nutrition group, QT2 Systems has announced its 2013 Elite, Elite Age Group, and Advanced triathlon racing teams. Initially created by Coach Jesse Kropelnicki, the team is composed of Elite/Professional, as well as advanced age group athletes based throughout the world.

Team QT2 will field 145 athletes including 25 professionals for the 2013 season, an increase of 40% over 2012. QT2 will also welcome Quintana Roo and Rudy Project as headline partners, and continue its partnerships with NormaTec, Power Bar, FuelBelt, Fast:Splits Multisport, and BlueSeventy. QT2's triathlon team is an invaluable vehicle in furthering QT2's mission of bringing quantitative based coaching, integrated with sound nutrition to all athletes. "We were able to increase the size of our team again this year, due to top-notch race results including 27 athletes finishing Kona in 2012, as well as the continued growth of the QT2 coaching business, and the support we continue to receive from our partners," explains Kropelnicki.

Below are the confirmed 2013 Elite team members. Please visit the QT2 website (www.qt2systems.com) for a listing of all team members, including the Elite Age Group and Advanced Teams, or if you are interested in joining the QT2 team as either a partner or athlete.

2013 QT2 Systems Elite Team Roster

Erick Anderson, North Conway, NH (PRO)
Katilin Anelauskas, Somerville, MA
Chris Baird, Boston, MA (PRO)
AJ Baucco, Clermont, FL (PRO)
Brianna Blanchard, Boston, MA (PRO)
Ryan Borger , Denver, CO (PRO)
Ethan Brown, Lowell, MA (PRO)
Rich Burke, Morristown, NJ
Jeremy Cornman, Leetsdale, PA (PRO)
Jocelyn Cornman, Leetsdale, PA (PRO)
Matt Curbeau, Penn Yan, NY
Jessie Donavan, Charlotte,VT (PRO)
Jason Frank, Burlington, VT (PRO)
Matt Gloekler, Dallas, TX (PRO)
Pedro Gomes, Portugal (PRO)
Jacqui Gordon, Point Pleasant, NJ (PRO)
Jennie Hansen, Rochester, NY (PRO)
Amy Javens, Hermitage, PA
Vinny Johnson, Noth Berwick, ME (PRO)
Stephanie Jones, Charleston, NC (PRO)
Amanda Kourtz, Raynham, MA (PRO)
Doug Maclean, Ithaca, NY (PRO)
Kim Schwabenbauer, Knox, PA (PRO)
Caitlin Snow, Brockton, MA (PRO)
Tim Snow, Brockton, MA (PRO)
Tim Tapply, Sherborn, MA (PRO)
Darby Thomas, Finland (PRO)
Tatiana Vertiz, San Antonio, TX (PRO)
Patrick Wheeler, Worcester, MA (PRO)

About QT2 Systems

Based out of Boston, MA and serving athletes throughout the world, QT2 Systems, LLC offers triathlon and single sport training programs through its One-on-One coaching and Mission Plan services. QT2 Systems also offers group-based and One-on-One nutrition support, under the guidance of its Registered Dietitians, for athletes of all sports using the principles of the proven Core Diet. For more information on the training and nutrition services offered by QT2 Systems, please visit www.qt2systems.com and www.thecorediet.com or join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

QT2 Systems Signs a 3-Year Deal With Quintana Roo

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:55:00 -0500

QT2 Systems Triathlon Racing Team is pleased to announce Quintana Roo as its official bike sponsor for the 2013 season, and beyond.

The QT2 Systems Triathlon Racing Team will have their pick of Quintana Roo's two top-level, triathlon-specific bicycles, the CDO.1, and the brand's premier racing machine, the Illicito. Also, the Litespeed brand, Quintana Roo's sister company, gives the QT2 team the option to expand their stable into the world of road bikes, as well.

QT2 Systems' racing team is comprised of triathletes at every level, including 24 Professionals, some of who were among the team's 27 Kona qualifiers in 2012. In 2013, the team will field approximately 140 athletes, and be the most geographically diverse squad to date.

"QT2 Systems is the ideal candidate for our brand to continue to develop and grow. Their group of dedicated athletes are among the sport's most committed and well-prepared. Like us, they take the sport of triathlon very seriously, and have a sense of community within which everyone is able to prosper. We are thrilled to work with QT2 Systems over the long-term, as it will allow us significantly more latitude to realize a truly mutually beneficial relationship", said American Bicycle Group's CEO, Peter Hurley.

Jesse Kropelnicki, founder of QT2 Systems, said of the relationship, "We are very excited about putting together a multi-year deal with QR. This will allow us to grow with them, and promote one another along the way. In the past, having been subjected to only single year commitments, with our bike sponsors, neither party has had the time necessary to foster the value of the relationship, for all that it could be. Our current 3-year agreement gives us that time, and our athletes the time to cultivate their brand."

For more information on the 2013 Quintana Roo product lineup, please visit http://www.quintanarootri.com. To submit an application for the 2013 QT2 Triathlon Racing Team, please visit http://www.qt2systems.com

Coach Jesse Kropelnicki Announces Upcoming PRO Athlete Camp

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:00:00 -0500

Head Coach Jesse Kropelnicki, of QT2 Systems, announces the implementation of a new PRO/ELITE athlete training camp. Based out of Clermont, FL, this exclusive camp will feature 17 professional athletes working with QT2 Systems. This camp was created for PROs, to develop their talent within a group squad environment. The camp will run for 17 days, beginning on February 15th, and will utilize Clermont's renowned National Training Center. The camp has been scheduled for the early season to allow PROs the opportunity to prepare for early season racing, in weather conditions that they are likely to experience on race day. Kropelnicki said of the camp, "I'm excited to get all of our coached PROs in one location to learn from one another. All athletes have strengths, physically and mentally, that they can share with their peers. That's the purpose and focus of this camp, to advance the ability of QT2 athletes to operate as true professionals, not simply fast athletes with PRO licenses." Coach Jesse plans to run this PRO camp each year in February and potentially add other PRO camps throughout the summer, in order to continue to foster the importance of face-to-face contact with his athletes and have them benefit from the squad atmosphere.

The 2013 confirmed list of attendees for the Florida camp includes many Ironman podium finishers and past Ironman Champions:

Athlete	Notable Performance
Chris Baird	ITU/70.3 Athlete
AJ Baucco	2nd OA Savageman 2012
Brianna Blanchard	ITU Athlete
Matt Curbeau	1st Year PRO
Jessie Donavan	1st OA IMLP 2012
Pedro Gomes	3rd OA IM AUSTRIA 2012
Jacqui Gordon	3rd OA IMLP 2012
Jennie Hansen	2nd OA IMLP 2012
Stephanie Jones	5th OA IMFL 2012
Amanda Kourtz	1st Year PRO
Doug MacLean	5th OA IMLP 2012
Kim Schwabenbauer	3rd OA REV3 Cedar Pt 2012
Caitlin Snow	9th OA IM Kona 2012
Tim Snow	8th OA IMLP 2011
Darby Thomas	4th OA Antwerp 70.3 2012
Tatiana Vertiz	1st Year PRO
Patrick Wheeler	1st Year PRO

Click here to learn more about Coach Jesse's Elite/PRO athlete roster.

Core Diet New Year Sale!

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:00:00 -0500

The Core Diet will help you to achieve and maintain your optimal weight and body composition in the New Year, improving health and athletic performance, and SPEED along the way. Staffed by experienced registered dietitians that work exclusively with athletes, The Core Diet offers several options for those looking to attain a healthy body weight and/or solve race nutrition issues. Check out this great sale from the Core Diet: Triathlon Nutrition Sale

QT2 Announces 2013 Training Camp Schedule!

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:10:00 -0500

QT2 Systems, LLC, leading provider of triathlon training and nutrition services, and the group that put 27 athletes on the 2012 Kona starting line, has announced its training camp schedule for the upcoming 2013 season. Each of QT2 Systems' training camps are located in triathlete friendly areas, with ample swimming, biking, and running opportunities available. Athletes are treated to first-rate mechanic services, professionally licensed massage therapists, and superb accommodations. At each training camp athletes are welcome to attend training and/or nutrition talks, presented by our coaches and/or Registered Dietitians. Each camp also offers an analysis component, be it swim technique, bike fit, running form, or physiology.

The 3rd annual training camp, in Clermont, FL, will take place February 7-10th, in the heart of Florida's hilly country. Escape the winter monotony of the indoor trainer with a long weekend of riding on rural farm roads, and swimming in the outdoor pool of the National Training Center, former southeast location of USA Triathlon. This camp will feature a timed 5k running time trial at the National Training Center's track facility. Typical February temperatures, for Clermont, FL, are in the low to mid-70s, with plenty of sun.

The 1st annual training camp in Tucson, AZ is set for April 25 -28th, near the University of Arizona and Mount Lemon. The average temperatures for Tucson in April range from a low in the mid 50's to a high most days in the upper 70's to low 80's, with low humidity and plenty of sun. We're very excited to add this new camp location to our offering for 2013, and beyond.

The 2nd annual training camp in Lake Placid, NY, will run June 27-30th, on the swim, bike, and run courses of Ironman Lake Placid. This camp is scheduled perfectly for a peak weekend of training into July 28th's race, and serves as an excellent build up for, Mont Tremblant, Louisville, and Canada. It is also an excellent option for athletes preparing for a late season 70.3. The Lake Placid training camp will feature an aquabike competition, consisting of a time trial swim through one loop of the Ironman course, as well as a our famed "15 Minutes of Pain" bike TT. Athletes will also have their bike positions analyzed, using state of the art coaching software. This was a great camp in 2012, from both a training and course preparation standpoint. Don't miss out!

The 6th annual Ludlow, VT training camp will take place August 22-25th, in the hills of the Green Mountain State. This camp is ideal for the athlete who is training for a big late season event, and features a 1-mile open water swim time trial, at Plymouth State Park, and a very challenging bike time trial up Tyson Road. Athletes will also have the opportunity to look at their underwater swim technique , through video analysis. This camp is a favorite among triathletes, and brings athletes along beautiful and challenging country roads.

Each camp has a limited capacity, and will likely sell out quickly, so act soon! For more information on any of QT2's training camps, or to sign up, visit the QT2 camps area on the QT2 website HERE. Our camps only require a $350 deposit to get your name on the list!

QT2 Systems Coach Pat Goes PRO

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0500

Very few are able to meet the criteria necessary to turn Pro, in the sport of triathlon. For many it requires years of consistent training and success in the amateur ranks. It is this consistency that has brought age-group athlete and QT2 Systems coach, Patrick Wheeler, to the door of a new career.

Last week, after his 2nd place finish in IMAZ's amateur race, Coach Pat decided to make the transition from a nationally top-ranked age-group athlete, at the Ironman distance, to first year professional, during the 2013 season. We posed a few questions to Pat to get an idea of what this will mean for him:

How long have you now been training and racing at the Ironman distance as an age-group athlete?

I've been training for Ironman since the winter of 2007 which was in preparation for Ironman Lake Placid the following July of 2008.

At what point did you consider the thought of turning professional?

Truthfully, I had always wanted to be a "pro" triathlete, because that's what my good friends (Tim and Cait Snow, Brian Hughes), and training partners were doing and thus I always had it in my mind as a goal. But it wasn't until Ironman Texas in 2012 when I thought I had a shot at actually being able to turn professional (4th place overall age-group finish). Ironman Arizona just a few short weeks ago (2nd place overall age-group finish), showed me that in the next 3-4 years I might even be able to become truly competitive.

How does one actually "turn professional"?

USAT gives an athlete seven different options to qualify to become a professional. One option, which I chose, was to finish in the top 3 overall of an age-group field in a race with $20,000 or more of available prize money.

Now that you'll be racing as a professional, will this change anything you currently do?

When it comes to training and racing no, I won't change a thing. I believe too many athletes try to make huge changes or adjustments to their training and/or racing regimens once they turn pro and it never seems to work out. I'll just keep doing the things that have pushed me to this point.

Have you decided on your 2013 race schedule at this point?

I am 100% committed to Ironman Texas again and I would really like to go back to Ironman Arizona as well as the Pumpkinman Half, but what happens in addition to those three races is really still up in the air at the moment.

Do you have any specific short vs. long-term goals as a professional that you would be willing to share?

My short-term goals are the same as they have been since day one; continue to nail training, nutrition, and recovery as best as I can on a day to day basis. Doing that usually takes care of the long-term goals. That said, I would love to win an Ironman some day…

Coach Jesse Kropelnicki said of their decision in Pat turning Pro - "He is ready. I'm much less concerned about the performance of those athletes wanting to turn "Pro" as I am their ability to operate as a true "professional" both in and out of training. I want to see the athlete not only having the speed required, but more importantly the ability to make unbelievable sacrifices day in day out in terms of recovery, nutrition, mental approaches, etc. At the end of the day, its these qualities that will continue to progress the athlete beyond being just another fast kid with a Pro card. Pat display's these qualities on a consistent basis which indicates to me that he is ready and validates his already apparent speed."

All of us at QT2 Systems are looking forward to following along and supporting Pat, as he enters into the Pro ranks. If he continues along the path that he has been following, there is no telling how far he will go!