Nationality: US Citizen

Hometown: Grew up in the outdoor mecca of Bend, OR.  Currently a proud resident of Eugene, OR

First Triathlon: The 2006 Pleasanton Tri-For-Fun Sprint, which I did with friends on less than 3 hours of sleep and more than 3 beers.

Favorite distance: Anything within an arms reach 

Career highlight: 2010 Escape from Alcatraz.  It was my first race after a 3 year break and my goal was to win my age group.  I finished as the fastest age-grouper by over 7 minutes and 7th in the pro field with the fastest run.  Most importantly though, the result validated my decision to take a risk and try to become a pro triathlete so late in my athletic career.

Race wheels: Carbon TT85 and Carbon Disc.  Seriously awesome!

Nickname: JT

Favorite race: 3000m Steeplechase, my specialty on the track team while at Stanford.  It will always be the longest 8 ½ minutes of my life.

Favorite place to train: Right here in Eugene, Oregon.  I’ve trained all over the world and I’ll tell you what, nothing beats Eugene in the summer.  Great trails, literally hundreds of miles of nicely paved, low traffic roads, 3-4 lakes and an outdoor 50m pool.  Freaking awesome.

What I dread about race day: The time between putting on my wetsuit and the start of the race – I’m always worried I’ll have to go number two one more time.

What I always wanted to be when I grew up: An NBA basketball player, specifically a 6’9” point guard like Magic Johnson. 

If I was a cartoon character I would be: Homer Simpson

If I could have lunch with anyone it would be: Wolfgang Puck.  You know that would be a tasty lunch.

My hero is: My wife, Lauren Fleshman, super stud 5k runner and definitely the best thing I’ve got going.

Favorite food: Picky Bars (www.pickybars.com) – A gluten & dairy free, all natural energy bar developed by Lauren and I for athletes.  They taste crazy good and between my training and snacking, I seriously eat 3-5 a day.

If I won the lottery: I’d start a venture fund for socially and environmentally responsible start-up businesses.  I’m personally addicted to finding and growing cool ideas and would love to support businesses that simultaneously create jobs while making the world a better place.

Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting – Prodigy story, funny, cute girl, and just the right amount of tear jerking.  That movie has it all.

Additional thoughts or notes:  I’m really excited to race for Rolf Prima with their light, stiff, and crazy fast wheels!  Seriously, thanks for the support and looking forward to 2011!

www.leapdaysports.com

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