US Triathlete Featured Triathlete:

California Featured Triathlete: Michael Hutto

I've been an avid triathlete for the past 12yrs since moving to San Francisco from NYC. At that time, I saw flyers looking for volunteers for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Since I lived in the Marina area, I was intrigued and signed up. It was an awesome experience and I signed up the next day for my first Olympic distance race! I raced many of the California triathlons over the next 9yrs. All were sprint or Olympic distance races and I've raced Alcatraz seven times and Wildflower eight times. It was in 2009 when I decided to up my game from being just a weekend warrior to the Half/70.3 distance. I signed up for Vineman 70.3 was thrilled to take my passion to the next level. Unfortunately, I strained my calf two weeks before the race due mainly to self coaching myself. After some pt, I did finish the race in 6:02 and was officially hooked to that distance. I smartened up in 2010 and hired a great coach who helped me grow as a triathlete and push my limits. I was able to compete in two half/70.3 races that year and even tested my fitness with the full distance Vineman aquabike, which was a blast!

2011 has been a great year for me, especially with being part of the Trakkers/REV3 triathlon team. We're made up of a great group of passionate ag'ers and a very successful group of pro's. It's been great to be part of such a dynamic and enthusiastic group. I love being an ambassador for some of the best brands in the business. Our roster of sponsors includes: Kestrel, First Endurance, TYR, AVIA, RecoveryPump, Triswim and Canari.

I've had a successful year of racing for Trakkers/REV3 where I've raced at Oceanside 70.3, Hawaii 70.3, REV3 Portland HalfREV and VIneman 70.3. I've also been able to bring down my half/70.3 PR to 5:08!

When I'm not training or racing, I'm spending time with my loving family including my three young girls. It's been exciting to see them express and interest in my training lifestyle. My oldest loves our Sunday workouts where she rides her bike while I run. We've worked our way up to 90min and it's great to bond with her in that way.

My goals are to remain healthy and to go faster. One of these years, I will win the Kona lottery and race on the famed Kona IM course. Until then, I will stick with the half/70.3 distance races and continue to improve! You can read about my adventures at www.mhutto.wordpress.com Remember to have fun and enjoy your training journey in addition to the races themselves!

Cheers - Michael