St. Croix Triathlon By Michael Lovato ISSUE #23, Summer 2004 - Early May is a lovely time to visit the Caribbean. It's especially nice if you're escaping a northern climate, in search of balmy weather, coastal breezes, and a laid-back, charming attitude. On May 2nd, over eight-hundred triathletes descended upon the United States Virgin Island of St. Croix to do just … [Read more...]

By Michael Lovato Photography by Paul Phillips ISSUE #22, Winter 2003/2004 - After successful events staged in Idaho, New York, and Canada, Ironman North America made the fourth stop on its IM series in the lovely capital city of Madison, Wisconsin. September 7th was the time and Lake Monona was the place. Just over 1,800 athletes were on hand to test their mettle on what last … [Read more...]

2003 Utah Half Ironman By Michael Lovato May 31, 2003 (Provo, UT) - It is extremely rare to get a second chance to make a first impression. If appearance or performance or accomplishment falls short of expectations, it is often beyond our means to reform perceptions. In general we are overwhelmed by our initial encounters, and attempts to build a new version are in vain. … [Read more...]

2003 Ralph's Half Ironman By Michael Lovato April 5, 2003 (San Diego, CA) - Ironman Champion. After finishing an Ironman race in first place, one earns the right to have this descriptive term permanently attached to his or her name. In all discussions triathlon-related, from pre-race hype to play-by-play action, this term quantifies the caliber of competition and the quality … [Read more...]

The Mount Taylor Quadrathlon By Michael Lovato February 15, 2003 (Grants, NM) - It was my first time. The last time I said that about a multi-sport event, I was nineteen years old and I was referring to my first ever sprint triathlon: an intramural event at the University of Texas at Austin. Over ten years later, I returned to the status of Newbie when I ventured down to … [Read more...]