Brian Grasky, M30-34

tucson, arizona

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races?   First race was in ’92—the Bud Light series Championship in Las Vegas.  After college, I stopped racing and got fat during pilot training, then resumed in 2000 with IM Australia.  Since then, I’ve raced in 5 countries and 15 states.

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com?          If you’re not in my age group:  ZOOT Zenith wetsuit.  Even I can swim in one of those…  If you are in my age group:  running tires at 40psi--makes for a smooth ride… 

How did you get your start in Triathlons?  I started as a runner, then walked off the cross country team in college to try new things.  I got yanked into the Academy’s tri club by a friend and on my first ride the chain on my borrowed bike broke, and my friend had to push me 12 miles and 1000’ climb back to the dorms!  I did my first race as a freshman and was hooked.  ‘Back in the day’ we wore day-glo and speedos—I had a black and bright green TYR suit, a black and bright yellow helmet, white and pink racing flats, and a white and bright green Specialized Allez.  Those photos will NEVER surface!

What is your favorite workout?  Bike ride up Mt Lemmon from 3000 to 8500’, followed by a brick run through the hilly neighborhoods at the bottom. 

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…”  Right now: rehab.  Usually, though, it’s spending time traveling with Jill or working with athletes of all abilities.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? Any one of my friends.  I thoroughly enjoy spending time with friends, and when that time can be an easy base ride it’s all the better.

If you could have one superhero power what would it be?  The rubbery resilience of Mrs Incredible.  With that, I wouldn’t have broken my leg off in May—that would have helped a lot over the last few months…

What piece of equipment would you absolutely drive home for if you forgot it? My lucky pink transition towel.  It’s easy to spot since I’m the only guy with a pink transition towel.  I’m OK with it.

Describe your biggest race disaster. This one’s easy…In May 2007 I was racing in the national mountain bike series.  I suffered a crash where my foot got trapped in the pedal.  Through this I learned math:  5 fractures (2 spiral) = 5 surgeries + 23 screws + 2 plates + 8 months x 2 crutches + 5 infections + multiple docs and PTs, and a wild ride both physically and emotionally.  If you don’t have good medical insurance, get it now!

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual?      Pre-race for me is a reunion with friends and rivals.  It’s a good time!

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? Cold Stone Peanut Butter Perfection.  Mmmm.  After the Armed Forces Championship race in SoCal, we go out as a team to In-n-Out for a Double-Double, Animal Style (everything on it with a milkshake). 

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? (For example, have you driven into the garage with a bike on the roof, run over race wheels, etc.) I broke me.  I found out my lower left leg is worth about $50k. 

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?  I did yard work and odd jobs in high school.  One guy hired me for every Sunday for a summer to clean up his huge yard.  It was a disaster.  One of the jobs was to clean out a rusted old VW bug with more black widows in the trunk than an arachnophobe’s nightmare on Halloween.

What adjective describes you best?I say multi-faceted; Jill says over-extended.  Potato, potahto. 

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?    Sell your mountain bike!  I’m kidding.  Have fun.  When it stops being fun, go play a new game.

Recent Race Results: 5^th CAT 5, Picacho Peak TT#1 40k; 3^rd CAT 5, Picacho Peak TT#2 40k; 2^nd AG, Carlsbad Sprint Tri, Carlsbad CA; 2^nd AG, Tucson Aquathlon Series; 4^th OA, Tucson Aquathlon Series Championships; 1^st OA, DMAFB Aquathlon;