Gary Donath M50-54

san luis obispo, california

Occupation: Plastic Surgeon

Educational Background: College - Tulane University; Medical School – Tulane University School of Medicine; General Surgery Residency – University of Texas Southwestern; Plastic Surgery Residency – University of Pennsylvania; Microsurgery Fellowship - UCSF

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? I was raised in New York and New Jersey. I now live in San Luis Obispo, CA

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? Approximately 6 years

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Nuun Tablets!

How did you get your start in Triathlons? My friend, a fellow surgeon and I decided to do the Malibu triathlon and gradually started doing longer races. I try to do a couple of ˝ ironman races per year with a friend from medical school that lives in Dan Diego.  I do 1 ironman race per year.

What is your favorite workout? Bike dominant brick

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Watching my kids swim…they are better than me!

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? Natascha Badmann because she always smiles

If you could have one superhero power what would it be? Swim really fast!

Describe your biggest race disaster. Ironman Wisconsin 9-10-06. Very cold and constant rain for the entire bike and run.    I was not prepared for bad weather on the bike and became hypothermic until the second half of the marathon when I grabbed some foil wrappers and stuffed them inside my tri tank.  It was a truly miserable day.

 Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? I watch the movie “The Coneheads”

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? A beer

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? I destroyed my Kestrel Talon SL by driving into the garage with it on the roof rack a month before an ironman race.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Building greenhouses and planting pineapples in South Florida in July and August.

What adjective describes you best? Dedicated

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? Enjoy training with your friends and try to avoid overtraining and injuries.

Recent Results: California 70.3, 37th AG, Wildflower Long Course, 15th AG