Kye Gilder, M35-39

san diego, ca

Describe your athletic background. I participated in a variety of activities and sports as a youngster, focusing on football, basketball, and track & field in high school. In college, I played football and ran indoor and outdoor track, specializing in the decathlon. After college, I started playing in co-ed softball leagues and doing local road races, duathlons, and triathlons. Living in Southern California there tri-club events or races nearly every weekend. I love it!

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? I competed in my first triathlon at the age of 11, but really began racing competitively in road racing and multi-sport events during the past 12 years.

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? It’s a tie between the crunchy peanut butter Clif Bars and the new Spiuk Kronos aero helmet

What is your favorite workout? Either a leisurely weekend ride along the Pacific Coast Highway or a trail run with my friends.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” Traveling, snowboarding, playing with my dog Zoey, or chilling at the beach/pool.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? Not a triathlete, but the incredible and inspirational runner Dean Karnazes.  In one week we could cover some serious miles (I would need to run and bike of course).

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do? Dubai International Triathlon

Describe your biggest race disaster. Two come to mind… About 2 minutes before the start of a duathlon, my rear tube exploded. Knowing I didn’t have time to change it before the start, a spectator in his Sunday’s best -- suit and tie -- volunteered to change it. While I was running the opening 5 mile leg, my front tube exploded. The same gentleman changed this tube as well.  He was still pumping the front tire when I entered T1.  As I buckled my helmet, he removed the pump valve from the stem and away I went.  He saved me from a total disaster.  Lesson learned: Do not inflate your tires to max psi while in an air conditioned hotel room when it’s going to be 92 degree at race time. My second pseudo-disaster occurred in a recent race.  I took an early lead into T1 and had a smooth transition. Unfortunately, the race folks forgot to remove the ‘Bike Out’ gate. Uhhh Ohhh!  It took about 25 seconds for them to open the gate (actually they knocked it down).  By this time there were numerous bikes waiting to get out on the course. 

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? Eat pre-race meal before 6 p.m. the night before, pack & repack gear, arrive at race venue very early, and make at least 4 trips to the porta-potty. 

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?  Can of Coca-Cola and a box of Red Vines.

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.) Not really gear, but totaled 2 rental cars (not my fault). 

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? In junior high, I worked at Dairy Queen for a few hours.

What adjective describes you best? Driven!

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  Set short term and long term goals.  Understand the bike and run courses before your races. Find training partners at or above your skill level.  You’ll improve and it makes training/racing more fun. 

Race Results: TriSports.com Desert Classic Duathlon – 5th AG; Pasadena Triathlon – 3rd OA / 2nd AG; Temecula Triathlon – 2nd OA / 1st AG; San Diego Spring Sprint Duathlon – 1st OA / 1st AG; Avia Encinitas Sprint Duathlon – 1st OA / 1st AG; San Bernardino Tinman Triathlon – 2^nd OA / 2^nd AG; Surf Town Duathlon (Imperial Beach) – 3^rd OA / 1^st AG; San Dieguito 5K – 6th OA / 1st AG; Superbowl 5K – 12th OA / 2nd AG; San Diego Classic Sprint Triathlon – 12^th OA / 3^nd AG