Mike Montoya M35-39

las cruces, new mexico

Occupation: Teacher for children with severe behavior and emotional disorders (12-13 age).

Educational Background: Masters degree from NMSU Special Education

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? I grew up in Socorro, NM and still consider that place home although I live in Las Cruces, NM.

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? My first triathlon was in 1991 when I was a junior in college it was called the Burn Lake Triathlon.

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Cool bike gear and race attire!

How did you get your start in Triathlons? I have always enjoyed working out as a form of stress relief, so triathlons and I was a match made in heaven… especially in my line of work.

What is your favorite workout? My favorite workout would have to be a nice long semi hard bike ride through the different mountain ranges near my home either with the company of my I Pod or with one of my two bros

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” I enjoy being a daddy to my 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son, having a beer with my wife or bros, and playing golf.

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? I would like to train with my little brother Steven for a week. He moved back home last year and I miss our regular training sessions just as much as his sense of humor and company.

If you could have one superhero power what would it be? The ability to reach someone and make all their problems disappear would definitely make you a superhero in their eyes!

Describe your biggest race disaster. I would have to say wearing a one piece racing suit in Ironman Hawaii ’99. I accidently pinned my front zipper closed with my race number and it made for a very uncomfortable day.

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? I like to think that I am pretty simple so usually my go to’s are: Disturbed, Linkin Park, a trip to the porta potty, and a kiss for safe return.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)? I love food so I will go with left side of the menu.

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? The only real gear I have lost or destroyed are: 1. A J Disc back in the day, I accidently put my finger through it. 2. A wheel flew off the top of my vehicle o a trip to Rocky Point, but it reappeared about a month later propped up by a stick on the side of the road just past Deming when we were on our way to Wildflower! My friends still have a hard time believing that one.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? To be honest I have always taken jobs working with children with disabilities and disorders so I always have the luxury of creating my own climate, so to speak. I have worked in this field since I was 16 so I guess the down part of this line of work would definitely be losing students both former and present to things like gang violence, jail, death by natural causes, and most recently and most hurtful was losing a current student to suicide.

What adjective describes you best? To most it would probably have to be ones like cocky and intense, but to the ones who matter most it’s caregiver, confident, and humorous.

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition? My advice would be as follows: Don’t get caught up in all the new high dollar gear right away. I advise putting in your time on an older less expensive bike, hanging out with some of the old school triathletes who by the way will probably accept you a little better if your not on a 5,000 tri bike getting your ass kicked at local race and training rides all the time. Learn all you can about the different approaches to training, try as many different ideas out as possible until you find one that fits in both your lifestyle and your racing plan. When the time comes that you get pretty fast and want to take it to a higher level, hang out and train with pure runners, cyclists, and swimmers. The most important piece of advice would be to enjoy the ride.

Recent Results:Tucson Triathlon 1st age group 35-39, Dueces Wild Triathlon Olympic 1st age group 35-39, 1st overall combined time Xterra and olympic triathlons, 1st overall Lubbock Tri Raider Sprint Triathlon 3x defending champion.