A.J. Perna

My Home Turf:

I was born at Monmouth Medical in Long Branch in the Summer of '69, I grew up (bored out of my skull) in Jackson, and have been residing in lovely, Island Heights since 1995.

My Support Crew:

My wife, Melissa and I have been together for 18 Years...  Throughout that time, She’s been behind me, 100%, encouraging every crazy venture / idea / scheme / etc.  The fact that she still has a hard time wrapping her head around the whole “my husband is now a triathlete” concept, allows her to offer just the right support I need from her... Not bitching about the amount of time that I need to devote to training and always sending me off with nothing more than a little, “Don’t hurt yourself, and just call me when you’re on your way home”.

My 5-Year-Old Daughter, Vivian’s job is ever easier... Sit near the transition area or finish line on race day, shouting “GO DADDY GO!”

How I Pay the Bills:

I’m a PhotoShop expert who “enhances” pictures of friends and family, putting them in compromising positions... then I use the new ‘picture” as blackmail for cash and prizes. But, when asked for legal purposes, I’m an Art Director / Graphic Designer for a Toms River-based advertising agency.  I also write articles and design layouts for a network of luxury home magazines.

How I Spend My Time When I’m Not Working or Triathlon-ing:

Pizza & popcorn fueled Family Movie Nights at home with the girls •  Mountain biking in the fall & winter • Performing in the greatest children’s music duo on the planet... The Big Poppas! • Avoiding yard work.

My Thoughts on, and Continuing Reasons for Triathlon:

Now, almost 4 years since my gastric bypass surgery, I am unfortunately seeing many other post-op weight loss patients gain a lot of weight back, while I have maintained below 200 lbs.  Triathlon training and racing has kept me focused on a healthy lifestyle and most importantly, allows me to set a good example for my daughter... I made sure that she would be right there to witness me crossing the IMCdA finish line and I was overjoyed to be able send her off to Kindergarten this fall, with absolutely no memory of an unhealthy father.

My Thoughts on the Jersey Shore Triathlon Club: 

I posted this once before on the club board, but I think it bears repeating...

I can’t express how much the ENTIRE club and it’s membership has meant to me. Throughout my entire life, I have had a tendency to engage in a lot of self-destructive behavior. And, aside from my family, I tended seek out nothing but other self-destructive people... Negative influences. In recent years, I have come to realize that the true measure of a man can be discerned by taking a look at his friends and associates... the people that he CHOOSES to surround himself with. So, if that truly is an assessment a man’s character, these past three seasons as an active member of the JSTC is how I’d like to be measured.