Today, we visit with first year triathlete Bob Witanek. Bob came with his son, young Robert, as a package to the JSTC in the late spring. They should have marked it heavy lifting!
But as the summer grew on, so did the Witanek’s mature as a father/son triathlon duo. Dad pretty much showed up at training sessions and races with Robert always there by his side. Late in the year, young Robert showed Dad his back at the IBSP sprint!
JSTC: Bob, the first question inquiring minds want to know…..How the hell did you end up on the rocks at the July Asbury swim?
Bob: The instructions we had were to swim between two jettys. The breakers were a bit rough that day, the water was cold and the gogs were fogged. I was new to ocean swimming and got somewhat disoriented. I had some previous success on days with more favorable conditions so was take by surprised a bit.
I apparently did not realize that I had swum past the turn jetty. Once I did realize that, I figured I better head toward the beach. As I got closer to shore, I was dismayed to find that I was being swept straight toward the huge, sharp rocks and at that point, it was too late to change directions so I had to just make the best of it and try not to get injured too badly. Fortunately, with the help of a couple club members, I got off easy with a few scratches on the feet.
JSTC: Emergency service provided by Bill Parke…film at 11. I remember it well. I always wanted to stick the nickname Nascar on you…maybe it will stick from this interview. Gotta respect the ocean…people die there every summer.
JSTC: So other than rock collecting, why triathlon?
Bob: To be honest, my training and race participation is on a love – hate basis. Especially races and sometimes long work outs give a sense of anxiety. The amount of effort it takes to get to a race – waking up so early, getting the tools of the trade ready – driving often over an hour to get there early enough to set up and hopefully get a practice swim in is a lot to go through. During longer work outs and during races – I know I will finish but the thought always passes through my head that something could go wrong – sharks, panic attack in the water, the triathlon swim as contact sport syndrome – flat or accident on the bike – injury on the run – fear of body break down – body pains rearing their ugliness on and off - or just plain giving up – all passes through the mind.
While not entirely happy with each and every race performance and every training session, I am pleased with where I am today physically as compared to where I have been most of my life. The things I am able to accomplish now regarding endurance are beyond whatever I could have imagined 2 years ago. Completion of races and work outs are a confidence building exercise that likely bleeds into other areas of life. I like better the way I look and how I feel. Sometimes I get a tremendous rush after a race or good work out or just thinking about what I am capable of doing physically.
JSTC: Try not to use the metaphor “bleeds” around here. Our insurance has lapsed!
JSTC: You’ve come a long way Bob from those early days in the river. Share with us two things that stand from those first swims.
Bob: Well first and foremost was the frigid water which did not help in quelling the anxiety attacks, and that would be the second thing.
JSTC: I remember those anxiety attacks. It’s amazing what a whole new world it is when you finally figure out you need a pair goggles that don’t leak and learn to exhale underwater. Classic! You got it down now Nascar!
JSTC: What bike do you ride?
Bob: Craig’s list special, 2005 TREK 1500 Discovery knock off.
JSTC: That whole answer sounds illegal. Was Jon Feinstein the seller?
JSTC: What are your puppies using for treads?
Bob: I have 3 pairs of running shoes that I picked up from Stan’s Shoe Shack in South Bound Brook. Two are somewhat ortho. Stan’s famous and came recommended by doctors when I was having leg problems some years ago in that he analyzes your walk, how your shoe wears, etc., picks out shoes for you and then has you come back a couple weeks later and he modifies them with lifts, etc.
JSTC: The triathlon sector has created a whole cottage industry to cater to us. Soon we’ll be too big to fail...like the financial sector.
JSTC: Is there any truth to the rumor that you are looking for a wetsuit in something other than the color jetty black?
Bob: Red would be pretty cool.
JSTC: Very cool…just do it.
JSTC: What does the Witanek support crew at home consist of?
Bob: My wife Sue has been very supportive. She let’s me devote the hours and covers the home and kids and puts up with my occasional mood swings from over training or when things go wrong. In addition to son Rob, I have a younger son Ethan, 7, who is very interested from an observer point of view so far in the triathlon sport.
JSTC: God bless Sue.
JSTC: Tell us what it means to have young Robert doing triathlon with you?
Bob: As we get out to a race, we set aside our parent – child relationship and function more as pals for the day. He is driven by training for and participating triathlons and it has done wonders for his self esteem. He’s starting to beat me in the races, which is a motivation for me to try to get faster though I realize in the long run it is a losing battle.
JSTC: You got a good boy there. Congratulations.
JSTC: What do you do for a living? Please don’t say prospector!
Bob: Computer consultant but I am versatile and willing to try new things as well. In other words, I might be on the market real soon.
JSTC: Of course you’re versatile…You’re a triathlete!
JSTC: Looking back on 2008, what was your favorite race?
Bob: The first one was memorable – it was a pool start – and memorable as a first. The NJ was a lot of fun – well finishing was. There was a nice after race party with JSTRI Club and my parents and family were there.
JSTC: Pool? Let’s just say NJ was your first…chlorine is a banned substance in triathlon.
JSTC: Without mentioning Joe D. because we’re all so sick and tired of him….How does The JS Tri Club fit into your tri life?
Bob: Aside from Joe D . . . that’s a toughie. I initially joined the club to get the open water training practice. No where else can you have opportunity to swim in open water a half dozen times per week! The camaraderie at races and in the group’s forum make participation more exciting and fun. The forum also provides good advice and support along with many laughs. I confess to being a frequent visitor to the forum.
JSTC: Obama or McCain?
Bob: Neither! Opposed to spending half the treasury on war and the other half on trillion dollar hand outs to bankers and Wall Street fraudsters, I will be pressing the button for either one of the socialists on the bottom of the ballot or McKinney or Nader.
JSTC: I think Nader issued a recall on 2005 Trek Discovery knock offs along with a new warning on the remaining 6 Corvairs still running in our nation. I’m on his wheel.
JSTC: What’s the “A” race next year for you?
Bob: I am seriously considering Black Bear as my first HIM. It depends on how much hill training I get to over the fall, winter and spring. Additionally, I have the New Jersey Marathon penciled in. Otherwise, maybe 1 other HIM and the NJ Olympic. Will be looking and trying to do more Oly length next year in some of the filler races.
JSTC: You can never go wrong making a CGI Racing event your #1. (someone please forward to Larry and Michelle please).
JSTC: What’s a nearly 50+ AG’er dude like yourself listen to for music on the way to a race….And don’t say The Killers cause we’ll all know you’re lying!
Bob: Watch it bro . . . I’m still working my way through 48! I’m sort of old school . . . classic rock, big Zappa fan, jazz and some classical. My son is a big musician and he is currently studying a contemporary pianist and composer, Rzewski so we hear a lot of that too. Also I like angry revo music like Fela and Linton Kwesi Johnson.
JSTC: Zappa and angry revo. Holy Mothermania…you are out of control Nascar!
JSTC: Is it true that after the Asbury incident, you no longer order a drink “on the rocks” in order to avoid flashbacks?
Bob: Hate to admit it but I am quite boring in that I don’t imbibe in alcohol beverages. Now I am not saying that I never ingested. For fun I go for very spicy Thai food or Indian food. I like to eat!
JSTC: Take it from me…Thai can cause flashbacks as well.
JSTC: Very serious question because these interviews are very important to our club culture and will be archived for future generations….Have you tried jetty fishing from the dry side yet?
Bob: I love fishing but hardly ever get around to it any more. Maybe some of you shore types can invite me out and show me how to catch the big ones.
JSTC: Maybe do a little rockfish hunting at Eagleman…Or Striped Bass as they’re known in our parts.
JSTC: What is your favorite all time movie?
Bob: I don’t get out much with the fam and all the training lately. One comes to my mind – maybe not a favorite but funny and very emotionally moving – was “Life is Beautiful” with Roberto Begnini.
JSTC: Begnini? I thought he made men’s suits? Or expensive chocolate in flashy foils…
JSTC: What keeps you busy for fun outside of triathlon?
Bob: I am a political activist of the leftist sort. It’s not really fun but it keeps me busy.
JSTC: Oh…so that’s you shouting “on your left” to me all the time out there!
JSTC: Bob, you’re a great sport. Thanks for sharing with us! We had a little fun today at your expense, we learned a little about you…And next year will be a blast with a year under your belt. Very cool stuff.
One thing is for sure. We’re fortunate in the Club to have a true gentleman on board as yourself. Thanks again for joining, training, racing, and celebrating with us.
Bob: The thanks are all around as the club has been a great asset to us since we joined, not only in providing training and support but also the social aspect of it. You area a great bunch and I am glad to be part of it.
For more on Bob’s rookie year, you can read his self assessment at:
http://www.athlinks.com/myContentDisplay.aspx?itemid=107114