Meet Brett Walker, Team Strong Heart Solo Racer for RAAM 2011
Age: 43
Occupation: Investment Advisor at Commonwealth Financial Network
City, State: Salisbury, NH
How long have you been cycling? 20+ years
What attracts you to athletic endurance events?
They say endurance athletes are all running away from something. I haven't figured out what I am running from yet...maybe my own mortality. When I figure it out, I'll let you know.
In 2007 you competed RAAM as a soloist, then in 2009 on TSH's 4-person team. What made you decide to go solo again this year?
I feel I have some unfinished business from RAAM 2007. I did not have my best race that year. I developed a respiratory infection and ended up going to the hospital in CO. Although I was able to continue the race, I had lost a lot of time and continued to struggle with breathing problems throughout the next 2000 miles. I am back in 2011 to have my best race.
What did you learn from the races in 2007 & 2009 and how do you think it will help you this year?
It's the things you don't plan for that will be the biggest challenges...all your plans will change as soon as the race starts.
Why have you chosen to raise money for Special Olympics NH and Camp Odayin?
I am raising money for Camp Odayin, to carry on the tradition of TSH for supporting this great cause and their campers. I am raising money for Special Olympics NH because, through our son Noah, who was born with a brain injury, we have experienced first hand the great work of Special Olympics. How it helps to develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Their athletes' oath "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." carries a lesson we all can learn from.
What advice do you have for aspiring cyclists and RAAM racers?
Do it..most of us have a list of things we would like to do "someday." Unfortunately, without action "someday" will never come.
How many hours on average do you spend training for RAAM?
During peak I will be training 35+ hours a week.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?
I would like to thank my wife Lisa for putting up with my crazy training schedule and my crews from this and all the other races. Without their support and efforts, my success wouldn't be possible.
Favorite quote?
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Special Olympics athletes' oath
Brett Walker begins the Race Across America in Oceanside, California on June 15th of 2011. Please support Brett and Team Strong Heart's mission by making a donation today! Follow the links to learn more about Camp Odayin (www.campodayin.com) and the Special Olympics NH (www.sonh.org). Visit www.teamstrongheart.com for more information on Team Strong Heart and the 2011 RAAM team and check back often for updates from Brett throughout the next few months!
Occupation: Investment Advisor at Commonwealth Financial Network
City, State: Salisbury, NH
How long have you been cycling? 20+ years
What attracts you to athletic endurance events?
They say endurance athletes are all running away from something. I haven't figured out what I am running from yet...maybe my own mortality. When I figure it out, I'll let you know.
In 2007 you competed RAAM as a soloist, then in 2009 on TSH's 4-person team. What made you decide to go solo again this year?
I feel I have some unfinished business from RAAM 2007. I did not have my best race that year. I developed a respiratory infection and ended up going to the hospital in CO. Although I was able to continue the race, I had lost a lot of time and continued to struggle with breathing problems throughout the next 2000 miles. I am back in 2011 to have my best race.
What did you learn from the races in 2007 & 2009 and how do you think it will help you this year?
It's the things you don't plan for that will be the biggest challenges...all your plans will change as soon as the race starts.
Why have you chosen to raise money for Special Olympics NH and Camp Odayin?
I am raising money for Camp Odayin, to carry on the tradition of TSH for supporting this great cause and their campers. I am raising money for Special Olympics NH because, through our son Noah, who was born with a brain injury, we have experienced first hand the great work of Special Olympics. How it helps to develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Their athletes' oath "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." carries a lesson we all can learn from.
What advice do you have for aspiring cyclists and RAAM racers?
Do it..most of us have a list of things we would like to do "someday." Unfortunately, without action "someday" will never come.
How many hours on average do you spend training for RAAM?
During peak I will be training 35+ hours a week.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?
I would like to thank my wife Lisa for putting up with my crazy training schedule and my crews from this and all the other races. Without their support and efforts, my success wouldn't be possible.
Favorite quote?
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Special Olympics athletes' oath
Brett Walker begins the Race Across America in Oceanside, California on June 15th of 2011. Please support Brett and Team Strong Heart's mission by making a donation today! Follow the links to learn more about Camp Odayin (www.campodayin.com) and the Special Olympics NH (www.sonh.org). Visit www.teamstrongheart.com for more information on Team Strong Heart and the 2011 RAAM team and check back often for updates from Brett throughout the next few months!