For Warrenton resident Alan Kimbel, competing in triathlons has resulted in both wins and losses. Ironically, his losses have been his greatest victories. Kimbel’s journey into the sport began with …
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Locals benefit from Innsbrook Triathlon
Posted
Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
For Warrenton resident Alan Kimbel, competing in triathlons has resulted in both wins and losses.Ironically, his losses have been his greatest victories.Kimbel’s journey into the sport began with a moment of displeasure, when he realized his weight was taking a toll on his health and he needed to take action.“I went to buy a new pair of shoes and noticed my feet were flattening out, because I weighed so much,” said Kimbel, who was 260 pounds at the time.Five years later, Kimbel is eagerly awaiting a trip to participate in the USA Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Minnesota after having qualified Saturday at Innsbrook. Kimbel was the overall winner of the Ultramax Duathlon, held as part of a series of races at the resort.“It was something that I wanted to accomplish through the year,” said Kimbel, who finished the race’s 4-mile run and 19-mile bike ride in 1:38:24. “You have to have something to work toward, because you spend so much time training. So, if there’s not a finish line or a goal, what are you doing it for?”By winning, he qualified for his first national event. Kimbel fought back emotions as he talked about all that triathlons and being active have brought to his life.“When I started running, I couldn’t even make it one block,” said Kimbel.He purchased a bicycle and began riding on the Katy Trail.“It kind of cascaded from there, and I lost 60 pounds,” said Kimbel, who now trains with the On Pace Triathlon Club at Innsbrook. “The goal is to keep it off now that I’m at a level of fitness where I can compete again.”While Kimbel began competing to regain his physique, others participated to maintain fitness.Corbin Estes, a sophomore at Warrenton High School, says he began riding his bike about 10 miles per day at the conclusion of the school year. He signed up for a few duathlons to stay in shape for the cross-country season.“I wanted to do races over the summer, and triathlons sounded fun,” said Estes. “I figured I’d do the duathlons first and start out smaller.”He says his first experience was a humbling one, but he hopes to work his way up to competing in triathlons by next summer, as he improves his swimming.“The course was a butt kicker, with a lot of big hills,” said Estes. “The biking was challenging, because running is more my strong suit.”The other races offered at Innsbrook Saturday were the Halfmax, Quartermax and Octomax.Winning the Halfmax was Brian Harting, with a time of 4:50:38, while the top female finisher was Renee White at 5:37:37.The Quartermax overall winner was Terry Crocker with a 2:23:46, while Griffin Bailey won the Octomax with a 1:19:42.
Warrenton resident Alan Kimbel poses with his bicycle after winning the Ultramax Duathlon on Saturday at Innsbrook. Kimbel has lost 60 pounds since he began riding his bicycle five years ago and has gained a passion for triathlons in the process. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.
