Andy Buchta
TRIATHLETE
Andy’s introduction to the sport of triathlon happened during rehabilitation of a reconstructed knee that resulted from a basketball injury. After being cleared by the doctors to do so, Andy started running as well as doing ‘spin’ classes at his local health club to get back in shape, at which time he began meeting these people known as ‘triathletes’ from the local area. He did not even own a road bike let alone a tri bike until shortly after becoming good friends with “Ironman” Terry Hanrahan, who saw in his intense competitive nature and talked him into competing in his first triathlon. That was Galena IL in 2003. He has been completely hooked on the sport ever since.
Andy considers himself a Clydesdale despite several podium finishes. He is now a four-time Ironman finisher, has completed several half-ironman, Olympic and Sprint distance races, usually finishing in the top 20% overall and top 10% or better in his age group. Andy’s most memorable race this year was Ironman Arizona where, in spite of squelching heat and windy conditions, he PR’d in every category despite getting two flat tires late in the bike course. He credits his coach with his mental preparation aside from the physical training to overcome any negatives this race could throw at him.
The biggest challenge for Andy is juggling a career and family life. He is a husband and father of 4 active children and also coaches several of their sports teams. He has played competitive sports his whole life, but calls triathlon “an ageless sport.” People can compete against each other in their own age groups but everyone can train together and push one another to be ready on race day – that's the teamwork side of triathlon that perhaps goes unnoticed. It is the way triathletes support each other and develop great friendships that has been such a positive experience for Andy. He has truly bonded with the sport of Triathlon - for life.
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