Team Running Free Athlete Profile: John Pagazani
Home Store: Team RF Alumni
Team: Adventure
Age: 2010
Occupation: Subsystem Design Engineer - Automotive Industry
Home: Oshawa
About me: Born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago for ¬Ω my life. Played soccer, field hockey and practiced martial arts until stumbling onto road running and triathlons a few years ago. Tried my first sprint triathlon in 2003 and have been going faster and further since. I am married to an understanding wife that puts up with my crazy schedule and the greatest baby boy who has put my life into perspective. Regarding the crazy schedule, I am finishing up my masters of business administration part-time, working full time, new baby and trying to fit in the tri training‚Ķdefinitely challenging!
Sports: Running and triathlons
Athletic Accomplishments: 2005 Mississauga Half marathon, 68th overall, 1:29:37. 2006 Barrie Sprint Triathlon, 41st overall, 1:10:52 (gave it everything in that race, after loosing the 3rd and 2nd week prior to the race due to bronchitis…shaky and dizzy at the end of the race, it was GREAT!). 2006 Half Canadian Iron Distance Triathlon, Ottawa (1st half iron triathlon), 69th overall, 5:25:21. Kosho Ryu Black Belt, 2000
Athletic goals: 1. Stay injury free… ITB and hamstring injuries have created bumps in the road and hopefully they are behind me.
My most catastrophic racing experience was: Not catastrophic…but large learning opportunity.
My most memorable racing experience was: Finishing my 1st Half Iron Distance race in Ottawa in 5hrs 25min. I was overwhelmed and nervous at the start with emotion as many months of training culminated to this moment, for a race distance that I never tried. The swim started a bit rough and the negative thoughts came rushing in. I just kept positive thoughts in my head all race and stuck to my race plan. I came out of the water faster than I expected, bike was faster than expected and the run was exactly to plan.
Favourite footwear, clothing, or equipment: Shoes - Ascics Kayano (Great support and cushioning), my Nathan 4 speed belt, CW-X pro shorts and Sugoi tri top. The Running Free team windbreaker is GREAT. Extremely light with lots of room
Favourite race: Barrie Sprint Triathlon
Favourite race food: GU and GU2O primarily during training and races and Exdurox R4 for hard post workouts.
