Featured Member: Warren Bickley

“It pains me to continue but it hurts much worse to stop”
If someone would have told Warren Bickley 4 years ago that by 2013 he would have completed 3 half Ironmans, a marathon, and a full Ironman, he would have told you that you are crazy. Before completing his first triathlon in 2009 endurance sports were not his thing, but because of his competitive nature Warren was immediately hooked. In 2009, Warren competed in the Jeff and Brede’s Intergalactic Triathlon in Katy, TX at Mary Jo Peckham Park. He, like many first time triathletes, made mistakes. He started out the 300 meter pool swim way to fast and had to swim breast stroke to catch his breath. He then completed the 12 mile bike on his a 15 year old steel mountain bike, the only bike he owned at the time. While on the bike, Warren looked down to realize he had forgotten to put his water bottle on the bike while in transition that morning. Getting off the bike Warren ran like a new born giraffe, it was at this point he learned the importance of brick workouts. Crossing the finish line to see his wife with their 10 month old son gave him that huge feeling of accomplishment. At that moment he knew he was addicted. Warren chose to continue pursuing triathlon because of his son asking him “Daddy, can I race with you?” after crossing the Ironman finish line. What he enjoys most about triathlons is the feeling of accomplishment and the camaraderie amongst the athletes. The best piece of advice Warren has received about triathlon is “Do not fear failure, learn from it”. For the remainder of the 2012 season Warren will be focused on Olympic distance races and spending more time with his family.