#31 Triathlon Training Tips, Adventure Racing Stories and More with Barry Siff

In this episode, I talk with Barry Siff, the current President of the USA Triathlon Board of Directors about his adventures in triathlons and adventure racing around the world. From Fiji, to Borneo, and Kona Hawaii, Barry discusses how he got into endurance sports and how endurance sports helped him create and maintain a balanced body and mind. Barry also shares his advice for those who wish to become a triathlete.

 

Connect with Barry Siff:
BARRYSIFF.COM

 

Barry Siff Biography:

 

Barry Siff has been an integral part of the multi-sport scene since 1986 years as an athlete, race organizer, writer and executive leader. He became active with USA Triathlon in 2009 as Chair of the Race Director Committee and has since been named to the Board of Directors while currently serving as President of the National Governing Body. In the past year, Barry has been elected to the Executive Boards for both the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the American Triathlon Confederation (CAMTRI). In addition, he is a USA Triathlon Level 2 Certified Race Director, as well as a Level I Certified Coach.

 

As an athlete, Siff completed his first marathon in 1981 before turning to triathlon five years later while living in Omaha, Nebraska. He has finished more than 60 marathons and 10 IRONMAN triathlons and was a full-time adventure racer from 1998-2003.

 

A former ConAgra Senior Vice President, Siff and his wife, Jodee, built 5430 Sports, an event management business based in Boulder, Colorado, and later sold its seven events to the World Triathlon Corporation (IRONMAN brand) in 2009.

 

The Siffs and their dog, Jackpot, reside in Tucson, Arizona.

 

Career: Food Industry Exec., Sr. VP ConAgra Red Meat Companies (“retired” 1998); Co-founded MountainQuest Adventures in 1998, specializing in adventure and multisport races; morphed this into 5430 Sports in 2004, building 5430 to eight events with over 7,000 athletes (Boulder Peak Triathlon, most notably); sold to Ironman in 2009. Resurrected 5430 Sports in 2013 with four events in 2014. Assist, consult and speak in the world of endurance events and leadership, as well as write for many publications and popular websites.

 

Professional Affiliations: Level 2 USAT Certified Race Director; Level 1 USAT Certified Coach

 

Years Involved in Multisport: 28 Years

 

Describe Your Role with USA Triathlon: As a general board director, I represent members in 14 states in the Midwest Region and also serve as the Board President. I am currently Chair of the International Relations Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. I have also served the organization as Vice President, a member of the Prize Money TaskForce, as well as being the liaison with the Race Director Committee (RDC) and the Hall of Fame Committee. Prior to being elected to the Board, I was the USAT RDC Chair.

 

What drove you to the multisport lifestyle? I did my first marathon in 1981. After five solid years – and dipping down into the low 2:40s – I was looking for the next challenge and, at the time, the triathlon community of Omaha, Neb., was very strong. With their support and motivation, I jumped into triathlon in 1986 and have never looked back.

 

Personal: Born in Worcester, Mass. Professional career brought me to New York City, Detroit, Boston, Omaha and Colorado. Currently reside in Tucson with my wonderful wife Jodee and our loving (and loved) dog, Jackpot, and 25+-year-old dove, Dav.

 

Athletic Accomplishments: Over 60 marathons; 10 Ironmans (four Kona); full-time adventure racer 1998-2003. Presently on Timex Multisport Team, PowerBar Team Elite and Team TriBike Transport.

 

Athletic Background: Prior to marathoning in 1981, I was an accomplished tennis player – co-captain of my college (WPI) tennis team.