Let’s give a warm welcome to our new co-president Ryan Wateland! (FYI pronounced Wattland )
**Photo credit Dane Nelsen**
Age: 55
Hometown: St Cloud
If not from here, how did you end up in central MN? I grew up in Breckenridge, MN. Moved here in ‘87 to enroll at St Cloud State. Never left.
1. What activities do you participate in? Hiking, Biking, Running. Anything near water, Cards, Happy Hours and Craft Breweries.
2. How long have you been active? Since I could walk.
3. Who inspired you? I had a Middle School/High School coach who really looked out for me. Mr Trydahl. He made me believe in myself.
4. What is your go to training and racing nutrition? BASE bars, Nuun.
5. Favorite post race food? Chocolate Milk, French Fries.
6. Most embarrassing training moment: I was running with my girlfriend through construction in heavy traffic and tried to hurdle a road sign. Road sign: 1. Ryan: 0
7. Short term goals: Laugh everyday.
8. Long term goals: Ironman has been on my list for about 15 years.
9. What surprised you the most about your fitness journey? The positive affect on my mental well-being.
10. Proudest accomplishment?Qualified for and ran 2007 Boston Marathon. This was a big task for me. I’ve never worked so hard and stayed so focused to achieve a goal.
11. Best advice you ever received? Don’t sweat the small stuff.
12. Worst advice you ever took? Eat GU during a marathon.
13. What would you tell the person sitting next to you who is wanting to make a change and doesn’t know how? Find an activity that you enjoy and hang around positive, supportive people that are active.