AGFL Episode 145: Mark Castrovinci a/k/a "Whiskers"

Colin and Danny interview Mark Castrovinci co-founder of TopGunz Tri Team and recent finisher of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race experience. Takeaways Mark transitioned from rowing to triathlon, qualifying for Kona in 2021 after years of dedicated training He recently completed the grueling Leadville 100 mountain bike race, overcoming severe GI issues to finish just before the cutoff Mark balances training with family life and a career in the running shoe industry at Altra His positive attitude and ability to suffer through challenges are key traits that have led to his success Mark's Athletic Background Started rowing after college, competed in club races in Boston Transitioned to triathlon in 2011-2012 after moving to North Carolina Qualified for Kona in 2021 at Ironman Lake Placid with a 13th place AG finish Has completed challenging events like a 210-mile gravel ride with 20,000 ft of climbing Career Path Worked in finance at Fidelity, then chemical sales with his father's company Made a major career change to pursue passion in running industry Now works as a tech rep for Altra Running, covering the New England territory Enjoys the active lifestyle and flexibility the job provides for training Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race Experience Entered via lottery, trained intensively for 3 months with coach Tim Snow Battled severe GI issues throughout the race, repeatedly vomiting and having diarrhea Considered quitting at mile 65 but pushed through with encouragement from volunteers Finished just before the 12-hour cutoff in an intense sprint to the line Describes it as one of the hardest physical and mental challenges he's ever faced Training and Racing Philosophy Emphasizes the importance of staying consistent during non-racing periods Uses creative ways to fit in training around work and family commitments Values the camaraderie and shared suffering of endurance events Maintains a positive, fun-loving attitude even during intense challenges What's Next Mark plans to do some local half-ironman races in 2024 Will support his wife's marathon training for Boston and Chicago Considering another full Ironman in late 2024 (possibly Cozumel) May attempt Leadville 100 again in the future after more mountain bike experience