Q&A with Don Fink

GU ATHLETE: Don Fink
SPORT: Triathlon
BIRTHPLACE: Camden, New Jersey, 1958
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Short Hills, New Jersey
WEBSITE: www.DonFink.com, www.IronFit.com

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Multiple podium finishes at the Hawaii Ironman; going 9:08 at Ironman Florida (probably still the fastest time in an Ironman by an athlete in the 45-49 age group); finishing 3rd overall in the 2002 Ultraman World Championship.

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Not taking themselves too seriously. Triathlon is our passion, we enjoy it and we are blessed to be able to do it. But in the larger scheme of things, it’s just for fitness, challenge and enjoyment.

If you could only do one of your three sports, would you choose swimming, biking or running?
Swimming. It comes the least naturally to me so it’s the most challenging and rewarding.

If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
I am currently a professional coach of endurance athletes and a writer. These are my passions and my dream job.

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
French fries, my reward food. I save them for after races only.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
Animal rescue <www.makepeacewithanimals.org>, the local Food Pantry <www.mcifp.org>, Plan-International <www.Plan-International.org> and various other groups dealing with the issues of hunger, education, and poverty.

Three things people don’t know about you?
My book “Be Ironfit” is now in its 3rd printing. My wife and I have three rescued greyhounds (Plant, Page, & Bowie). We are both big ice hockey fans.