Chet Mathe

About a year ago, Chet Mathe found himself 20 pounds overweight and decided to do something about it. Taking a team approach, he and his wife Ari sought the advice of Ilana Katz, RD. Chet was by no means in bad shape though. He had completed the ING Georgia Marathon and had more recently been bit by the triathlon bug after completing (albeit very slowly) his first sprint tri. But his improvement had stagnated and he recognized that he needed help beyond the template training programs he had been following.

Chet decided to take the same approach to training that he had been successful with in his weight loss: seek expert advice and accountability. He had signed up for an Ironman and knew he would need more than just a training plan. Ilana recommended him to The Sport Factory, and Chet was paired up with Coach Jon Adamson. Like any relationship, the coach/athlete have to compliment each other and work well together. According to Chet, “His (Jon’s) approach is very analytical, which I love. He has taken me from haphazard training, at best, to specific and detailed goals. My swimming and biking are my weaker sports, and he has me working to improve these areas specifically.”

With the weight coming off combined with Jon’s guidance, Chet has completed two Half Ironman events. His first event was the New Orleans 70.3. Chet grew up and went to college in Louisiana, and it was important to have a good showing on his home turf. He completed the event in 5:22:16 -- an outstanding time for a rookie.

When asked what inspires him about triathlon, he says, “I am inspired by all of my fellow triathletes. The great thing about triathlons is that they attract such a wide variety of people, all with different backgrounds. Every person there has overcome some challenge to compete. It could be something as simple as finding the time to fit in the next workout, or as dramatic as the stories you see on the Ironman television broadcasts.”

Chet’s next challenge will be to complete his first iron-distance event: Ironman Louisville. Why Ironman? “I enjoy pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. I love getting ready for the next race and trying to be the best I can be for each race. As challenging as my first Ironman will be, it would seem far more daunting without Jon’s help. He holds me accountable, he challenges me, and, frankly, he is one heck of an athlete who inspires me. I have pushed myself farther than I ever could on my own.”

Chet is “super supported” by his wife and college sweetheart, Ari. Beyond completing the training, it takes a team/family effort to complete an Ironman. His job with the Centers for Disease Control leaves no room for wasted time in his training schedule. Chet will continue to check off high quality workouts in his limited time and no doubt be successful in his goal of becoming Ironman.