Meet “The Slayer”
Many words come to mind when you ask me about TeamEC athlete, Harvey Gayer. He is a family man with a kind heart and a tremendous psychologist. However, when it comes to racing, he can only be known as “The Slayer”. This article gives you a little insight into the man, the machine. You’ll also learn about his new tattoo!!
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By TeamEC athlete, Harvey Gayer:
Upon the recommendation of several athletes on Beginnertriathlete.com, I joined TeamEC at the end of my first tri-season in 2008 with the goal of completing an IM. While I learned how to swim, James got me well-fitted to my bikes and Dan directed me towards Shanks, who has coached (i.e., tried to tame) me since that time. However, all of the coaches have been helpful along the way. Likewise, TeamEC possesses many solid age group athletes who were very supportive and formed a great big loving network to cheer you on, give you training feedback, offer some perspective on injuries, etc.
Shanks and I set the race plan for 2009 of a progression from sprint (Tri the Parks) to Olympic (Philly) to half Ironman (Augusta) to the full distance (Arizona). Shanks said he could get me through the finish line without an IV and I trusted him. The boy has not let me down yet. As I worked through the training and distances, I cleaned up in the Clydes division and the mantel got full of awards, all of which were exciting in their own right. However, I knew the biggie still loomed in November. I could not stop and relax and appreciate the accomplishments yet.
Training ramped up and I dealt with natural wear and tear of training. IM Arizona eventually came and Shanks offered to come out with me. How many coaching firms has a coach offer to fly out for race day support? It was not necessary as my family came, so he cheered me on from the East Coast, along with whole coaching staff and team (or at least it felt that way).
I made it through that day in 11:14 and finally celebrated in the way an Ironman does. I earned self-esteem for life. I learned alot along the way but was afraid to lose my fitness so I got back to training as soon as possible. The tattoo would have to wait. I needed to get my sister in law, an artist, to create the design after she heard all about what the journey meant to me personally. I sat down with her and explained it and this is what she came up with.
I wanted the tattoo design to reflect my main motivation for doing this thing of ours, which was facing up to the fear of death. The symbolism is that the M-dot contains the grim reaper, but the the reaper ultimately retains control. Even so, I feel more alive now than ever even with the reaper lurking for all of us.
You see, I came to running and triathlons weighing near 300 lbs. I was a heart attack waiting to happen. Now I hover around 210lbs and am pretty darn fit and much happier. I am a better psychologist, father and husband. I couldn’t have done all of this without my TeamEC crew. Hope you think its as badazz as I do. Gotta get back to training….
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Lisa B
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Joewhitwell
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Anne Chrzanowski
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Marc Thompson
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James Rudd
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Stix