Life

Growing up on an 8,000 acre farm my only limitation was my imagination, for the people that know me know I have a large imagination. To tell you the truth I am really surprised to still be a live. I grew up as a hunting and fishing fanatic! As I grew up, my interest in hunting and fishing began to taper and I discovered an interest is school sports. I devoted most of my time to football and then ended up falling in love with running in 2001. I never thought that running a mile could hurt so good. I had, and still have, the unconditional support from my loving parents Steve and Jodi Heath. No matter the weather or the time of day my parents were always at my games and meets, cheering me on. I cannot recall a game or meet my parents missed; I can still hear my mom's whistle which always served as my signal to stop slacking and start working harder. I will never forget my Junior year of high school when my dad showed up to my state champion meet with a brand new stop watch to take my splits. With out their support I would not be the athlete I am today.

My life took a dramatic change on July 22nd, 2003 when my family and I revived word of my brother Shane's death. This was the day I became a new person and devoted my self to make a difference in this world. I don't want to be the president of the US or be a doctor that saves lives, I want to be a person that makes other peoples lives happier! I am known as a carefree person, and I would say that is mostly true. However, I care very much about my athletics and feel like I am interested in everything! Everyday I hope to look back and say "that was the best day I have ever had".

After graduating high school I was off to Eastern Oregon University to run for Ben Welch. I came into the program as a 800 and 1600 meter runner primarily but knew I was going to be dabbling in cross country. I thought about running and racing everyday. I would write my splits down for the upcoming races and think about the day's workout during class. Running was becoming more and more part of my life. I grew to love the sport too much and found myself pushing my body to its limits. As time went on, I started to get burned out and my obsession with running began to wane. During this period I discovered the sport of cycling. There is nothing like going 60 mph down a mountain road. My professor, Brian Sather, is the man responsible for my obsession with bikes. Brian helped me pick out my first bike ( A Trek 1200; great bike but it only lasted a year until stumbled upon the flawlessness of carbon bikes). Brian and I have become great friends and riding buddies! Every Monday and Wednesday we are on the bikes pushing each other. Outside of biking he is responsible for getting me to do my masters, this website, and much more. Thank you!

In 2005 I met a beautiful women that would change my life around. This person is now my wife Shakira, and also my future sports doctor. We met in college and grew to become best friends. After a few years of being friends we began dating. The semester before I left for New Zealand and Australia we both knew we wanted our relationship to continue. While in Australia Shakira flew down to visit for a few months and during that time we became engaged, andI thought the girl was crazy to say yes. Soon after we moved back to the states were we were married. After being accepted into the University of Washington Medical school we were off to Moscow, ID for a year in the UW's WWAMI program and then Seattle, WA to start her second year of school. My wife's support keeps me striving to become a better athlete and person. For some reason she thinks I could be the best triathlete in the world and when she says that, I actually believe her!

During my time in Moscow, ID I worked as a manager for the local bike shop. This was an awesome experience and helped light the flame for my love of biking. When it was time to leave I found myself wanting to stay. I had made great friends with amazing cyclists Joey and Louie Fountain (cyclocross and MTB single speed studs). Every time I rode with those guys my skills and speed were tested for hours at a time; they never liked taking it easy on me. I can't forget about Collin, the person that kept me on my toes training for my first triathlon. If it was not for him, I may have never started triathlons. My buddies Nick and Aaron were always down for a ride or a beer! This place became a home to me for cycling.

The big move to Seattle was not an easy one, but once I gave it a chance, I soon found an amazing team and great friends. Soon after the move I found myself racing and working as a manager for VO2 performance right beside Triathlon Coach and stud athlete Ben Bigglestone. He helped cultivate my love for the sport and has faith in me to become great. With all of their help I know I can reach my goals and make a name for myself in this sport. Here, my team is also my family.

After only living in Seattle with my wife for a few months, I received a phone call a few months from Brian Sather. I was given the option to come back to La Grande, OR (home of Eastern Oregon University) to become the first Graduate Assistant in the Physical Education and Health department. It was impossible to turn down a free Masters program. With Ben and also my teams support I was off to La Grande where I am currently working on compression stocking research, teaching, and training. It is amazing how fast life can change when you think you are settled.

What is next for me........