MICHAEL LOVATO | Professional Triathlete

For just a minute, think what it might be like to sign up for a 10K road race knowing you were going to have to run it with a long tube threaded up your nose,…

Yesterday afternoon Amanda and I attended our friend Simon’s retirement party. A couple of things occurred to me while we were there.

First off, this was probably the one and only time I’d attend a retirement party for a guy who is only 37 years old. It’s not too common to be retiring from a long career that early in life. The reality is that his retirement from professional racing does not mean he isn’t capable of continuing as a triathlete; it just means he’s no longer got the drive to train and race at the high level of competitiveness that he has for the past 23 years. 23 years?!? Amazing.

At no point in this report will there be quite as many entertaining details, videos, photos or descriptions as are found in the version told by Amanda; however, it is my version, and it must be told.

After watching Amanda and Luna take off on their 5K run, Blue and I found ourselves in a strange environment. We found ourselves somewhere we had never been, and we found ourselves somewhere we feel we should not have to be for quite some time now.

It’s been nearly two weeks since the race up in Coeur d’Alene, and life in the Lovato family has continued full-swing. Amanda proved to be top Vato this month, bringing home the overall victor’s trophy, and ensuing paycheck, after winning…

I will do you proud!