Q&A with Billy Edwards
GU ATHLETE: Billy “The Kid” Edwards
SPORT: Triathlon
BIRTHPLACE: Louisville, Kentucky, 1977
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Boulder, CO
WEBSITE: www.billythekidtriathlete.com
Proudest athletic accomplishment?
In 2005 I competed in the Ironman World Championships and then the Marine Corps Marathon two weeks later. My Ironman was a bit of a disappointment, but I still went 9:35 for my first trip to Kona. However, two weeks later, I ran my smartest race ever. My pacing was perfect; I finished only 30 seconds off my marathon PR. My time does not reflect greatness, but it was PERFECT execution.
Superstitions for training or competition?
I like to crank up some rock tunes before my races. Stone Temple Pilots has always been a part of my pre-race ritual.
Funny racing/training story?
To make a really long story really short, I ran a 19.5 mile “half marathon” the day after setting a world record. The half marathon was possibly the worst marked race-course I’ve ever been on. The happy part is my girlfriend and I ran in costume for a world record-setting 5k the day before. The world record was for the most Santa’s in one place - over 7000!
What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
I respect the guys that have a bad race and own it. Racing poorly sucks, but pulling the cord and dropping out or getting to the finish with sob stories is just embarrassing. The guys who gut it out and know that something went wrong on their part have more credibility and are more of a threat as competitors.
If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
I’d be a high school teacher and cross country coach. There is not enough attention given to the profession of teaching. Like racing triathlons, the pay is not good, but the rewards are amazing.
When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
I grew up religiously watching the Chicago Bears. They were the toughest team in the early 80s and with Walter Payton leading the running game. I always wanted to be a running back for the Bears like Sweetness. I never played football beyond the elementary schoolyard.
Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Hoobastank’s “Just One” because if you give me just one shot, I am going to take it.
If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
Vanilla Bean, it’s fairly simple and consistently gets the job done.
If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
I wouldn’t need or want one. I would actually be interested in being on Survivor and testing my ability to survive without anything.
Three things people don’t know about you?
My girlfriend is one of the toughest chicks in Boulder (which means she is one of the toughest chicks in the world). I played the clarinet in my junior high school marching band. I hate all things with strawberries or strawberry flavor.
