Hi, my name is Justin Farishon , and I am addicted to endurance events.
I think my first triathlon was at the Ballwin Pointe in 2008. I wore board shorts for the pool swim and changed to running shorts in the bathroom before the bike and run. Yes, I biked in running shorts. I also used a borrowed mountain bike. At least I had my own running shoes. I’ve come a long way, baby.
I started tris after spending hours in the pool and on the exercise bike at a gym while recovering from a stress fracture, and I haven’t looked back. I love the challenge of improving on three different sports enjoy doing a different workout every day. It’s likely that you can find me training for a marathon or half or full triathlon at any given point in the year. I just need to be outside—that is where I am happy.
While I am immensely grateful for all the wonderful training and racing knowledge imparted on me since I became a member, I cherish even more the friends I’ve made along the way. We have wonderful people here, who have amazing stories of courage and inspiration earned both in and outside the sport of triathlon. Find them, and hear their stories!
What is the most challenging moment you’ve had during a race? The second time being in an ambulance at Ironman Louisville in 2012. I talked my way out of the first one, but wisdom was the better part of valor the second time. When I realized that my race day was done, and that all of the hard work I put in and sacrifices I made were being washed away with every drop of the saline solution in my IV, I don’t think I have ever experienced a lower point in my fitness life. But it’s not the end of the world, and I went on to finish 2 Ironmans (so far).
What is your favorite place in or around St. Louis to train? Any trail! But especially Castlewood and Greensfelder. Just get me outta the concrete jungle!
What is the one piece of tri-geek gear that you can’t live without? My Garmin 910XT. You know how you read advice columns where people tell you to leave your watch at home from time to time when you go for a swim, bike, or run? Those people clearly don’t have a 910.
