Mike Caiazzo is a professional triathlete from Maine who truly embodies the drive of a “part time” pro who manages to race among the sport’s elite while holding down a 9-5 job and a growing family (1 16 month son, Jack and another one due next month!).  2007 saw Mike score top 5 finishes at the Spirit of Racine and Eagleman 70.3 races.  He was generous enough to sit down with us and give us his perspective on his career, training regimen and joys/frustrations in the sport.

At what point in your amateur career did you realize you had the talent to compete at the pro level?  What were your fears in making such a decision?

I started racing tri’s in 2004.  After racing as an amateur for 2 years I decided to get my pro card.  The reason I got my pro card was so that I would know where I was in a race.  I hated racing AG and starting numerous waves back and having to work my way through the crowds.  When crossing the line I would have no idea of place.  As for fears of going pro people often ask me that and I find it kind of funny.   I don’t really get what there is to fear.  I read an article on a top age grouper going pro this year and he mentions how it was tough decision and how he talked it over with numerous people.  It is the same race as AG and if anything it is easier since you have clear roads on the bike and don’t have to worry about 100’s of other races.  It is really nice knowing what place I am in during the race.  Although in my case it isn’t so great when I hear I am nearly the last one out of the water. I don’t consider myself a “pro” at all.  I do triathlons as a hobby.  I have a family job that is more important. 

With so much of your base training time spent in a cold weather climate, how do you manage to put in the necessary long miles/time?

I actually don’t train much.  Last year I averaged maybe 10-12hrs a week.  During the winter last year I focused on my swim and run.  I don’t mind running in the cold or snow so that was all done outside.  As riding during the winter I would normally do an hour ride during the week and a “long ride” of 2hrs during the weekend all on the trainer.  If I had time I would maybe do another hour during the week but that was rare.  The problem is that I work 8-6 Monday through Friday so that it was hardly ever light out when I was not at work so all of my rides were on the trainer which I really hate. 

If there was one change you could make in the sport, from any vantage point, what would it be and why? 

I think there is a lot of drafting at the front of the race.  I think they need to have an official who stays with the lead group to monitor them.  For many pros this is their job and the prize $ can make or break their season.  I think there should be officials monitoring the AG race too but they are really only racing for pride and Kona slots.  If they really feel good about drafting their way to Kona then that is too bad. 

What weaknesses did you have to overcome to ensure the level of success you've enjoyed?  

I have always been afraid of drowning.  Actually I still am afraid of drowning although I do feel much more comfortable in the water.  That really doesn’t help your swimming when you have that fear.  I have improved my swim but not nearly as much as I need to really be competitive.  Hopefully this will be the year that my swimming improves and I can really start to see some success in the sport.  

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment in your time as a triathlete?

I really haven’t had any embarrassing moments.  Sorry to disappoint.  

How much time do you spend training with experts in each of the three disciplines vs. triathletes?

I do nearly all of my training alone.  Not by choice but that is just how it works out.  I am very time crunched so by training from home I am able to squeeze out longer workouts.  I only workout early in the morning before work and during the weekend when my son is napping.  Once or twice a week I will swim with a Masters group.  A couple times last year I would do some long runs with some of the top runners in the state, but have not been able to get together with them this year.  Nothing like doing 18 miles at 6 minute pace to get you in shape.   

If you could go back to any race in your career and do it all over again, what race would it be and why?     

I don’t really have any races that I wish I did.  Every year I have been expanding the amount I travel and the races I do.  Last year was the most that I have traveled by far.  I went to all of the races last year with my son who was born last November, so every race was an adventure.    

What are some of the coolest perks you enjoy as a pro that us amateurs get to only dream about!  

To be honest there really aren’t any cool perks, sorry to disappoint again. Nothing changed from racing AG and pro.  I race for the Zoot Triathlon team and they help out with some equipment but that is about the extent of my perks.    

What does a peak week of training look like for you? 

My training weeks and days are really dictated by my everyday life.  I have someone (Kurt Perham) who I bounce training ideas off, but do not have a coach per se.  I make up all of my workouts and plan nothing in advance and don’t keep a training log.  Last season I trained more on feel, so if I felt tired I took a day off, if I felt good I went hard.  Not the best way to train but seems to work OK for me.   I do use a power meter on my bike, which I use to dictate the pace during the workouts depending on the goal of the workout.  Last year I had really bad achilles tendonitis so was only able to run 20 or so miles a week from February to the end of the season. I averaged maybe 10,000 yds to 12,000 during this time.   On the bike I averaged about 3-5 hours a week.   The most I have ever trained in a week is maybe 15-16hrs a couple of times.  I don’t do any “monster” training weeks or sport specific training weeks.  All of my weeks are very similar and average about 10-12hrs a week since that is all I have time for.

Last one...vanilla city...Favorite race and favorite performance of your entire career and why. 

I guess my favorite race would be Eagleman.  It is a really fast course; the bike course is totally flat and fast.  My other favorite race would the be American Zolfingen Duathlon in NY.  That race is crazy tough!  I would highly recommend this course for someone who wants a challenging, low key race.  It is also in an amazing part of NY.  My best race performance would have to be Eagleman last year.  I raced well in all three sports and went 3:55xx, even though the swim may have been a bit short.  

Mike Caiazzo
Born: 1976, Portland, Maine
Age: 31
First Triathlon: 2004
Turned Pro: 2007 (Actually did one race at the end of 2006)
Family: Wife - Megan; Sons - Jack (1) & Hunter (0); 2 Dogs
Lives: Westbrook, Maine

Career at a glance

• 7/29/2007  -  Spirit of Racine  USAT - Elite Men  3rd
• 6/10/2007  -  Eagleman 70.3  USAT - Elite Men  4th
• 5/20/2007  -  Florida 70.3  USAT - Elite Men  10th
• 9/17/2006  -  Cancun 70.3  USAT - Elite Men  7th
• 6/10/2006  -  Eagleman 70.3  USAT - Elite Men  10th

Thank for the insight, Mike!  We wish you best of luck in this year’s season and look forward to seeing you at the top of the leader board! 

Interview by Max Wunderle

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