Featured Athlete Profile - Richard Paradis

Richard Paradis

MY STORY:

Richard’s relationship with racing has seen extremely opposite reactions. At first, he had racing anxiety and would avoid it all together and now he cannot get enough of the infamous runner’s high. He was never opposed to running but it was not until he joined the army that he was on an official team. He impressed his commander in his basic training fitness test so much that he was offered a spot on the United States Army Europe Track Team. Unfortunately, due to injury, he was unable to perform to his best ability and took a hiatus from the sport. Richard then took his life in a different direction. Instead of pursuing sports, he began pursuing late night thrills. He ended up owning a bar and neglecting his health. After one doctor visit, Richard realized this was not the life he wanted, sold the bar and moved to Colorado to take up trail running again.

At 43, Richard is in the peak of his racing career. He is averaging 2000 running miles a year along with 5-6000 cycling miles. He is determined to qualify for Kona in 2009. He has his eyes on the prize and will do his best to exceed his goals. Not only does he have a competition with himself, he is also in high competition with fellow Aquaphor team member, Matt Dillard. It is a friendly rivalry which pushes both runners to their highest ability.