Meet our Athlete of the Month for August, Marc Arseneau. Marc is a married father of two, a business owner, and a generous community member. He recently completed his first Ironman in Lake Placid, despite battling a few injuries along the way. His current goal is to maintain his health through IMFL and achieve a personal record at the Ironman distance. Enjoy the interview with Marc:

**Q:** Can you tell us about your sports background? What sports did you participate in as a child and as you got older?
**A:** As a child, I dabbled in various sports but didn't excel due to being a late bloomer and lazy. However, I developed a passion for numerous activities as I grew older. I participated in Alpine skiing, scuba diving, hockey, tennis, wrestling, soccer, and more, simply because I didn't want to miss out on anything. In my twenties, I focused on golf and achieved a 4 handicap. Later, I took up bowling, earning nine perfect games and even appearing on TV twice. In my thirties, I prioritized my business and gained weight, sidelining sports. However, in February 2005, I started running and eventually got into ocean rowing, winning the Bay of Chaleur 20-mile crossing once and finishing second three times.

**Q:** What motivated you to start triathlon?
**A:** About two years ago, a friend sent me a motivational email featuring the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt. Inspired, I immediately told my wife I was going to do an Ironman. I bought a bike and sought guidance to enter the sport.

**Q:** When and where was your first race?
**A:** My first race came shortly after receiving that motivational email about Rick and Dick Hoyt. Unfortunately, I had to quit due to a mechanical problem with my bike. Winter arrived before my bike was repaired, so I focused on rowing. However, I finally competed in my first triathlon on July 18th, finishing 20th out of 80 participants. I then registered for the Lake Placid Ironman a week later.

**Q:** What is your current job?
**A:** I am a general contractor, involved in building everything from restaurants to car dealerships.

**Q:** How does your job affect your training?
**A:** With our current workload, finding time for training can be challenging. I try to schedule my workouts around my work commitments rather than the other way around.

**Q:** Tell us about your family.
**A:** My wife Nathalie is a nurse and incredibly supportive of my endeavors. We married young and have two children: Gabrielle, 21, who is studying at McGill University, and Eric, almost 18, who will start university this fall.

**Q:** What recent award did you receive?
**A:** In 2005, I received the Entrepreneur of the Year award, followed by being named in the New Brunswick Ambassador group in 2007. Additionally, in 2011, I was honored with the Provincial Outstanding award for my local business contributions.

**Q:** Who is your coach at D3, and how have they helped you achieve your goals?
**A:** Mike Ricci is my coach, and I have complete confidence in his ability to guide me toward my goals. I doubt I could have completed IMLP without him. He has supported me through my lows and kept me grounded at my peaks.

**Q:** Have you traveled for any races?
**A:** Most of the races I participate in require travel, from Montreal to Moncton and Lake Placid.

**Q:** What is your best triathlon moment?
**A:** The final 200 meters of the Lake Placid Ironman. It made all the hard work worth it and more.

**Q:** What is your favorite race and why?
**A:** I have to say Lake Placid because of its challenges and breathtaking scenery.

**Q:** What are your long-term goals in triathlon?
**A:** I adore the Ironman distance, and my wife and I would like to combine races with vacations. Like every triathlete, I aspire to compete in Kona.

**Q:** If you could train with anyone for a day, who would it be?
**A:** Lance Armstrong, without a doubt!

**Q:** What races are in your future?
**A:** I plan to compete in a half Ironman in September and prepare for Ironman Florida in November.

**Q:** What is your favorite workout?
**A:** Group workouts are my favorite, but I also enjoy recovery runs and intensity sessions.

**Q:** What is your least favorite workout?
**A:** The fourth swimming workout of the week!

**Q:** Tell us something interesting about you!
**A:** In recent years, I've taken up mountain climbing. Last winter, I climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa with my son, and this January, I'll be tackling the 22,800 ft Mount Aconcagua in South America. My bucket list is far too long for just one lifetime!

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