Do you know Arthur Berger? He's the quiet guy in the back of the Power Hour class getting in a quality workout. He's the guy you see on charity rides throughout Kansas City (and the world, for that matter). And, he's the guy you go to when you need an avid, experienced rider for a team tri. Arthur is an athlete who epitomizes the end goal of multisport: have a fantastic time doing something you love. His dedication and attitude have certainly done him well over the years. He qualified for the National Senior Olympics in 2009 and has his sights set on the National Senior Olympics in 2011! What a guy, what an athlete. Arthur Berger... your March KCM Athlete of the Month.
Name: Arthur E. Berger, Ph.D., RAC
Hometown: Born in New York, lived in KC most of my life.
Years in KC: 65. Current race age is 68.
Occupation: Retired (formerly a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry)
First race: I actually participated in the first tour of KC when it was held on the Plaza. I had no idea what I was doing. Came in dead last. Didn't race individually again until 4 years ago when I took up time trialing.
How long have you been competing in triathlon? About 20 years doing team tris.
Worst race experience: Crashing after completing the race because I couldn't get unclipped when coming to the stop. Tore up my cartilage and required sugery. Very embarrasing.
Best race experience: Time trialing is of course all about the best time over a given distance. One time, I finished a 10K in 15 min and 30 sec. I have not be able to repeat that time in a 10K. 
Race day tradition: One package of gel with caffeine, one complete bottle of water, one lap around the course with 10 sprints during the warm up.
What do you think about when the race gets tough? Mostly, “Why did I sign up for this one?”
What was your most memorable race experience, why was it memorable? Of all of my races, the most memorable experiences have been those when I’ve had a better time than racers younger than I am. Once, I participated in a team time trial in St. Joseph that was a lot of fun. The age total for the group had to be greater than 170. Clearly I made up most of that total. We won a medal in our age group.
Role models: I don't know that I have any role models. I do know that when I am lapped in a time trial, it pisses me off and I go harder to try and catch up.
Typically how do you schedule your race season? What's the plan for 2010? I sign up for all time trials in the area and a few that are out of state. I would participate in tris as a member of a team if someone wants to do the event as a team. I’m also trying to get to the 2011 National Senior Olympics in Houston. In order to go to nationals, I will have to qualify in a State Senior Game – i.e., Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, or Nebraska. It’s challenging. If you live out of state, you have to come in first in that state senior try out.
Goals for 2010? Accomplished 2010? Qualifying for the 2011 National Senior Olympics in 2010. I am also on a team for Redman this year in Oklahoma City.
Advice for first timers: Strength conditioning like Fit Pit, get in as many endurance miles before an event and relax and enjoy the moment.
How would you advise a person considering an Iron distance triathlon? Join a team.
What is your athletic background? None.
What is your favorite triathlon discipline? Obviously cycling. I can't swim (I sink) and I don't like running because it hurts my knees.
What has been your greatest athletic achievement? I don't know that I have gotten there yet. But, I did qualify and participate in the National Senior Olympics in 2009 in San Francisco. I didn't place but I didn't come in last in any of the 4 cycling events.
Do you take time off during the off-season? Daily riding when weather permits. Continue to do large group rides without competition. Participate in as many charity rides as possible.
Post workout guilty pleasure: Ice cream, fried foods
Activities when not training: Eating, reading and movies
Do you have a favorite motivational quote you'd like to share? Live large and do no harm: enjoy life by doing what permits you to live to the fullest.
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