Swimmer/Triathlete Profile

Stuart Dupuy
Age 32
Regional Sales Manager for Dell Computer
Swims with Texas Gold Swim Masters

Q. What is your swimming background?

A. High school swimming (500 and IM) and water polo, as well as college club water polo. Texas state champion water polo team. AA swimmer. Texas 5A regional finalist in San Antonio.

Q. What made you interested in triathlons? How long have you been a "triathlete"?

A. I took 8 years off from all exercise after college, and then decided to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon in 1999. Running that race it a fire in me to do more races, and with my swimming background
triathlons were a good fit so I did the Boerne triathlon 2 summers ago to see if I could do it. This summer is my 3d season, and I am training for my first Ironman race - Canada in August.

Q. How has swimming in an orgranized master's swimming program helped your swimming for triathlons?

A. Swimming with Texas Gold has been an incredible asset to my swimming, and my swimming has improved to peak levels back in the "glory days" when I was a competitive swimmer. I now swim much faster than I did before joining the team, and exit the water much more relaxed than I used to. The team has given me structure and accountability. Swimming by myself is nearly impossible. Additionally, I have met several new friends on the team who motivate me to work harder in practice. Finally, my coaches have really helped me with my technique, enhancing my speed and eliminating the cause of a nagging shoulder injury.

Q. What is your favorite swim set/workout?

A. Short rest 400s or 500s, after doing a set of "magic number" 50s where you hold as fast as you can for a series of 50s on 1:00.

Q. What is your favorite triathlon/race?

A. There are so many cool races around here it is hard to pick, but I guess I vote for the Buffalo Springs Half Ironman. The course is beautiful and makes the suffering seem to fade into the back of your mind. I also really like the Southwest Texas Sprint because of Aquarena Springs (and because it is short!). Marble Falls and Capital of Texas have also been pretty cool races for me.

Q. What advice would you give other triathletes specific to their swimming?

A. Technique is the key, so find a coach who can help you work on yours. Focusing on technique is much more important in swimming than in running or cycling (although it is also important in those 2 disciplines). It is so easy to burn through your energy in a swim by thrashing through the water, when the swimmers at the front are cruising through the water much faster using less energy.

Q. Anything else you want to add.... ?

A. I really enjoy the social aspect of triathlons - seeing the same folks at different races, and the friendly rivalries that come up. I also am so grateful to my wife and daughters for supporting me by cheering me on at the races (and putting up with my constant training)!